Analysis of game actions in professional male padel

Abstract

The goals of this study were (a) to define a technical and tactical analysis standardized tool for padel, (b) carry a descriptive analysis of play actions and tactical aspects in masculine professional padel. An observational design was employed, constructing an observational instrument designed ad hoc. A total of eight padel matches (8.541 actions) pertaining to World padel Tour 2014 professional circuit were analyzed. Data was registered regarding the player executing each shot, his situation in the playing court, the type of shot, the trajectory, depth and route of the ball and the consequence of the analyzed shot for a total of 8,581 shot actions. Amongst the types of shots executed the following stand out: forehand and backhand volleys (16.6% and 13% respectively), backhands (12.4%), first serve (11.2%) and forehand (10.7%). Crossed trajectories (57.5%) prevail over parallel trajectories (42.5%). The zone in the playing field from which the most shots were executed was the back court (49.1%), followed by the net zone (26.4%) and the transition zone (19.3%). Percentages were registered for intercepted shots (87.6%), unforced errors (5.5%), winning points (4.7%) and forced errors (2.1%). The shots with which the greatest number of winning points were registered were the smash (45.9%), forehand drop shot (7.9%), the forehand and backhand volleys (5.7% and 3.4% respectively) and the tray shot (3.5%). In conclusion, the most frequent shots in a professional padel match are drives and backhands from the back court, volleys, tray shots and smashes. In every game point there often is a long exchange of shots, specially crossed shots, which mainly finish with unforced errors by the opponent or volley, smash or tray shot winning points.