

Both take height into equation, but RPI’s measure emphasizes height to a greater degree. They used BMI (body mass index) and RPI (reciprocal ponderal index) measurements - the former being a measure of a person’s weight status (under, over or normal) while the latter is essentially a measure of their ‘leanness’. One retrospective study that we alluded to above, (Gale-Watts and Nevill 2016) aimed to provide insights on the body types of ATP players, and how they’ve evolved from 1982 to 2011.
#Ecto endo meso physic pro
When it comes to research on this subject - particularly when looking at the pro tour - it’s definitely scarce. While it’s no surprise given that pregnancy can have massive implications on the female body, Serena’s body shape has fluctuated throughout her career - again, this is something she must deal with because of her inherent genetics. She’s carrying slightly more weight, especially in the mid and gluteal sections. more on the meso side but has certain endo characteristics). Today, she’d likely be classified as a meso-endo (i.e. In past years, she would have even been strictly considered a mesomorph. When in peak physical shape, she has high amounts of lean mass, relatively low body fat and is definitely an explosive, power type of athlete. This too is a biological trait but again, one that is heavily influenced by environment (and when it comes to athletes, training in particular). You see, there are some individuals that can fluctuate more than others. I guess they’re the lucky ones ).Įndo-mesomorphs, on the other hand, can be quite muscular and fit when training, but tend to store fat easier when not training. For instance, some people can be ecto-mesomorphs - in other words, they can easily lose weight if not active (become more ecto) but at the same time, when training, can build muscle at a similar rate. Larger bone structure higher amounts of fat and overall body mass naturally less active store energy (calories) more readily low tolerance to carbohydrates. Medium sized bone structure athletic build if active, high levels of lean muscle mass many explosive athletes fall into this category testosterone and growth hormone (GH) dominant (allows them to maintain muscle easier than other body types).

Thinner individuals smaller bone structure shorter limbs lower propensity of gaining muscle mass faster metabolisms higher tolerance to carbohydrates. Before we look at body types in tennis, here are some defining characteristics of the 3 main somatotypes: Researchers use a mathematical formula to determine which body type an individual fits into, given a variety of factors (bodyweight, height, skinfold measurements and so on). There are more precise ways to measure and classify body types (rather than simply looking at photos). While research has confirmed that we each have a biological predisposition towards one of the 3 (nature), what we do in our day to day lives - whether that be playing high-level tennis or sitting in front of a desk for the majority of the day - will have a large influence on our body type (nurture). This evolution in our sport, according to a 2016 study (Gale-Watts and Nevill 2016) has brought about another change.a change in body types.īroadly speaking, there are 3 body types - or somatotypes - that all of us fall into (image below). Coaches are prescribing short, explosive drills rather than long slow runs and movements of the like. It’s not uncommon to see players lifting weights to gain more strength & power. Because of this, players have had to adapt.Īnd adapt they have.

Overall, it’s faster, points are shorter and there’s no denying that it’s more power oriented. We now see a different type of tennis being played. From racquet technology to improved training methodologies and everything in between.
