EFFECTIVENESS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ATTACKING STROKES TO FINISH THE POINT IN PROFESSIONAL PADEL
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution and efficacy of technical attacking actions in professional padel regarding net distance and to compare the results with players’ gender. The sample included 633 attacking strokes used to finish the point in padel, corresponding to 8 matches during the official World Padel Tour 2019. The variables analyzed were: attacking strokes, effectiveness and net distance. Matches were analyzed through systematic observation. The results showed that men use significantly more powerful smashes to finish the point in padel, while women use significantly more tray strokes. In addition, the highest percentage of strokes to finish the point appears in areas close to the net, at a distance of between 2 and 4 meters, in both the men's and women's categories. Finally, the most effective attacking action to achieve success in paddle tennis is the smash, much more than the volley, although the effectiveness of the actions is lower when players move away from the net.