Grip Strength in Young Tennis Players: Normative Values and Predictors of Performance

The objectives were to (a) establish normative grip strength values in young tennis players; (b) examine developmental changes across 4 adolescent age groups and sexes, controlling for maturity and body size; (c) assess the association between body size and grip strength independent of age and maturity; (d) evaluate grip strength's ability to distinguish successful from less-successful players, independent of age, maturity, and body size; and (e) compare dominant and nondominant hands to identify tennis-related lateral differences.

Two hundred and fourteen competitive tennis players (ages 9-18; both sexes) underwent standardized assessment of dominant- and nondominant handgrip strength with a dynamometer. Body mass and height were measured with a medical scale and stadiometer. Age, sex, and competitive level were recorded, and maturity status was estimated. Associations and group differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance and multiple regression.

Body mass was the only independent predictor of grip strength in both hands (P < .01), explaining 67% to 80% of the variance after adjusting for age and maturity status. Height was not significant once covariates were controlled. No differences in grip strength were observed between high- and low-achieving players after adjustment. Across the entire sample, dominant handgrip strength was greater than nondominant hand strength (P < .001).

In youth tennis players, handgrip strength is strongly related to overall body mass but not to competitive success when age and maturation are taken into account. Dominant-hand superiority is a consistent, sport-specific adaptation. The normative values presented can guide monitoring and training of developing tennis athletes.