Are power exercises important to include in my tennis training?

Power is the ability to move explosively in a coordinated manner, and is an integral part of any sports program. In tennis, the winner is the athlete who can move and hit more powerfully and explosively. In tennis, an athlete needs to serve a ball with as much velocity as possible, react to an opponent's serve, and return it with the same amount or more velocity. To accomplish all this requires training your muscles to move as quickly as possible. Plyometric exercises like squat jumps, tuck jumps, box jumps, and lateral hops incorporated into your program will help. In addition, core power exercises like medicine ball sideways throws, seated overhead medicine balls tosses, and Russian twists will increase your foundational power. Medicine ball chest passes, plyometric push-ups, and speed bench press all using light weight can increase power of the chest. Olympic lifts like the power clean, dumbbell and kettle bell snatches, and speed back row will improve power in the back. Each of these areas are essential for a powerful tennis performance.