Introduction: Speed is important for tennis performance (Kovacs, 2006; Kramer et al., accepted). In U14 players, speed discriminates between players ranked top-8 and players ranked 9-150 in the Netherlands (Kramer et al., accepted). However, unknown is if speed discriminates between U14 players within an even more homogenous elite group, or whether it can predict future performance two years later. To improve talent identification, the aim of this study is to investigate whether speed relates to on court performance (i.e., ranking) at U14 in top-30 players. and how far it can explain ranking at U16. Additionally, players` stability in ranking from U14 to U16 is investigated. Methods: Speed was measured in 44 boys and 42 girls (age M=12.5, sd=.25) with 5-and 10-meter sprint tests at U14. All players were top-30 ranked on the Dutch National ranking list at U14, and top-50 ranked at U16 Based on U14 ranking four quartiles were created, running from quartile 1 (ranking 1-5) to quartile 4 (ranking 15-30). The players were also grouped in 4 quartiles based on their ranking at U16. Differences between quartiles at U14 and U16 were analysed for boys and girls with the Kruskal Wallis test. Distribution of players in the quartiles at U14 and U16 were investigated using frequencies. Results: In boys and girls, no differences were found between the quartiles at U14 nor at U16 in speed (p>.05). Comparison of the distribution over the quartiles at U14 with U16 showed that 26% of the boys reached a higher quartile, 40% was stable and 34% moved to a lower quartile at U16 compared to U14. In girls, 30% climbed to a higher quartile, 42% stayed equal, and 28% moved to a lower quartile. Discussion: Speed does not discriminate within the top-30-ranked players U14. Around 40% of players were stable in their ranking in the subsequent two years. The others either increased or decreased in ranking. More research is needed to state which other aspects than speed should be taken into account for identifying players for talent development programs.
© Copyright 2016 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vienna, 6. -9. July 2016. Veröffentlicht von University of Vienna. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.