EFFECTIVENESS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ATTACK STROKES TO FINISH THE POINT IN PROFESSIONAL PADEL

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution and efficacy of technical attack actions on professional padel regarding to net distance and to compare the results with players’ gender. The sample included 633 attack strokes used to finish the point in padel, corresponding to 8 matches during the official World Padel Tour 2019. The variables analyzed were: attack strokes, effectiveness and net distance. Matches were analyzed through systematic observation. The results showed that men use significantly more powerful smash 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, between 2 and 4 meters from the net distance, in both the men's and women's categories. Finally, the most effective attack actions to achieve success in paddle tennis is the smash, well above the volleys, although the effectiveness of the actions is lower when players move away from the net.