The maintenance of mechanical power in young tennis players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of upper and lower limb strength training, based on the maintenance of mechanical power in young tennis players. Eighteen male players voluntarily agreed to participate in the study (10 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group). We performed an anatomical adaptation period (five weeks) before the intervention period in the experimental group. The intervention period lasted six weeks where they worked a bench-press exercise with free weights and semi-squat in the Smith machine (steady load of 60% of the maximum dynamic force). Before and after the intervention period, the players’ upper and lower limb power was evaluated with different tests, both direct and indirect. The results suggest that the training methodology based on the maintenance of the mechanical power improved the maximum power, therefore allowing optimization of the length of the training session and minimizing residual training. Key Words: strength, overloading, mechanical failure