Analysis of speed and precision in the serve in amateur padel players

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse the speed and precision in the serve of amateur padel players according to the category and experience of the participants; as well as by side and direction. To do this, the speed and precision of 1080 serves were analysed, recording the side (right and left) and direction (glass and "T"). Said serves were made by 45 amateur players (each player made 24 serves), of which their training hours per week, their experience and their game category were recorded. The results obtained indicate that the speed of the serve in amateur padel players increases as the player's category increases from infant (M: 55.85 ± 6.67 m/s), cadet (M: 58.57 ± 7.00 m/s), youth (M: 62.18 ± 5.30 m/s) up to the absolute category (M: 69.95 ± 6.62 m/s). On the other hand, the hours of training per week influence the speed and precision of the serve, because the more hours of training, the more speed and precision of the serve. Likewise, the more experience, the more precision in the serve. These novel findings can help coaches to know that they can demand their players to serve according to their characteristics.