Distribution of winners and errors strokes in professional padel

Abstract

The objective of this study was to know the distribution of winning strokes and errors in padel and to analyze the differences between male and female gender. A total of 1,068 strokes were analyzed corresponding to 8 matches (4 men's and 4 women's) of the Valencia Master tournament of the official World Padel Tour 2021 circuit. The matches were analyzed through systematic observation. The results showed that there are no significant differences between genders in the area of ​​the court in which the players make the last shot of the point in padel (winner or error). Both men and women make approximately 40% of the point-ending shots from the middle of the court. Furthermore, men make 22.9% more winning shots bringing the ball into their own court than women, and women make 29% more winning shots with double bounces than men. On the other hand, there are no differences between men and women in the distribution of errors in professional padel and approximately half of the errors in padel occur by hitting the ball against the net, in both men's and women's padel. These data will serve as a reference for coaches and players to design exercises adapted to the demands of the competition.