Hitting Zone Analysis in Professional Padel

Abstract

The objective of this study will be to analyze the hitting zones in professional padel according to gender, the player hitting the ball, the result of the match and the type of stroke. A total of 3334 strokes from the first 4 games of the 14 matches of the World Padel Tour Master Final 2021 were analyzed, in which the best 32 players in the world ranking (16 men and 16 women) participated. The matches were analyzed through systematic observation, using the Lince and Kinovea software. The results showed that men and women made between 15% and 20% more shots in the center of the court when they were in net position. In that area, compared to forehand players, backhand players hit 8% more shots on the left side versus the center of the court. In addition, the winners of the match hit 5% less shots at the bottom zone than at the net than the losers and 5% more in the net zone. The strokes without bounce were performed between 10 and 20% more in the net and middle zones than in the bottom zone, being the center zone where 20% more strokes were produced. On the other hand, strokes with bounce without wall and with wall were performed 20% more in the bottom zone, strokes with bounce without wall 15% more in the center, while strokes with bounce with wall were performed 5% more on the sides (left and right zone). These data have an important practical application in the design of paddle exercises based on the specific technical-tactical demands of the competition.