Technical-tactical analysis of game variables in padel: a narrative review

Abstract

This bibliographic review encompasses the evolution of paddle tennis in recent decades, characterized by a significant increase in the number of scientific research and new technical-tactical requirements that seek to optimize sports performance. The aim of this research is to examine the technical-tactical variables that influence the game, taking into account gender and level. For this purpose, the PRISMA method was used. Nineteen studies of several databases (MEDLINE COMPLETE, Academic Search Ultimate, Dialnet Plus, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus)  were analyzed to establish valid purposes for subsequent implementation (competition). The variables to be identified in the articles include: technique, tactics, effectiveness, efficiency, effectiveness, accuracy, number and type of strokes, position, side and area of the court, trajectory, depth, hand dominance, grip, execution/finishing, stroke consequence, level of competition, score, duration, difficulty, key points, results (number of points), ranking, gender and age. The results suggest that cross-court versus parallel play prevails, while offensive players have better attacking shots (volleys and backhands), and defensive players dominate better wall shots and lobs. Regarding the disposition of the players, the traditional disposition is more likely to win the point compared to the Australian disposition. Comparing the values between genders, women have a higher volume of play and more volleys, but men obtained higher values of strokes per point, with a higher pace of play and also a greater number of backhands. The relationship between unforced errors and winning points is important when analyzing the players: players on the backhand side make more winning strokes than those on the forehand side, because they can play more aggressively, compared to forehand players who work more on the point. This also happens in women's padel, although to a lesser extent: fewer winners, but also fewer faults than in men's padel. Finally, the most used strokes are the volley (backhand and forehand), the lob and the smash, in addition to the forehand and backhand strokes that occur at the back of the court.