Analysis of Shots Patterns Finishing the Point in Padel through Decision-Tree Analysis

Abstract

The main objective was to analyse the sequence of the last two shots of the point in padel and to make a classification through the multivariate decision tree approach. A total of 2,110 game actions were analysed. The variables studied were: shot, court zone, efficiency, direction, match outcome and court side. Matches were analysed through systematic observation. The results determined that maintaining net positions during the last two shots would increase the probabilities of victory, observing that the most frequent sequence of the last two shots were groundstroke-volley and lob-smash. In addition, winners made the highest number of winning points at the net and the least number of errors on the baseline. On the other hand, the use of cross-court shots increased the chances of opponents’ errors. These data have an important practical application in the perceptive and decisional training and feedback provided by the coach.