Upper-Limb Force-Time Characteristics Determine Serve Velocity in Competition Tennis Players

(1) To analyze the associations between serve velocity (SV) and various single-joint upper-limb isometric force-time curve parameters, (2) to develop a prediction model based on the relationship between these variables, and (3) to determine whether these factors are capable of discriminating between tennis players with different SV performances.

A total of 17 high-performance tennis players performed 8 isometric tests of joints and movements included in the serve kinetic chain (wrist and elbow flexion [EF] and extension; shoulder flexion [SHF] and extension [SHE], internal [SHIR] and external rotation). Isometric force (IF), rate of force development (RFD), and impulse (IMP) at different time intervals (0-250 ms) were obtained for analysis.

Significant (P < .05 to P < .01) and moderate to very large correlations were found between SV and isometric force (IF), RFD and impulse (IMP) at different time intervals in all joint positions tested (except for the EF). Stepwise multiple regression analysis highlighted the importance of RFD in the SHIR from 0 to 50 milliseconds and isometric force (IF) in the SHF at 250 milliseconds on SV performance. Moreover, the discriminant analyses established SHIR RFD from 0 to 30 milliseconds as the most important factor discriminating players with different serve performances.

Force-time parameters in upper-limb joints involved in the serve moderate to very largely influence SV. Findings suggest that the capability to develop force in short periods of time (<250 ms), especially in the shoulder joint, seems relevant to develop high SV in competition tennis players.