Core Power, Court Power: How Core Training Tennis Enhances Tennis Performance

Authors : Yaşar Köroğlu
Pages : 545-558
Doi:10.17155/omuspd.1749116
View : 113 | Download : 270
Publication Date : 2025-12-21
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Tennis is a multidimensional sport requiring a combination of technical, tactical, and physical capacities, where core stability plays a pivotal role in performance and injury prevention. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a six-week structured core training program on balance, agility, and anaerobic performance parameters in male university-level tennis players. A total of 30 male students aged 18–23 years from Sivas Cumhuriyet University voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). All participants underwent pre- and post-test assessments including flamingo balance test, vertical jump test, pro-agility test, and a core strength test (crunch test). The experimental group received core training sessions three times per week in addition to their regular tennis training, while the control group only followed the standard tennis training program. The intervention period lasted for six weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using paired sample t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. The results indicated that the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in balance (p<0.05), vertical jump height (p<0.01), agility (p<0.01), and core strength (p<0.001) after the intervention. The control group showed minor but significant improvements in agility and vertical jump (p<0.05), possibly due to the general benefits of consistent tennis training. No significant changes were observed in body weight or height in either group. In conclusion, the findings suggest that integrating core training into the routine conditioning programs of tennis players may significantly enhance physical performance, particularly in terms of balance, agility, and anaerobic capacity. Trainers and coaches are therefore encouraged to incorporate structured core-focused exercises into annual training plans to optimize athlete development and long-term performance gains.
Keywords : Core antrenmanı, Çeviklik, Denge, Fiziksel performans, Tenis

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