A058: The Impact of Multi-Directional Training on Change-of-DirectionSpeed and Short-Distance Sprint Ability in Tennis Student-Athletes

Objective: Tennis, characterized by rapid multi-directional sprints, involves lateral movements along the baseline constituting approximately 70% of gameplay, with each single movement covering around 3 meters. On average, there are 2-4 direction changes per point, and each stroke requires 0.4 seconds. Recognizing the imperative need for tennis players to rapidly change direction and execute short-distance sprints, influenced by factors like the ball's trajectory, opponent's movements or disguise movements, this study aimed to investigate the impact of three weeks of multi-directional sprint training on the change-of-direction speed and short-distance sprint ability of tennis student-athletes. Methods: Nineteen male tennis athletes with an ITN5 level or above from Beijing Sport University, with no lower limb injuries or surgery history in the past six months, were randomly assigned to the multi-directional sprint training group (RR group, 9 subjects) and the fixed-route multi-directional sprint training group (FR group, 10 subjects). Independent sample t-tests for height, weight, age, and ITN level indicated no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Utilizing equipment such as the Agility Training Instrument, SmartSpeed, high-speed cameras, and marked buckets, the study conducted multi-directional sprint training in a 3x3 m experimental area. Training modes included: (1) sequentially passing through the fixed training route of the sensor panel, and (2) random signal-directed directional movement training. The experimental intervention comprised three stages: (1) First week: 15 sessions = 3 times × 5 sets; (2) Second week: 20 sessions = 4 times × 5 sets; (3) Third week: 25 sessions = 5 times × 5 sets. Spider Run and T-drill tests were conducted before and after the intervention to assess change-of-direction speed, along with a 5m straight sprint test to evaluate short-distance sprint ability. Results: The Shapiro-Wilk (S-W) test confirmed that each group's data followed a normal distribution, with no differences in various indicators between the RR and FR groups before the intervention. Data analysis revealed significantly higher Spider Run, T-drill, and 5m straight sprint scores in both groups after the intervention compared to pre-intervention (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in improving change-of-direction speed and straight sprint ability test scores (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Three weeks of multi-directional sprint training effectively enhanced the change-of-direction speed and short-distance straight sprint ability of tennis student-athletes.