Performance Outcome Measures in Padel: A Scoping Review

Strategic Analysis of Net Exchanges in Professional Padel: Insights From Different Competition Phases of the World Padel Tour Finland Padel Open Tournament

PURPOSE

This study analyzed the effectiveness of net exchanges (ie, number of times the pairs exchange their zone on the court from the net zone to the back zone or vice versa) in men's and women's professional padel depending on the competition phase.

METHODS

Data were collected from 41 matches, comprising a total of 4829 points, from both the qualifying and the main draws of the World Padel Tour Finland Padel Open tournament. Descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage) and inferential tests (Pearson chi-square [χ2], Cramer V coefficient [Vc], corrected standardized residuals, and chi-squared automatic interaction detection) were carried out.

RESULTS

There were significant differences (P < .05) in net exchanges between the main and qualifying draws, both in men's (79.6% vs 72.1% for no exchanges) and women's (62.2% vs 57.6% for no exchanges) padel. Additionally, differences in the likelihood of winning points based on whether the serving pair or the returning pair finished the rally at the net were highlighted. Indeed, finishing rallies at the net for the serving pairs increased the probability of scoring a winning shot (ie, in even-numbered net exchanges), while finishing rallies away from the net (ie, in odd-numbered net exchanges) was more likely to result in errors, for both male and female players and main and qualifying draws.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the strategic behavior of professional padel matches, highlighting the importance of net dominance and its impact on match outcomes, particularly in relation to gender differences and phase of competition.

Influence of competitive padel matches on physical fitness and perceptual responses in high-level players

BACKGROUND

Padel is a sport that requires a combination of physical and technical skills. Fatigue is a major modulator of padel players' performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in neuromuscular performance and perceived effort among high-level padel players.

METHODS

Countermovement jump and handgrip strength of 58 participants (men: N.=38 age = 28.3±7.05 years, height = 178.9±8.41 cm; body mass = 75.25±8.2 kg. women: N.=21, age = 23.07±4.6 years, height = 163.86±10.34 cm; body mass = 59.9±6.13 kg) were assessed pre- and post-match in 43 official matches during the Padel Master 2021 of the Andalusian Padel Federation. Additionally, the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale was used to assess players' subjective perception of effort after each match.

RESULTS

Players experienced significant increases in postmatch jump height, with no changes in handgrip strength. Moreover, changes in jump height were greater in male players after the match when compared to their female counterparts, but the match duration was not determinant when comparing CMJ or handgrip between 2-sets and 3-sets matches. Finally, players reported a higher RPE after longer matches, but perceived effort was not different between sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the internal load generated during competitive padel matches is insufficient to cause a declination in performance of the studied variables. It is also concluded that players' warm-up routines could be optimized to enhance neuromuscular performance at the start of matches.

Analysis of Hydration Habits Before and During a Specific Training Session in Male Padel Athletes Aged over 65: Physiological and Psychological Implications

(1) Background: Since older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and there is a lack of information on older athletes, this study observed a group of 12 male padel players in this age group (70.42 ± 3.50 years) to characterize their hydration habits, physiological demands, and psychological responses before and during a 90 min padel training (PT). (2) Methods: After approval from the Ethics Committee (CE/FCDEF-UC/00022023) and the provision of signed informed consent, participants' body mass, height, waist and hip circumferences, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were measured. Habitual fluid intake was monitored by diary from the evening until before the PT; the subjects completed a Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS) and a satiety scale (SLIM). To assess hydration levels at different moments, we used a portable osmometer and an eight-point urine color chart and weighed the participants immediately before and after the PT. During the PT, heart rate (HR) and hydration were monitored. After the PT, subjects completed another POMS and SLIM. (3) Results: Subjects trained at 73.2 ± 12.3% of their maximum HR, with brief peaks at the anaerobic threshold or higher (130.00 ± 18.78 bpm). The mean urine osmolality indicated normal hydration or minimal dehydration. However, the urine color values indicated dehydration after the training. Subjects drank 438 mL of liquids at night, 333 mL before PT, and 900 mL during the PT, with a good repartition of the liquids. POMS and SLIM were not affected by the training. (4) Conclusions: Older male padel athletes achieved challenging yet safe training, staying within healthy intensity zones; their hydration patterns nearly met the recommendations for exercise and should be slightly increased.

Maximizing the performance of badminton athletes through core strength training: Unlocking their full potential using machine learning (ML) modeling

Core strength training plays an essential role in maximizing performance for badminton athletes. The core muscles in the abdominal, back, and hip regions provide stability, enable efficient power transfer between the upper and lower body, and allow for rapid changes in direction - all crucial components for success in badminton. However, optimizing core training requires an understanding of its impact on sport-specific skills. A variety of exercises targeting the abdominal, back, and hip muscles are discussed. Incorporating core strength training into regular regimens can improve athletes' overall strength, endurance, balance, control, and prevent injuries. This study investigates the effects of various core exercises on stability, agility, and power in badminton players. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the biomechanical demands of badminton and how core musculature contributes to movements like serving, smashing, and lunging. Studies assessing the effects of core training programs in related racquet sports were also examined. The results indicate that targeted core exercises significantly improve athletes' stability, agility, and power output. Exercises targeting the abdominal, back, and hip muscles enhance performance capabilities while reducing injury risk. Machine learning (ML) techniques are then applied to further analyze the relationship between core training and athletic performance. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is developed using a dataset of athletes' training histories, metrics, and injury profiles. The model predicts enhancements to stability, agility, and strength from optimized core strengthening routines. Validation confirms the network accurately captures the complex interactions between training variables and physical attributes. This integrated approach provides evidence-based guidelines for tailoring individualized training regimens to unleash players' full abilities. ANNs hold promise for analyzing large datasets on athletes' performance metrics, training variables, and injury histories to design personalized training programs. Linear regression analysis confirmed the ANN's accurate predictions. The findings emphasize integrating data-driven core strength training tailored for badminton into comprehensive programs can help optimize physical abilities and elevate performance levels.

Preliminary Application of Infrared Thermography to Monitoring of Skin Temperature Asymmetries in Professional Padel Players

The aim of the present study was to evaluate skin temperature (Tsk) asymmetries, using infrared thermography, in professional padel players before (PRE), after (POST) and 10 min after training (POST10), and their relationship with perceptual variables and training characteristics. Thermal images were taken of 10 players before, after and 10 min after a standardized technical training. After training, Tsk of the dominant side was higher than before training in the anterior forearm (30.8 ± 0.4 °C vs. 29.1 ± 1.2 °C, p < 0.01; ES = 1.9), anterior shoulder (31.6 ± 0.6 °C vs. 30.9 ± 0.6 °C, p < 0.05; ES = 1.0) posterior arm (29.5 ± 1.0 °C vs. 28.3 ± 1.2 °C, p < 0.05; ES = 1.0), and posterior forearm (30.8 ± 0.9 °C vs. 29.3 ± 1.6 °C, p < 0.05; ES = 1.1). Likewise, these differences were significant POST10 in the anterior arm, anterior forearm, anterior shoulder, posterior arm and posterior forearm. Comparing the different moments of measurement (PRE, POST and POST10), the temperature was higher POST10 in all the regions analyzed except for the shoulder, abdominals, and lower back. Also, correlations were found between fatigue variation and temperature variation between limbs (Tsk dominance), and no correlation was found except between age and posterior thigh (|r| = 0.69; p < 0.05), and between the racket mass and anterior knee (|r| = 0.81; p < 0.01). In conclusion, infrared thermography allows monitoring of skin asymmetries between limbs in professional padel players, but these asymmetries were not related to overall fatigue variation, overall pain variation, years of experience and training hours.

Pre and post-competitive anxiety and self-confidence and their relationship with technical-tactical performance in high-level men's padel players

Introduction

This study aimed to analyze the variations in pre- and post-competitive anxiety and self-confidence considering match outcomes, the performance according to the result and the correlation among performance and psychological variables.

Methods

The sample consisted on 12 matches in which 11 high-level padel players from Finland (top 24) voluntarily participated. CSAI-2R and STAI-S were used to assess psychological variables and technical-tactical performance was evaluated by a certified padel coach.

Results

Losing players presented higher cognitive (p = .004), somatic (p = .020) and state (p = .001) anxiety and lower selfconfidence (p = .014), and winning players showed higher state anxiety (p = .022), after than before the matches. Post-match, winning players exhibited higher self-confidence (p = .015) than losing players. Winning players made more winners (p = .010) than losing players. There are direct correlations between unforced errors and post-state anxiety (p = .015), unforced errors and state anxiety (p = .009) and winners and cognitive anxiety (p = .033), in winning players; between generators of forced error and post-cognitive anxiety (p = .034), forced errors and cognitive anxiety in losing players (p = .001). There are indirect correlations between forced errors and pre-cognitive anxiety (p = .009), winners and somatic anxiety (p = .046), unforced errors and state anxiety (p = .042) in losing players.

Discussion

The outcomes imply the need for intervention programs to equip players, especially those facing defeat, with tools for anxiety management and self-confidence enhancement. Likewise, coaches are advised to incorporate exercises that promote the occurrence of winners.

Analysis of Off-The-Wall Smash Shots in Men's and Women's Professional Padel

PURPOSE

our aim was to analyze the characteristics of the off-the-wall smash in men´s and women´s padel, and to compare gender differences in the set-dependent frequency of these shots.

STUDY SAMPLE

through systematic observation, we analyzed 441 off-the-wall smashes from the Final Master of the 2022 season of the World Padel Tour.

RESULTS

showed that the women performed twice as many off-the-wall smashes as the men. This shot was executed most frequently (90%) from the center and right side of the court and from the dominant side, usually providing volley continuity (73%) and sometimes resulting in point winners (21.5%). Furthermore, there were gender differences, depending on the defense zone from which the wall smashes were defended (p = .014) and on the final match result (p = .018). In men's padel, the losing pair performed more off-the-wall smashes, while in women's padel, the winning pair performed more of these smashes. Finally, between both genders, most off-the-wall smashes occurred in the first set and decreased in number in the third set, with the second set containing the fewest off-the wall smashes.

Musculoskeletal disorders in padel: from biomechanics to sonography

Padel is a racket sport, combining high-frequency and low-intensity athletic gestures, that has been gaining growing scientific interest in recent years. Musculoskeletal injuries are very common among padel players with an incidence rate of 3 per 1000 h of training and 8 per 1000 matches. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive collection describing the most common sonographic findings in padel players with musculoskeletal injuries is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, starting from the biomechanical features of padel-specific gestures we have reported the ultrasonographic patterns of most frequent injuries involving the upper limb, the trunk, and the lower limb. Indeed, comprehensive knowledge of the biomechanical and clinical features of musculoskeletal injuries in padel is paramount to accurately perform a detailed ultrasound examination of the affected anatomical site. So, the present investigation aims to provide a practical guide, simple and ready-to-use in daily practice, to optimize the sonographic assessment of padel players by combining it with the clinical findings and the biomechanical features of athletic gestures.

Risk of injury and kinematic assessment of the shoulder biomechanics during strokes in padel players: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Padel players commonly suffer from shoulder pain and the particularly high incidence is probably linked to the high frequency of strokes. In addition, due to the repetitive technical gesture, an adequate technique is essential in terms of performance and injury risk prevention. Aim of this study was to objectively evaluate shoulder kinematic during the athletic gesture to analyze the risk factors linked to padel strokes.

METHODS

Professional and amateur padel players underwent a three-dimensional motion analysis of the padel strokes utilizing optoelectronic and surface electromyography systems (BTS Bioengineering, Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy).

RESULTS

Twelve padel players were included in this study (10 professional players in Group A and 10 amateurs in Group B). Experience influences the execution of padel strokes with a significant difference between group A and B in terms of gleno-humeral rotation and scapular tilt. Moreover, a subgroup analysis revealed that male players execute voleè with a higher external rotation (P=0.043), and forehand with a higher scapular tilt (P=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm that the high ranges of motion of the overhead strokes could rise the risk of slap lesion, impingement, and glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. However, a correct execution of the athletic gesture is linked with a dynamic stabilization of the humeral head. In conclusion, the kinematic analysis could help in the early identification of the kinematic alteration to build a tailored rehabilitation plan based on the athlete's needs.

Precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence during the 2023 Finnish Padel championship in high level men's players

The aim of the current study was to assess precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence in high level men's padel players from Finland. Twenty eight men's padel players from the highest category participated in the research (87.5% of the target population). The CSAI-2R (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised) and STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State) questionnaires were used and descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed, including the Kruskal Wallis's H and Mann-Whitney's U tests. The results show that seeded players presented lower levels of cognitive anxiety (η2 = 0.111). Moreover, losers of first round presented more state anxiety than winners (η2 = 0.302). Before the first match, state anxiety was higher than prior to the second match (η2 = 0.148). Furthermore, lower ranked players of first round, compared to second, presented more state anxiety and somatic anxiety (η2 = 0.487 and η2 = 0.277, respectively). However, according to the results obtained, self-confidence was not affected by any of the variables analyzed (ranking, seed, result or round). These findings may be of great interest to players, coaches and sports psychologists, as they allow an enhanced comprehension of the player's level of anxiety and self-confidence.

Identifying the Sweet Spot of Padel Rackets with a Robot

Although the vibration of rackets and the location of the sweet spot for players when hitting the ball is crucial, manufacturers do not specify this behavior precisely. This article analyses padel rackets, provides a solution to determine the sweet spot position (SSP), quantifies its behavior, and determines the level of vibration transmitted along the racket handle. The proposed methods serve to locate the SSP without quantifying it. This article demonstrates the development of equipment capable of analyzing the vibration behavior of padel rackets. To do so, it employs a robot that moves along the surface of the padel racket, striking it along its central line. Accelerometers are placed on a movable cradle where rackets are positioned and adjusted. A method for analyzing accelerometer signals to quantify vibration severity is proposed. The SSP and vibration behavior along the central line are determined and quantified. As a result of the study, 225 padel rackets are analyzed and compared. SSP is independent of the padel racket shape, balance, weight, moment of inertia, and padel racket shape (tear, diamond, or round) and is not located at the same position as the center of percussion.

Incidence of injuries and associated risk factors in a sample of Italian recreational padel players

BACKGROUND

Padel is a racket sport similar to tennis, which since the COVID-19 pandemic has been gaining popularity among recreational players. Despite its popularity, epidemiological studies are still lacking. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of injuries among Italian recreational padel players and associated risk factors.

METHODS

A questionnaire was administered to 127 recreational padel players between January 2022 to March 2022. The questionnaire consisted of questions to collect information regarding intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to padel practice, injury location, and injury typology. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for variable description. Binomial logistic regression was adopted to identify potential risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 127 participants, 100 (78.8%) reported having had an injury during the previous year. Such injury in most cases (37%) resulted in an absence from padel from 8 to 28 days. The most common injury locations were lower leg/Achilles tendon (17.1%) and elbow (13.8%), while the most common injury typologies were tendinopathies (33.6%) and contusions (14.9%). Among the identified risk factors the amount of time played padel (3.5-5 hours/week), racket type (round), and racket weight (either not knowing or 356-375 g) resulted in an increase in the probability of occurring an injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Recreational padel results in a high percentage of injuries. These frequently result in tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon and elbow. Inadequate racket characteristics and the amount of time played could contribute to an increase in injury incidence.

Conditional performance factors in padel players: a mini review

Introduction

Padel's global growth highlights its technical complexity. The first publications focus on the physical aspects of padel, using methods that evaluate players' endurance, strength, speed, and range of motion, while the quantification of load, using internal and external indicators, is crucial for performance optimization, whilst taking into account athletes' profiles and levels. Therefore, the objective entailed analyzing the scientific literature about the conditional demands in competition within padel players from different levels.

Methods

Data was collected from various databases and after the selection process, the information was analyzed in mini review.

Results

The mini review shows that the conditional demands are categorized into internal and external load to try to obtain reference values that may define the demands of padel based on the competitive level and sex. Regarding the internal load, the heart rate (HR)% of the padel players from different levels is around 70%-80% of the HR Max. Regarding the external load, in femalés categories, a greater number of strokes are made per point which entails a longer duration in the points.

Conclusions

Padel research usually analyses physical demands using internal and external loading. HR% values (70%-80% HR Max) are consistent across studies. There is variation between variables such as strokes per point, and contextual factors affect the metrics. Further exploration is vital to obtain comprehensive benchmarks and understand the demands of this sport.

Importance of Maintaining Net Position in Men's and Women's Professional Padel

The objective of this research was to analyze the importance of maintaining the net position in men's and women's professional padel. The data sample was drawn from 2,756 padel rallies (n = 1,434 men's and n = 1,322 women's) in matches played during the 2021 season of the World Padel Tour circuit. The results showed that there was no net exchange in 50.7% of the women's rallies, while in 65.9% of men's rallies, the servers kept the net. Due to their physical advantages, men servers had more opportunities to finish the rally at the net than women servers, giving them more opportunities to win the rally. However, when either men or women receivers finished the rally at the net, they had more opportunities to win the rally. In addition, both men and women tended to end the rallies with a winner when they were in the net zone and with an error when they were at the back of the court. These findings suggest that wins in padel are closely related to time spent at the net.

Performance Analysis in Padel: A Systematic Review

The aim of the study was to carry out a systematic review of the most recent research on performance analysis in padel. An electronic search was made in four sport science databases: Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Systematic review principles were used to identify and select studies following inclusion and exclusion criteria. From a total of 261 articles identified in the initial search, 27 articles were included in analysis, all dating from after 2018. The articles were classified according to four study variables: temporal aspects, game actions, on-court movements and match score studies, ordered in turn according to the year of publication. The results show differences in the four study variables according to the gender or the level of players, the side or the zone of play and the duration of the match. In conclusion, the results define the relevant aspects of the game with the aim of being used at a technical, tactical and physical level, as well as contributing to the development of scientific knowledge in padel, allowing future research to address less studied topics and carry out more complete and specific studies and interventions for a greater understanding of the needs of padel.

Musculoskeletal injury prevalence in professional padel players. A retrospective study of the 2021 season

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of the gender, ranking and playing position on the musculoskeletal injuries in professional padel players.

DESIGN

An epidemiological, observational, descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

44 injuries were reported by 36 players (20 men/16 women) who participated in the World Padel Tour 2021.

SETTING

Online questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Descriptive statistics and injury prevalence were calculated. Spearman/Pearson correlations between sample characteristics and injury variables were calculated. The chi-square test was used to analyse the association between injury and descriptive variables. A Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the group differences with regard to days of absence.

RESULTS

The results showed different injury prevalence (x1000 matches) in male (10.50) and female players (15.10). A higher injury incidence in top-ranked players, both in male (44.40%) and female (58.33%) was identified, but the low-ranked players reported more severe injuries (>28 days) (p < 0.05). Top-ranked players suffered more muscle injuries (p < 0.01) and low-ranked players suffered more tendon injuries (p < 0.01). Gender, ranking and playing position did not influence the days of absence (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that gender and ranking position had an impact on the injury prevalence in professional padel players.

Type of Diet and Sports Supplements in Padel Players According to Level of Competition and Sex

Padel is the world's fastest growing racket sport. However, the analysis of the intake of sports supplements in padel players is scarce. The aim of this research was to analyse and compare the type of diet and the use of sports supplements in padel players according to their competition level and sex. A total of 123 players (94 men and 29 women) participated in the study. Subjects were divided according to their sex and competition level. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire on diet type and nutritional supplement intake. There were differences found in diet type between competition levels. Regarding players' sex, differences in the number of supplements consumed were reported (p < 0.01). Relationships were found between the number of supplements ingested and the perceived effectiveness of supplements with frequency and time of training (p < 0.05). Creatine in men (≈15%) and vitamin complexes (≈10%) in women were the most used supplements. Lower level padel players do not adapt their diet to the physical demands of padel. Male padel players use a greater number of supplements than female padel players. It is important that nutrition specialists advise players to control diets and supplement.

Incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries in padel: a systematic review

Objective

It is unclear what the incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries are that can occur during playing padel. This study aimed to systematically review the incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries in padel.

Method

A literature search was performed up to December 2022 through MEDLINE Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane Library, SportsDiscus and CINAHL. Following database search, article retrieval and title and abstract screening, articles were assessed for eligibility against predefined criteria. Studies were assessed for methodological quality. Data on injuries' prevalence, incidence and nature of injuries were extracted, analysed and described in a descriptive statistical manner which did not include a pooling strategy as part of a formal meta-analysis.

Results

Eight studies with 2022 participants were included (range of mean age: 31-57). The incidence rate was 3 injuries per 1000 hours of padel training and 8 injuries per 1000 matches of padel practice. The overall prevalence range was 40%-95%. The elbow was the most common anatomical site of injury, followed by the knee, shoulder and lower back. Tendinous and muscular injuries were the most reported injury types.

Conclusion

Injuries are common among padel players, with an incidence rate of 3 per 1000 hours of padel training and 8 per 1000 matches of padel practice-as based on limited literature. The overall prevalence range was 40%-95%. The elbow was the most frequently reported anatomical region concerning location injury distribution, and injuries were mainly of tendinous or muscular origin.

A Comparison of Match Load Between Padel and Singles and Doubles Tennis

PURPOSE

To quantify match load associated with padel and compare responses with both singles and doubles tennis.

METHODS

On separate days, 12 participants (7 men and 5 women) played 60-minute padel (PADEL), singles tennis (SINGLES), and doubles tennis (DOUBLES) simulated games. Participants wore a 10-Hz GPS/100-Hz triaxial accelerometer unit and heart-rate monitor. Exercise-related sensations and blood lactate concentration were monitored every 20 minutes. Match-play characteristics (temporal structure) and shot selection were derived from video analysis. Vertical jump ability was assessed before and after each game.

RESULTS

Heart rate, exercise-related sensations (overall perceived exertion and limb discomfort), and physical load (total distance covered, PlayerLoad, acceleration density and load) for SINGLES were higher compared with DOUBLES and PADEL (all P ≤ .05). Blood lactate concentrations remained low (1-2 mmol·L-1) and did not differ between conditions. Effective playing time (P < .001) was lower in SINGLES and DOUBLES compared with PADEL. The number of forehands (P = .002) and backhands (P < .001) was greater for SINGLES than for DOUBLES and PADEL. The number of volleys/smashes and lobs (P < .05) was greater for PADEL compared with SINGLES and DOUBLES. Performance for squat, countermovement, and multirebound jumps was similarly reduced below baseline after match play (P < .05), independent of condition.

CONCLUSION

Padel imposes a unique match load on players that is different from singles tennis and more closely resembles that of doubles tennis. Cardiovascular stimulation and physical load are highest in singles tennis, while padel sees players hit a larger variety of shots with higher effective playing percentages.

Visual Behaviours of Expert Padel Athletes When Playing on Court: An In Situ Approach with a Portable Eye Tracker

Eye-tracking research has allowed the characterisation of gaze behaviours in some racket sports (e.g., tennis, badminton), both in controlled laboratory settings and in real-world scenarios. However, there are no studies about visual patterns displayed by athletes in padel.

METHOD

The aim of this exploratory case study was to address the visual behaviours of eight young expert padel athletes when playing match games on a padel court. Specifically, their gaze behaviours were examined with an in situ approach while returned trays/smashes, serves, and volleys were performed by their counterparts. Gaze patterns were registered with an SMI Eye Tracking Glasses 2 Wireless.

RESULTS

The participants' gaze was mainly focused on the ball-flight trajectory and on the upper body of the opponents because they were the two visual locations with a larger number of fixations and longer fixation time. No differences were found in these variables for each type of visual location when the three return situations were compared, or independently of them.

CONCLUSIONS

Padel players displayed a similar gaze behaviour during different representative return situations. This visual pattern was characterised by fixating at the ball and some opponents' upper kinematics (head, shoulders, trunk, and the region of arm-hand-racket) to perform real interceptive actions while playing against them on a padel court.

Incidence of Upper Body Injuries in Amateur Padel Players

The objectives of this study were to analyze the injuries suffered during the previous year by amateur padel players according to the characteristics of the racket, their usual volume of practice and their experience in padel. A total of 950 amateur players (X age: 31.68 years; X weight: 70.84 kg; X height: 170.9 cm) participated voluntarily, completing an ad-hoc questionnaire. The results indicated that the appearance of the injuries and their location was different according to the sex of the amateur padel players. Men had a higher incidence of muscle and ligament injuries in the shoulder, and tendon injuries in the elbow. On the other hand, women had a greater probability of having muscle injuries in the shoulder and arm, ligament injuries in the elbow and bone injuries in the wrist and elbow. In general, tendon injuries were the most common injury in padel and the shoulder and elbow were the most affected areas. Moreover, men tend to use heavy (CSR = 6.0), fiberglass or carbon (CSR = 2.1), diamond-shaped rackets (CSR = 3.2), with a hard core (CSR = 4.4) and with two or more over grips (CSR = 2.7). Women usually use less heavy (CSR = 6.0), round-shaped rackets (CSR = 4.9), with a soft core (CSR = 4.4) and with one or no over grips (CSR = 2.7). In addition, men tend to play padel more often and have been practicing for longer. In conclusion, although the risk of injury depends on many factors, we identified that the characteristics of the racket, the volume of weekly practice, the experience of the player and the gender of the player are fundamental aspects to take into account for the prevention of injuries in amateur padel players.

Identifying the Inertial Properties of a Padel Racket: An Experimental Maneuverability Proposal

Although the moment of inertia of padel rackets is one of their fundamental properties and of particular interest to the players, hardly any manufacturer specifies the parameter for its rackets. The present paper offers a solution to determine the moment of inertia around different axes of padel rackets and makes a standardized comparison possible. After a short overview of the physical background of the problem and the existing solutions for inertia testing, the developed concept for a test stand is described in detail. The approach uses the fact that a pendulum swings with its natural frequency, which depends directly on its moment of inertia. The inertia can be calculated by measuring the cycle time of the swing. Two different test stands, a trifilar and a swing pendulum, are designed to enable an oscillation of the rackets with different rotation axes, and an acceleration sensor is used to measure its natural frequency. A user-friendly interface acquires and processes accelerometer data providing inertial moments. A calibration model defines sensor accuracy. Precision is estimated by calculating the influence of the measurement errors and by testing the repeatability. The maneuverability parameter is created, and in the last step, various rackets are evaluated to create a database with the main properties. As a result of the study of the racket population, a maneuverability parameter is proposed to classify the rackets in a comprehensible way for users. The classification method is tested with users to explore the matching between the scientific classification and the player's feelings. The results are shown and explained.

Padel Match Analysis: Notational and Time-Motion Analysis during Official Italian Sub-Elite Competitions

Although performance analysis in padel represents a useful process to gain references about players’ technical and tactical behavior, most of the research was conducted in elite compared to the sub-elite competitions. Therefore, this study aimed to describe sub-elite competitions in order to enhance scientific knowledge for sub-elite athletes and technical staff. 4287 shots were analyzed within five areas (time-motion analysis, shots characteristics, errors, serve and points won). Effective playing time and work-to-rest ratio were lower than in elite competitions, while strokes per minute and total match duration were in line with it. Shots were mainly forehand volleys performed under the head, while volleys and smashes were more likely to end with a point in comparison with ground or wall shots. However, sub-elite winning pairs performed fewer volleys than the losing side and fewer errors on volleys. One serve out of five ended in errors (almost half were net errors); fewer errors during serve return shots represented an advantage for the winning pairs. Finally, 65% of the points scored were caused by unforced errors of opponents. This knowledge should help technical staff design specific training programs for sub-elite padel players.

Physical Fitness and Upper Limb Asymmetry in Young Padel Players: Differences between Genders and Categories

This study aimed to assess the physical fitness and upper body asymmetries of young padel players aged between 13 and 16 years and to determine the possible differences between genders and categories. A total of 60 padel players were divided into four groups: under-14 male (n = 15; age: 13.75 ± 0.45 years; height: 1.64 ± 0.07 m; weight: 54.7 ± 8.3 kg), under-14 female (n = 15; age: 13.75 ± 0.44 years; height: 1.60 ± 0.05 m; weight: 51.5 ± 6.0 kg), under-16 male (n = 15; age: 15.44 ± 0.51 years; height:1.71 ± 0.04 m; weight: 63.88 ± 6.2 kg) and under-16 female (n = 15; age:15.46 ± 0.52 years; height:1.63 ± 0.05 m; weight: 55.08 ± 3.6 kg). Handgrip strength, ischiosural flexibility, gestural speed of the dominant arm, vertical jump, cardiorespiratory capacity, lateral movement, lateral acceleration and reaction time were measured. Male players showed better results in manual grip strength, vertical jump power, cardiorespiratory capacity and lateral movement (p < 0.05). Moreover, males presented a higher percentage of asymmetry in upper limb strength. Female players showed better reaction time and greater flexibility (p < 0.05). Regarding the differences between categories, the under-16 players showed greater flexibility, gestural speed, vertical jump power, cardiorespiratory capacity and lateral movement compared to the under-14 players. These results can be used as reference values for coaches/physical trainers of younger categories to improve health control and physical performance planning.