Physical Conditioning Flashcards
7 cards from real ITF practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Physical Conditioning flashcards as text
What is the 'stretch-shortening cycle' and why is it important in tennis?
Answer: The eccentric-to-concentric muscle action that stores and releases elastic energy
The stretch-shortening cycle (eccentric pre-loading followed by rapid concentric contraction) enhances power output in strokes and movements.
Which of the following best describes 'reactive agility' as opposed to 'planned agility' in tennis training?
Answer: Responding to an unpredictable stimulus such as an opponent's shot direction
Reactive agility requires perception and decision-making in response to an unplanned cue, closely mirroring match demands.
What is 'overreaching' in the context of a tennis training load?
Answer: A temporary state of fatigue that, with proper recovery, leads to supercompensation
Short-term overreaching is intentional excessive load followed by recovery, resulting in a performance improvement (supercompensation).
A tennis coach wants to improve a player's first-step quickness. Which drill best isolates this quality?
Answer: Resisted first-step acceleration with a parachute or band
Resisted first-step drills specifically overload the initial acceleration mechanics critical for court coverage.
Which physiological adaptation is the primary goal of long aerobic base-building runs (60–75% max HR) in a tennis pre-season?
Answer: Increasing mitochondrial density and capillary density in muscles
Low-intensity aerobic work builds mitochondria and capillaries, improving the muscle's ability to sustain aerobic energy production.
In the ITF framework, which of the following is NOT a component of physical fitness relevant to tennis?
Answer: Colorimetric reaction
Colorimetric reaction is not a recognized physical fitness component; tennis fitness includes speed, endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
When programming strength training during a high-volume competition block, a coach should:
Answer: Reduce strength training volume but maintain intensity to preserve muscle quality
Maintenance training (lower volume, retained intensity) preserves strength gains without accumulating excessive fatigue during competition.