The aim of the research was to determine energy consumption rate of tennis players during a match played on the clay court. Ten collegiate tennis players (average age 23±1.9 years), with the Faculty of Kinesiology University of Zagreb, participated in the study. They are regular participants of the state collegiate tennis championship. For the sake of the research, first 60 min of each match were analyzed. During matches the following data were collected: heart rate (Suunto t6 pulsmeter) and energy consumption (SenseWear Armband Pro3) of tennis players, then the number of steps (BRKO), the number of shots of each participant (BRUD) and time of active play (AKTI). The matches were played by the valid international tennis game rules. Average heart rate of the subjects was 155 ± 13.8 beat/ min. With regard to their age, the subjects spent 30.88% and 35.88% of time in the high intensity and very high intensity zone, respectively. During the observed 60 min of competitive game the players had on average 15.91 ± 2.60 min of active play, performed 182.9±24 shots, made 4381 ± 481.04 steps and spent 472 kcal (an equivalent to the consumption of 52.44 g of fat, or 115.12 g of carbohydrates). The obtained values of intensity of play during the observed matches was similar to the values obtained in the singles matches of professional players, with one exception only: energy consumption of the professional tennis players was higher than the consumption of the collegiate players (559-600 vs. 472 kcal). Insight into energy consumption of tennis player during tennis matches is very important. It facilitates optimal in-season diet planning and liquid intake. It also helps tennis players to maintain optimal levels of hydration, carbohydrates, and fats in their bodily system against the requirements of strenuous tennis matches.

Public health and health care system,Education