Strength and Neuromuscular Training in Tennis Players: Effects on Physical and Sport-Specific Performance - A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background. Modern tennis requires repeated high-intensity efforts, including explosive acceleration, rapid changes of direction, powerful strokes, and efficient recovery between rallies. Strength and neuromuscular training are widely used to improve tennis performance, although variability in training protocols has resulted in inconsistent findings.

Aim of the study. To summarize current evidence on the effects of strength and neuromuscular training on tennis-specific performance and discuss practical implications for coaches and sports scientists.

Materials and methods. A narrative review of English-language studies indexed in PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. Studies evaluating strength and/or neuromuscular training in tennis players of different ages and competitive levels were included. The evidence was synthesized descriptively according to intervention characteristics, performance outcomes, and practical applicability.

Results. Strength and neuromuscular training improved lower- and upper-body power, sprint ability, change-of-direction performance, vertical jump height, and serve velocity. Multicomponent programs combining resistance, plyometric, and neuromuscular exercises appear to provide broad benefits across several performance domains. However, heterogeneity in training protocols and outcome measures precluded definitive recommendations regarding optimal training strategies.

Conclusions. Strength and neuromuscular training is an essential component of long-term tennis development. Current evidence supports its role in improving key physical capacities relevant to tennis performance. Future research should focus on standardized intervention protocols, larger randomized controlled trials, and long-term follow-up to establish evidence-based training recommendations.