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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
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.