Training under pressure mirrors competition: technical-tactical insights from high-level male padel players

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to analyse the differences between pressure training and official competition matches in high-level male padel players from Finland, focusing on the proportion of points won by serving and returning players, the frequency of break points and golden points, and the effectiveness of the last shot. Methods: A total of 4,417 points from 38 matches played during the 2022 and 2023 seasons were analyzed. Results: The results revealed no significant association between match type (pressure training vs. competition) and the distribution of winners, forced errors, or unforced errors (p = 0.867). Similarly, the frequency of break points, non-break points, golden points, and non-golden points remained consistent across both match types, regardless of the service situation (serving or returning players). While a relationship was observed between shot type and match type in forced errors (p = 0.024), the overall shot effectiveness remained comparable across different shot types. Discussion: In conclusion, this study suggests that high-level male padel players display comparable technical-tactical performance in pressure training and official competition matches.