2023, Volume 19, Issue 1
Reaction time and special fitness in tennis players aged 10-12 years
Tomasz Waldziński1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Science, Lomza, Poland
Author for correspondence: Tomasz Waldziński; Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Science, Lomza, Poland; email: twaldzinski@ansl.edu.pl
Abstract
Background & Study Aim: Reaction time is the time elapsed from the stimulus (nerve impulse) to the initiation of movement. This ability involves performing a deliberate motor action in the shortest possible time, utilizing the entire body or a specific part of it. Excellent speed and short reaction time are among the most essential elements of modern tennis. A lightning-fast start towards the ball, quick decision-making during returns or volleys (especially in doubles matches) can contribute to high performance in tennis. Recent match analyses of the world's top tennis players have shown that speed is the motor skill that distinguishes the exceptional among the best players. The aim of this study was knowledge about the relationship between reaction time and special fitness in tennis players aged 10-12 years.
Materials & Methods: The study involved 45 tennis players training in clubs in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland. The participants were divided into age categories, and the tennis players varied in their level of sport advancement. Two tests were used to assess reaction time: the Piórkowski Apparatus for measuring simple reaction time and the Cross Apparatus for measuring complex reaction time.
Results: Correlational analysis between the results of reaction time tests and the results of special fitness tests, evaluated based on the 100-ball test, demonstrated statistically significant relationships in all age groups. The correlational links between test results were stronger with a higher level of sports competition.
Conclusions: Reaction time indicators measured by the simple and complex reaction tests, due to their strong correlations with the results of the special fitness test in the three investigated age groups, are recommended for diagnosing and predicting physical fitness in 10-12-year-old tennis players.
Key words: 100-ball test, Piórkowski Apparatus, Cross Apparatus
