A Research Study Analyzing Serve Speed & Accuracy in Division III Men's Collegiate Tennis

Abstract

This study focused on the serves of the varsity men's tennis team at a Division III College in the Midwest. The problem investigated was whether having a faster serve proved more successful or if a player is able to have an average and/ or less than average serve speed and still compete on an equal and/or better level in Division III Collegiate Tennis. The study also addresses the "Speed-Accuracy tradeoff' and it'~ effect (if any) on serves in tennis. Serves ofthe participating college players were recorded during practices over a stretch of 5 days during the Spring of 2014 where each player hit a total of 10 first serves and 10 second serves each day. Results of each player's win/loss records were also recorded throughout the entire 2013-2014 regular tennis season. This research study proved inconclusive when trying to understand if having a faster serve proved more successful or if a player is able to have an average and/or less than average serve and still compete on an equal and/or better level in collegiate tennis. This study also addressed the "Speed-Accuracy tradeoff' and it's effect on serves in collegiate tennis. Ultimately it proved that the tradeoff theory does exist but only in association with first serves. It would be assumed that players are accustomed to hitting their second serve at a speed suitable for accuracy and reducing speed would only negatively affect their routine.