Prelongitudinal screening of hypothesized developmental sequences for the overhead tennis serve in experienced tennis players 9-19 years of age.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate developmental characteristics within six body component actions for the overhead serve in tennis and to determine if such actions should be validated through longitudinal study. Developmental sequences, hypothesized for two components during the preparatory phase and four components during the force production phase of the overhead tennis serve, were used to classify the videotaped serving actions of 30 male and 30 female tennis players. Sequences hypothesized for the Preparatory Trunk, Elbow, and Forearm/Racket actions met the prelongitudinal screening criteria proposed by Roberton (1978); Roberton, Williams, and Langendorfer (1980); and Langendorfer (1982). Sequences for these component actions should be validated through longitudinal study. Steps within sequences for the Preparatory Backswing, Trunk for Force, and Feet/Legs are apparently misordered or not characteristic of a developmental process. Further cross-sectional study of these component actions prior to longitudinal study is recommended.