1. On average, 20 % of all strokes on clay courts are hit under time pressure (average of one stroke per rally). These strokes often determine the points, since the error rate rises from 2.9 % for strokes while standing to 10.3 for strokes during a sprint. 2. The average running distance under time pressure is 4 to 7 m. (maximum 10.20 m.). Frequently, these situations occur at the baseline, moving from backhand to forehand (58% of all strokes under time pressure). 3. Diagnosis of running performance should focus on acceleration capacity (e.g. 5, 10 and 20 m. sprint-test) and tennis-specific speed (on-court tests including changes of running direction), since both indicators correlate only at the medium level (r = 0.7). High-quality measuring systems (e.g. photoelectrical cells) should be used. 4. A precise and detailed diagnosis of performance is essential in order to optimise monitoring of the training and coaching of young players (especially in top-level tennis). 5. If the running speed is not appropriate, we recommend a speed-orientated training mesocycle with 3 to 4 training units per week, lasting 4 to 6 weeks (e.g. in October), and a conservation period with at least one training unit per week during the winter season for elite junior players. 6. An improvement of up to 4 % is possible in a mesocycle including semi-specific and tennis-specific exercises. This would mean a gain of 10 to 25 cm in a 6-metre sprint to the ball. 7. The duration of workload and running speed exercise drills strongly influence training efficiency and must be selected carefully by the coach. Accumulated blood lactate overloads must be avoided to ensure optimum neuromuscular adaptations.
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