Upper and Lower Body Strength in Relation to Ball Speed during a Serve by Male Collegiate Tennis Players

Abstract

The relation of leg, shoulder, and grip strength to ball speed in the tennis serve was investigated. For 15 collegiate male tennis players, leg and shoulder strength were measured using a Lido Active isokinetic dynamometer, grip strength with a handgrip dynamometer, and ball speed with a radar gun. Regression analysis showed no significant (p<.05) relationship among the strength variables and ball speed. Results were explained in terms of strength not being the only factor involved in producing ball speed during the tennis serve.