smash tests in finnish men´´´ s padel: rank 1-5 vs rank 10-25

Abstract

This study examines physical and technical characteristics in high-level men’s padel from Finland. 10 top-25 male athletes who were divided into two groups (top-5: n = 4, 30.8 (±4.3) years old, 184.5 (±5.9) centimeters tall, laterality: three right-handed and one left-handed; and ranking between 10 and 25: n = 6, 28.8 (±4.4) years old, 185.7 (±5.1) centimeters tall, laterality: 6 right-handed) took part in the study. The following tests were carried out: countermovement jump, medicine ball overhead throw, medicine ball shotput, powerful smash and smash over the fence. Results showed that there were significant differences in the overhead medicine ball throw test (p = .031) between the two groups. In conclusion, this study highlights that technical and physical characteristics slightly differ between the best players in Finland (top 5) and those ranked between 10 and 25.