Tennis serve showdown: plyometric vs strength training – which wins?
NCT ID NCT07584941
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two types of upper-limb training—plyometric (explosive exercises like medicine ball throws) and traditional strength training—to see which improves tennis serve speed, power, and strength more. About 46 competitive male tennis players aged 18-30 will be randomly assigned to one of the two programs for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure serve velocity, upper-limb explosive power, and maximal strength before and after training to find the most effective approach.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Upper-limb plyometric training (medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, reactive drills) and conventional strength training (resistance exercises)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could show which training method better boosts tennis serve speed and upper-limb power, helping coaches and athletes design more effective practice routines.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 46 participants, so results may not apply to all players. Differences in individual response or training adherence could affect outcomes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 46 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 30 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-30 years (male tennis players). * Currently training/competing in tennis ≥3 sessions/week. * Minimum of 4 years of systematic tennis training experience * Provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Recent musculoskeletal surgery * Upper-limb (shoulder/elbow) or lower-limb injury that limits training in past 6 months. * Participation in structured strength or agility programs outside routine tennis training * Neurological or cardiovascular disorders or other medical condition contraindicating high-intensity exercise
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)
RECRUITINGIslamabad, 46000, Pakistan