Effectiveness at the net as a predictor of final match outcome in professional padel players

This study aimed to analyse effectiveness at the net and its influence on match outcome regarding serve situation in professional padel players. The sample contained 2107 rallies from the 15 male matches of the 2013 Masters Finals World Padel Tour. Variables pertaining to game result, attack effectiveness, players’ location, and serve situation were registered through systematic observation. Statistical analyses included a series of binomial logistic regression analyses. Results showed that six out of ten rallies finished at the net. Furthermore, points scored at the net accounted for over 80% of the total. More importantly, playing effectively at the net increased the likelihood of winning the match. Specifically, winning players scored 34% more points and made 49% less unforced errors at the net than those who lost (P = 0.011). Additionally, scoring odds for winners were further increased when resting (OR = 1.65; P = 0.014) compared to losers. Therefore, controlling the net game seems to be a key factor in professional padel that distinguishes between winning and losing players. The reported data may constitute a useful guide in the design of appropriate game strategies and specific-training sessions based on actual competition context.