Post-match recall of serve and serve-return patterns in high-performance junior male and female tennis players

Abstract

This study examined the capability of high-performance junior tennis players to recall spatial distribution of the serve and serve-returns during a national tennis competition. The subjects in two age categories namely under 12 (n= 13) and under 16 (n=19)were tested on recall memory of their performance. There is no gender or age group differences existin the players capacity to detect and document their own and their opponents service and serve-return patterns. Mann-Whitney U test showed that the players had comparably developed declarative knowledge bases. The use of more objective notational, game reviews or instructional tools, particularly for players within this age group. Junior players are encouraged to improve and reshape the core aspects of cognitive processing such as memory, attention and sensory processing, through interactive multimedia software technology and self-organized learning environments.