The effects of shadow training on technical skills and performance in young tennis players

This study aimed to investigate the effects of shadow training on technical skills and performance in young tennis players. The sample of the study consisted of 38 athletes receiving training at the tennis courts of Suleyman Demirel University Western Campus. Shadow training is a preferred work in which a movement is repeated continuously to achieve the desired level. The SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the data obtained in our study. Statistical results were evaluated based on a significance level of p=0.05. Descriptive values such as mean and standard deviation were provided. The Simple Paired t-test was used to determine within-group differences, and the One Simple t test was used to examine differences between groups. Based on the data obtained, a statistically significant difference was found in the pre-test and post-test results of depth and power, accuracy and power, volley, and serve tests performed by male athletes in the experimental group (p<0.05). Similarly, a statistically significant difference was observed in the same tests performed by female athletes in the experimental group (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found in the pre-test and post-test results of depth and power, accuracy and power, volley, and serve tests for both male and female athletes in the control group (p<0.05). In the comparison of pre-tests between the experimental and control group male athletes, although statistically significant differences were found in the power, accuracy, and volley tests, no significant difference was observed in the serve test (p<0.05). In the comparison of post-tests between experimental and control group male athletes, statistically significant differences were found in the power, accuracy, volley, and serve scores (p<0.05). In the comparison of pre-tests between experimental and control group female athletes, although statistically significant differences were found in the power and accuracy tests, no significant differences were observed in the volley and serve tests (p<0.05). In the post-test comparison of experimental and control group female athletes, statistically significant differences were found in the power, accuracy, and volley tests, while no statistically significant difference was observed in the serve test (p<0.05). According to the results of the research, it was determined that shadow training exercises during training improved skills in power and precision hitting techniques.