Injury Prevention Flashcards

Which muscle group is most commonly strained in tennis players due to explosive serve mechanics?

Answer: Rotator cuff

The rotator cuff undergoes extreme eccentric loading during the deceleration phase of the serve, making it the most commonly strained muscle group.

What is the recommended minimum dynamic warm-up duration before a competitive tennis match?

Answer: 20 minutes

A 20-minute dynamic warm-up is recommended to adequately raise core temperature, increase joint mobility, and prepare neuromuscular systems for match play.

Which type of stretching is most appropriate immediately before tennis play to reduce injury risk?

Answer: Dynamic stretching

Dynamic stretching mimics sport-specific movements and is preferred pre-activity because it maintains muscle activation and does not reduce force production.

Lateral ankle sprains in tennis most commonly result from which movement pattern?

Answer: Jumping and landing on an inverted foot

Rapid direction changes and jumping often cause an inverted foot landing, overstretching the lateral ankle ligaments and causing a sprain.

Which training principle helps reduce overuse injuries by systematically varying training load?

Answer: Periodization

Periodization structures training cycles with planned variation in volume and intensity, preventing chronic overload and reducing overuse injury risk.

What ITF guideline governs the maximum number of sets junior players under 12 should play per day?

Answer: No more than 3 sets

ITF guidelines recommend a maximum of 3 sets per day for players under 12 to protect developing musculoskeletal systems from overuse.

Core stability training primarily reduces which type of tennis injury?

Answer: Lower back pain and lumbar stress injuries

A strong, stable core reduces shear forces on the lumbar spine during rotational strokes, lowering the risk of lower back pain and stress injuries.