The Regression Modelling of Kinanthropometric and Kinematic Variables in Relation to Ball Velocity of Nigerian Female Tennis Players

Background. Kinanthropometric and Kinematic variable are important in the understanding of performance in various sports. These variables have not been explored among Tennis players in Nigeria. Objectives. An exploration to establish a regression model for kinanthropometric and kinematic variables in relation to ball velocity of Nigerian Female Tennis Players. Methods. Data were collected through direct standard anthropometric protocol and kinematic videographic technique with four Vicon MX 13 cameras. Subjects for the study were drawn from Nigerian female tennis players who participated in the 14th West African University Games and 19th National Sports Festival. Forty-six (46) of the athletes gave their consent to participate in the study, which took place between October to December, 2018. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 to obtain mean, standard deviation, range, Pearson correlation Moment Coefficients and Regression linear analysis which was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 significant levels. Results. Results from this study revealed that there was 60% prediction of interactions of the kinanthropometric and kinematic variables to ball velocity. The results further revealed statistically significant difference in the predicted variables (kinanthropometric and kinematic) to ball velocity at p<0.05. The study recommends that during selection processes, coaches should strictly ensure that only athletes with suitable anthropometric features specific for each sport are recruited. Also, the relevant outcome of the analysis should be employed in developing tennis sports as it will contribute to improving performance and increasing accuracy. Conclusion. Using standard anthropometric protocols and videographic techniques to establish typical performance profile for Nigerian players would ensure a more reasonable assessment of match performances and assist to set practical training and match targets for coaches and athletes.