Unveiling the gap: technical-tactical performance differences between main and qualifying draws in professional...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Padel Performance Analysis

Background:

• Padel is a rapidly growing sport with increasing professionalization.
• Understanding technical-tactical nuances in professional padel is crucial for performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate technical-tactical differences in professional padel matches between main draw and qualifying draw.
• To analyze these differences across male and female players during the 2023 World Padel Tour Finland Padel Open.

Main Methods:

• Systematic observation of 39 professional padel matches (4,585 points).
• Data collected from male and female qualifying and main draw matches.
• Statistical analysis using chi-square and corrected standardized residuals (CSR).

Main Results:

• Significant differences found in final shot placement, serving efficiency, and shot type between draws.
• Male players on the left side made more forced errors and fewer unforced errors in main draw matches.
• Both male and female players exhibited higher forced errors and lower unforced errors during return games in main draw matches.

Conclusions:

• Competition draw significantly influences technical-tactical execution in professional padel.
• Players adjust strategies, particularly error management, based on match context (main vs. qualifying draw).
• Findings offer actionable insights for coaches and players to refine strategies for different tournament stages.