Unlocking explosive potential: long-term effects of a 10-week tennis intervention on jump performance

Abstract

Explosive strength and reactive jumping ability are key determinants of tennis performance. However, the longitudinal effects of tennis-specific training on different jump modalities remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the impact of a 10-week tennis-specific training intervention on countermovement jump and squat jump performance in novice learners, with particular attention to stretch-shortening cycle efficiency and sex-related physiological characteristics. Eleven participants (mean age 20.81 ± 1.25 years, height 1.70 ± 0.07 m, weight 65.18 ± 9.33 kg) completed a 10-week intervention. Performance was assessed via pre- and posttest measurements of jump height, peak power relative to body mass (Watts per kilogram), and modified reactive strength index for countermovement jump and squat jump protocols. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests (p ≤ 0.05). The intervention yielded significant improvements in countermovement jump height (pre: 29.60 cm vs. post: 33.00 cm; Z = -2.191, p = 0.028) and modified reactive strength index (pre: 0.37 m/s vs. post: 0.47 m/s; Z = -2.667, p = 0.008). Conversely, squat jump parameters exhibited non-significant changes, demonstrating mechanical specificity favoring reactive-elastic mechanisms over static force production. Sex-based comparisons revealed significant baseline disparities favoring males. While training reduced some gaps, sex differences remained significant post-intervention. A 10-week tennis training program effectively enhances dynamic neuromuscular power and stretch-shortening cycle efficiency, but has minimal impact on squat jump parameters, showing that tennis drills preferentially target elastic recoil over isolated concentric strength. Practitioners should combine tennis drills with complementary resistance training and sex-responsive periodization to maximize long-term athletic development.