Effect of caffeine intake on physical and technical performance in male professional padel players

Abstract

Current research on the use of ergogenic supplementation in padel is limited, particularly regarding its effects on players’ physical and technical performance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of caffeine ingestion on physical-technical performance in professional padel players. Six professional players participated in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, placebo-controlled experimental design. Each participant completed two testing sessions assessing vertical jump (countermovement jump [CMJ] and Abalakov), smash velocity, reaction time, isometric handgrip strength, and the modified 0–5–0 m test. In each session, the experimental group ingested 3 mg·kg⁻¹ of caffeine 60 minutes before testing, while the control group consumed a cellulose placebo capsule. Results showed significant improvements following caffeine ingestion in Abalakov jump height (p = .017; 46.25 ± 7.45 vs. 43.82 ± 7.49 cm), smash velocity (p = .030; 144.17 ± 8.54 vs. 137.17 ± 10.50 km·h⁻¹), and reaction time (p = .024; 380 ± 14.11 vs. 397 ± 20.89 ms). No significant differences were found in CMJ height (p = .144), isometric handgrip strength (p = .387), or in the modified 0–5–0 m test for either the dominant (p = .087) or non-dominant leg (p = .233). In conclusion, ingestion of 3 mg·kg⁻¹ of caffeine enhances performance in key physical and technical variables, supporting its use as an effective ergogenic aid to optimize the performance of professional padel players during training and competition.