Specific Skills Development Using Appropriate Tools in the Tennis Game

Abstract

This study had two purposes: first, to investigate the influence that different racket sizes and ball compressions had on the children’s abilities to perform backhand ground strokes from the base line and second, to evaluate their shots precision error due to inappropriate sized equipment. There was a quantitative repeated-measurements design experiment. Children were asked to perform 6 two-handed backhand shots using a combination between two sizes of rackets and balls with three different compression values. The precision was measured by a point system, where the shots were performed on a predefined target area. The aim was to shot and score as many points as possible. The smaller racket used in combination with the lowest pressurized ball provided the best performance. Moreover, this combination ensured the correct execution of the shots, also preventing injuries. The study demonstrated the positive influence of proper sized equipment to the correct and fast skills' development.