Effects of ballistic six exercises versus resistance-band exercises on physical performance of tennis players: randomized controlled trial

Background
Tennis performance relies heavily on upper-limb power, agility, and coordination. Ballistic Six (BS) plyometric exercises and resistance-band (RB) training are commonly used to enhance these qualities; however, their comparative effectiveness in tennis players remains insufficiently investigated.

Aims
This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week BS versus RB exercise program on upper-limb explosive strength, closed-chain stability, movement speed, and shoulder-arm function in young tennis players.

Material and methods
Thirty-two recreational tennis players aged 18–30 years were randomly assigned to either a BS training group (n= 16) or an RB training group (n = 16). Both groups completed standardized warm-ups and performed three training sessions per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures included the Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT), Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), Plate Tapping Test (PTT), and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests with a significance level set at α = 0.05.

Results
Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measures following the intervention (p < 0.05). However, greater improvements were observed in the BS group compared with the RB group: ΔSMBT (BS 2.52 ± 0.75 m vs. RB 0.79 ± 0.26 m), ΔCKCUEST (BS 6.57 ± 1.40 vs. RB 3.50 ± 0.76 touches), ΔPTT (BS 7.29 ± 3.56 vs. RB 4.21 ± 2.01 taps), and ΔKJOC (BS 14.36 ± 2.71 vs. RB 7.64 ± 1.50 points).

Conclusions
Both training protocols improved upper- limb performance in tennis players; however, BS plyometric training resulted in significantly greater improvements in upper-limb power, stability, speed, and functional shoulder performance.