Physical Conditioning Flashcards

What does 'functional strength' mean in the context of tennis conditioning?

Answer: Strength applied through multi-joint movements that replicate tennis actions

Functional strength involves multi-joint, movement-specific exercises that transfer directly to on-court performance.

Which plyometric drill best develops the lateral push-off power used in wide tennis groundstrokes?

Answer: Lateral bounds (skater jumps)

Lateral bounds specifically train the explosive sideways force production needed to cover wide balls.

A high load / low repetition resistance training protocol (e.g., 3–5 reps at 85–95% 1RM) is most appropriate for developing which quality?

Answer: Maximal strength

Heavy loads with low reps at high percentages of 1RM are the hallmark protocol for building maximal strength.

Core stability training in tennis primarily aims to:

Answer: Transfer force efficiently between the lower and upper body

A stable core acts as the link in the kinetic chain, ensuring efficient energy transfer from legs to racket.

Which of the following best describes periodization in tennis conditioning?

Answer: Systematically varying training volume and intensity across phases to peak at competitions

Periodization manipulates volume and intensity over time so players peak physically during key tournaments.

During a dehydration level of approximately 2% of body weight, what effect is most commonly observed in tennis players?

Answer: Decreased aerobic performance and impaired decision-making

Even 2% dehydration measurably reduces aerobic capacity and cognitive function, degrading on-court performance.

The ITF recommends that junior players under 14 prioritize which training modality for long-term athletic development?

Answer: Multi-lateral movement skills and coordinative abilities

The ITF's long-term player development model emphasizes coordination, agility, and movement literacy for players under 14.