Technical-tactical analysis of the rest in U-18 padel players: an observational study in high-level players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of the return in under-18 padel players, comparing according to sex and serve strategy. To this end, a total of 915 points were observed from six matches (male category: 2 semi-finals and 1 final; female category: 2 semi-finals and 1 final) of the 2024 National Under-18 Masters Final tournament, held in the city of Mérida, Spain. Through observational analysis, variables such as sex; serve strategy; effectiveness, type, height and direction of the return; player hitting the ball after the return; and point outcome were taken into account. The results showed that, in high-level under-18 padel, the return tends to be performed with a backhand, with an effectiveness rate of 60%, regardless of sex. Moreover, in male padel, the return tends to be directed towards the server. Regarding the differences between male and female padel, female players use the lob 12% more often than male players. In addition, with respect to the direction of the return, female players tend to hit 15% more cross-court returns than their male counterparts. Finally, when a traditional serve strategy is employed, more cross-court returns are observed, whereas with the Australian strategy, parallel returns increase up to 56.3%, probably because returners tend to aim for the side of the court with more available space. These findings may serve as a reference for both players and padel coaches when planning and designing training sessions and drills to enhance competitive performance.