The technical training of junior tennis players (13-16 years old): an exploratory descriptive study based on three groups submitted to different weekly training time regimes

Abstract

The technical training of junior tennis players (13-16 years old) must be based on a specific multilateral formation structure in which the development of the technical-coordinative capacities predominates. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of Preparation Strokes (PS) and Definition Strokes (DS), like systematic physical exercises of the junior tennis player’s technical training, in three weekly training time regimes: up to 10 hours of training (G1); between 10 and 14 hours of training (G2); and, more than 14 hours of training (G3). There was evidence of greater training time devoted to PS in all three groups, characterizing a specialized and unilateral activity. Therefore, the activities follow the adult training model, and youth are submitted to a prematurely specialized training regime.