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

This study aimed to investigate technical-tactical differences between main draw vs. qualifying draw matches in male and female professional padel players. Through systematic observation, data were collected from 39 matches (4,585 points) of the professional male qualifying draw (n = 9) and main draw (n = 13), and female qualifying draw (n = 8) and main draw (n = 9) during the 2023 World Padel Tour Finland Padel Open tournament. Using chi-square analysis and corrected standardized residuals (CSR), the results showed significant differences between draws for final shot relative to the side of the play, serving efficiency and the type of final shot. Left side male players made more forced errors (CSR = 2.8) and fewer unforced errors (CSR = 3.2) in main draw compared to qualifying draw matches. While players were in the return game, both male and female players made a higher proportion of forced errors (CSR = 3.3; CSR = 2.7) and a lower proportion of unforced errors (CSR = 3.3; CSR = 2.3) in main draw compared to qualifying draw matches. Specific shot-type analysis revealed that male and female players made varying numbers of winners, forced errors and unforced errors with certain types of shots in the main vs. qualifying draw matches. These findings provide valuable insights for players and coaches to optimize their technical-tactical strategies based on the competition draw and match context.