Influence of the play score on external load parameters in men´s and women´s professional padel

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the game and set score on game volume and intensity parameters in professional padel. A total of 3241 points (1639 for women and 1602 for men) corresponding to 22 matches of the 2020 season of the World Padel Tour professional circuit were analysed through systematic observation. The results showed a longer playing time (p <.001), number of lobs (p <.001) and less intensity of the game (p <.001) in female padel. These differences still exist depending on the point and game number. In addition, the playing time, rest time, number of shots per point and number of lobs is significantly higher in golden points compared to the rest of the points (p = .000), with no differences depending on the number of games. In conclusion, during golden points, there is a higher point duration and a higher number of lobs comparing with the rest of the points, both in the male and female categories, not observing changes in the intensity of the game.