Needs Analysis

Movement Analysis

Tennis is a demanding sport that requires short bursts of speed, agility, and balance. Flexibility will also help to maximize the benefits of all these qualities. Linear speed is not necessarily a primary focus, due to the small amount of space on the tennis court. Range of motion is essential for all extremities; including the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and wrist.

Physiological Analysis

Due to the combination of short explosive bursts and potential lengthy volleys, tennis athletes require an efficiency in both short term and long term energy systems. The athlete will use the Creatine Phosphate System for serves and returns, and short volleys. During longer volleys, an athlete will use the Glycolytic System. The majority of energy used in tennis will come from the CrP and Glycolytic systems. Usually once a point is scored, there is a short amount of time for the athlete to rest and recover. This rest period also happens between sets. While it is rare, there is also the potential for a tennis athlete to require the use of Fat Oxidation. There are extreme cases where tennis sets and matched last an incredible amount of time. Only well trained aerobic athletes will be able to withstand the demands that extensive play will impose on his or her body.

*taken from Foss ML and Keteyian S. (1998) The Physiological Basis of Exercise and Sport. This chart can also be viewed at http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/energysystems.html

Injury Analysis

As with most athletes, it is critical to prevent injuries located around the joints. For lower extremities, special attention must be given to the knees and ankles. Twisted and sprained ankles are very common, and significant knee injuries can occur as well. Along with lower body injuries, it is very common for tennis athletes to suffer injuries to their shoulders and elbows. Injuries can potentially be career ending, and injury prevention must be addressed as a serious matter. As mentioned previously, a balance between strength training and flexibility training will help to strengthen these joints and prevent injury. 

My Athlete's Specific Needs

My athlete is just entering his off-season, and I will have eight weeks to improve his physical attributes.

Based on my athlete's analysis (found under 'Case Study'), I will primarily focus on increasing his speed, agility, and balance. I will record improvements using the Three Cone drill, which is an exercise used in the NFL combine. This drill requires quick bursts of speed, change of direction, and balance around cones.

Furthermore, flexibility and core stability will be addressed every day. My athlete was analyzed as lacking strength in core stability, and improving this and flexibility will have a direct impact on his speed and agility. While core stability and overall flexibility are not my primary focus, both factors are essential and foundational to his overall athletic abilities.