Shorter follow-through is associated with greater accuracy: a kinematic analysis of the tennis forehand in youth athletes

In tennis, athletes’ technique, influenced by biomechanical characteristics, plays a key role in success. Forehand groundstroke is the most used technique during a match. This study analysed the relationship between forehand stroke duration and shot accuracy. Sixteen skilled young tennis players (National Class: 3.11 ± 0.43) were evaluated before and after 6-week off-season training. The test involved 15 forehands with maximal acceleration from a standing position. Each stroke was video recorded for movement duration analysis, while accuracy was based on whether the ball landed in or out of the designed area. Total duration was divided into two phases: backswing to impact (initial) and impact to follow-through (final). A significant reduction in total duration suggested improved efficiency. However, no significant changes were observed in accuracy. A significant negative correlation emerged between accuracy and the duration of the final phase. This study showed that, in youth players, improved forehand accuracy is significantly associated with shorter follow-through times. Findings suggest efficiency and control of the follow-through phase play a key role in shot precision, even without explicit changes in accuracy. From a practical perspective, coaches may benefit from emphasising post-impact control and efficient deceleration, as these elements appear linked to greater accuracy in young athletes.