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 does the 'split step' in tennis primarily contribute to from a physical conditioning perspective?
Answer: It pre-loads the legs eccentrically to enable faster explosive first movement
The split step times an eccentric muscle pre-load to the opponent's contact, enabling a faster reactive push-off in any direction.
A coach working with an elite player in the heat notices signs of heat exhaustion. What is the immediate priority?
Answer: Remove the player from activity, cool with ice towels, and provide fluids
Heat exhaustion requires immediate cessation of activity, active cooling, and rehydration to prevent progression to heat stroke.
What is the principle of 'specificity' as applied to tennis physical conditioning?
Answer: Training adaptations are specific to the type, speed, and pattern of exercise performed
Specificity means physiological adaptations mirror the exact demands of the training stimulus — so conditioning should replicate tennis movement patterns.
What is the recommended pre-match warm-up sequence according to ITF guidelines?
Answer: Cardiovascular activity → dynamic stretching → sport-specific movement
An effective warm-up progresses from light aerobic activity to dynamic stretching and then sport-specific movements to prepare the neuromuscular system.
Which nutritional strategy best supports recovery between matches on the same day of a tournament?
Answer: Rapid carbohydrate and protein intake within 30 minutes post-match, followed by a balanced meal
The 30-minute post-exercise window is optimal for glycogen resynthesis (carbohydrates) and muscle repair (protein) between matches.
A 16-year-old player experiences anterior knee pain during heavy squatting. What is the most appropriate coaching response?
Answer: Refer to a sports medicine professional and modify loading to pain-free exercises
Adolescent knee pain (possibly Osgood-Schlatter or patellar tendinopathy) requires medical evaluation and exercise modification to prevent worsening.
Which of the following testing batteries is most comprehensive for assessing a tennis player's overall physical profile?
Answer: Yo-Yo IR test, 5-meter sprint, side shuffle, sit-and-reach, and grip strength
A multi-component battery covering aerobic capacity, speed, agility, flexibility, and strength provides a complete physical profile specific to tennis demands.