Serving up self-efficacy: how modern training methods empower elite junior tennis players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v66.106976Keywords:
racket sports, coaching, psychology, performance, skill acquisitionAbstract
Introduction: Mastering the game of tennis requires a combination of complex technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills. Tennis training has evolved to support elite junior players' comprehensive development. While traditional training focuses on isolated technical drills, modern methods integrate tactical and gameplay elements.
Objective: This single-case ABCA design study compared the effects of two 4-week training methods - traditional isolated drills and modern integrated gameplay on self-efficacy, tactical awareness, and technical proficiency in elite junior players selected from a high-performance international tennis academy.
Methodology: Three international male junior players, aged 15-17 and ranked within the top 100 in the world, were observed during the pre-intervention, intervention, and follow-up stages, totaling 113 observations. Training methods were delivered 4 times per week by the same professional certified coach with more than 10 years of experience in the ITF and ATP Tours, each tailored to individual player’s needs. Self-efficacy questionnaires were administered before and after each session, and player interviews provided qualitative insights into their technical and tactical improvement. Results: Both methods significantly increased self-efficacy when well-structured and individualized. However, the modern method led to greater tactical and technical improvements in gameplay and self-perception, while traditional drills enhanced stroke consistency.
Discussion: The findings suggest that integrating technical, tactical, physical, and mental training facilitates adaptation to tennis' dynamic contexts, and personalized approaches to maximizing strengths are ideal for junior development.
Conclusion: A balanced approach seems ideal, with modern methodology appearing more beneficial for self-efficacy, and traditional training still has value for specific technical skills.
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