As athletes increase in fitness and evolve in terms of speed, dexterity, and agility, it is only logical that the game they play changes. As athletes change the game, the game they play changes. Tennis is no exception.

According to Mattspoint.com and statistics derived from the ATP/WTA tours, the most frequent rally length for professionals was 0-4, with this finding holding for both ATP and WTA professionals. This represents an increasing trend of shorter and shorter rally lengths.

While this seems fairly obvious to the majority of casual professional tennis fans, the more interesting finding is the shortening of rally length among juniors. As the above website points out, the most common rally length (mode) for competitive juniors has changed from 4-8 balls to 0-4 balls and the average (mean) length has decreased substantially as well.  

As racquet and (less so) ball technology continues to evolve, it is logical to think this will be an increasing trend. 

How short will points go? Obviously, the floor is 1, but it seems conceivable, even predictable, that mean junior rally length for juniors UTR 9+ in the 16-18 year-old-age category will be 2 or less.  

The implications of this are significant. Overall, there are 3 primary implications: 

1). The body types of elite Junior players must be better identified as early as practical (most optimally at the age of 12-14) in order to better identify the game style that best suits them. 

2). Regardless of body type/game style, players should strongly consider developing a strength and conditioning routine that is specific and aligned with their play style (see above).  

3). For players that are developing into tall and long players, a stronger and more aggressive play style may be better suited. This may involve a much bigger serve (sacrificing some double faults for service winners) and a bigger “first strike”ground-stroke. 

The latter strategic and physical developmental trajectory may dovetail with the future evolution of both professional – but most importantly junior – tennis and put elite juniors in a position to emphasize their physical strengths while emphasizing an aggressive play style that capitalizes on a more risky (yet optimal) winner/error ratio.

John DenBoer, PhD., USPTA-Elite, PTR