Thanawat Pantawong. Effects of imagery training on the accuracy of serve in tennis . Master's Degree(Sports Science). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2007.
Effects of imagery training on the accuracy of serve in tennis
Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to study the effects of imagery training on
the accuracy of serve in tennis. The samples were 24 students of the College of
Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University. Not all were athletes but all had
completed 1 tennis course. They were willing to take part in the research. Before the
training their tennis serve skill was tested by Thanacom’s (1974). Serves were scored
and ranked from the highest to the lowest, then divided into 2 groups by Matching
method. The experimental group practiced tennis serves accompanied with the
mental imagery practice. The controlled group practiced only tennis serves. The
program lasted for 8 weeks, 3 days a week. At the end of week 2, 4, 6 and 8, all
subjects had to test accuracy of serve. The mean value of the accuracy score,
standard deviation, development score and comparison of the two groups were
analyzed by Man Whitney U-test.
The study revealed that their 8-week imagery training programme did not
result in significant improvement in accuracy of serve in tennis as measured by
Thanacom’s serve skill test, but they did show improvement in development score of
experimental group compared to controlled group, as well in mental imagery score
regarded as good, especially after week 8. It could be concluded from the raw data
that tennis serve practice accompanied with efficient mental imagery could help
athletes to improve accuracy serve skill