Abstract
This aim of this study was to analyze serve and return statistics in elite padel players regarding courtside and gender. The sample contained 668 serves and 600 returns of serves from 14 matches (7 male and 7 female) of the 2019 Masters Finals World Padel Tour. Variables pertaining to serve (number, direction, court side and effectiveness), return of serve (direction, height, stroke type and effectiveness) and point outcome were registered through systematic observation. The main results showed that the serving pair had an advantage in rallies, under 8 shots in women and under 12 shots in men. Statistical differences according to gender and court side were found. Female players execute more backhand and cross-court returns and use more lobs than men. On the right court, serves are more frequently aimed at the “T” and more down the line returns are executed when compared to the left side. Such knowledge could be useful to develop appropriate game strategies and to design specific training exercises based on actual competition context.
Highlights
Padel is a racket sport played in pairs (2 vs. 2)
Variables pertaining to serve and return statistics and point outcome were included in the analysis, following the methodology adopted in other similar studies [25]:
The notational analysis of this research is one of the most important contributions because of the lack of previous research regarding this aspect in padel
Summary
The court is characterized by its completely closed girth, as a small-sized grass court (20 × 10 m) surrounded by glass and metallic mesh areas on which the ball can bounce [1]. It has become a mass phenomenon in some countries, such as Spain, and is practiced in more than 35 countries around the world [2]. A professional padel circuit has been created (World Padel Tour), with tournaments in several countries This development can be attributed to a high interaction between players and a low intensity of actions in a low level of competition [3,4]. The enjoyment and motivation of the players increases, inducing a greater adherence to practice [5,6,7]
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