Hazrina Amni, Sumaryanti, Novita Intan Arovah, Indri Wulandari
Background. The importance of forehand in junior tennis. While commonly used training methods such as ball machines and manual feeding exist, the influence of gender on their effectiveness remains largely unexplored. Objectives. This study examines the effects of ball machines versus manual feeding on forehand accuracy, power, and consistency in junior tennis players aged 14-16, with special consideration given to gender differences. Methods. Twenty players (10 boys and 10 girls) were randomly assigned to ball machine and manual feeding. Participants completed forehand drills for four weeks, and performance variables (accuracy, speed, consistency) were evaluated with high-speed video analysis and court sensors. Descriptive statistics were conducted, followed by statistical analysis (independent samples t-tests and ANOVA). Results. Both sexes exhibited greater accuracy, power, and consistency when hitting with a ball machine compared to manual feeding; females displayed significantly more overall consistency in the manual setting than males. Indeed, gender × training method interaction was found to be significant. Conclusion. The ball machine and manual feeding methods were discussed, and a mix of both feeding styles should be used to enhance forehand development in junior tennis players, considering gender-based responses to different techniques. © 2025, Society of Aging and Physical Activity (SAPA). All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
