Analysis of the final shot in the men´ s final of the 2024 padel World Cup

Abstract

Padel requires detailed knowledge of technical and tactical situations, among which the final shot stands out, an action that determines the outcome of points in top-level competitive contexts. The aim of this research is to analyse the technical and tactical concepts of the final shot of each point during the final of the 2024 Padel World Championship in the men's category. The sample consisted of the final played between the national teams of Spain and Argentina. To this end, a descriptive observational study was carried out through a systematic analysis of 467 points using the Lince Plus programme. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, calculating frequencies and percentages, as well as performing inferential analyses applying the chi-square test of independence, corrected typified residuals and Cramer's V coefficient to study the association between the variables. The results showed that the smash was the most commonly used shot (32.8%), followed by the backhand (19.1%) and the forehand (14.6%). In addition, most of the actions ended at the net or wall (41.1%) and were performed cross-court (53.7%). In terms of point duration, 36.6% were resolved between one and five shots and 32.8% exceeded ten shots. In addition, 55.9% of points ended with a winning shot, while unforced and forced errors accounted for 27.4% and 16.7%, respectively. These results allow us to relate finishing actions in padel tennis, with the aim of providing relevant information for the design of technical-tactical training and the optimisation of competitive performance.