Effects of On-Court Tennis Training Combined with HIIT versus RST on Aerobic Capacity, Speed, Agility, Jumping Ability, and Internal Loads in Young Tennis Players

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of on-court tennis training (OTT) combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or repeated sprint training (RST) on the physiological, kinematic, kinetic, and perceptual responses of young tennis players. Twenty-four male tennis players (age 13.6 ± 0.3 years) were randomly assigned to either the OTT + HIIT group (n = 12) or the OTT + RST group (n = 12) three times per week for six weeks. Both groups trained for the same total training time with passive rest in each session. A number of physiological, performance and perceptual responses were measured before and after the 6-week training intervention. All variables showed a significant improvement over time, with maximal oxygen uptake showing the greatest improvement (p < 0.001, η² = 0.97). The 5-m sprint (p = 0.044, η² = 0.17), repeated sprint ability (p = 0.021, η² = 0.22), and T-drill agility (p = 0.048, η² = 0.17) showed a significant group effect. The OTT + RST group had a lower internal training load (better scores), a lower rate of perceived exertion (better scores), and higher scores in the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) at both times compared to the OTT + HITT group. These results demonstrate that OTT + RST appears to be a more effective training approach to improve speed and agility-based performance responses with more enjoyment in young tennis players.