RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE WORKLOAD OF A FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER OVER TWO SEASONS - SINGE CASE STUDY

Abstract

In recent years, the use of advanced wearable technologies in tennis has improved the ability to monitor workload and performance indicators. Using the device Armbeep Tennis, attached to the wrist of an entry level female tennis player, we recorded 97% of the tennis training and all official matches over two annual competitive seasons. The aim of the study was to determine the variation of different workload indicators during the preparation and competition phases in one annual season and to compare the workload indicators between the two seasons. We found no significant differences in the results of the training, tournament, and performance indicators between the two seasons. Our tennis player trained more on average in the second year (Y1 = 90.9 min, Y2 = 97.5 min) and the percentage of active time was also higher (Y1 = 30.6%, Y2 = 32.4%). A higher number of shots per week (Y1 = 3109.1, Y2 = 2869.4) was observed in the first year, while the number of shots per hour was higher in the second year (Y1 =420.6, Y2 = 430.1). The pace of the rally was higher in the first year (Y1 = 24.6, Y2 = 23.4). The differences between the other workload indicators were not significant in the two years. This single case study provides good insight into the overall progression of training and competition over two annual seasons and can serve as a basis for determining workload indicators for novice tennis players or those just embarking on this path.