Influence of Playing Site and Weekly Training Frequency on Physical Performance in Elite Padel Players

TL;DR

This study examines how playing side and training frequency affect physical performance in elite padel players.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into physical and physiological differences among elite padel players based on their playing side.

Findings

Left-side players showed higher Yo-Yo performance and estimated VO2max compared to right-side players.

Dominant hands showed significantly greater isometric handgrip strength than non-dominant hands.

Weekly training frequency did not significantly influence physical performance metrics.

Abstract

Objectives: The physical and physiological characteristics of padel players are essential for appropriate training load prescription; however, this area remains underexplored. Therefore, this hypothesis-driven study aimed to analyse physical and physiological differences in male padel players according to playing side. A secondary objective was to observe the influence of training volume on these parameters. Methods: Fourteen high-level male players competing in professional circuits or top-level regional competitions participated in this cross-sectional study using directional (one-tailed) testing. Results: Vertical jump performance differed significantly between the countermovement jump (CMJ) and the Abalakov jump (ABK) (p < 0.001), with lower values in the CMJ (40.98 cm) compared with the ABK (46.96 cm). Isometric handgrip strength showed significant inter-limb differences (p < 0.001), with greater force in the dominant hand (49.08 kg) than in the non-dominant hand (44.22 kg). Mean completion time in the agility t-test was 10.40 s (95% CI: 10.06–10.74 s). The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test showed a mean distance of 404.28 m, corresponding to an estimated VO2max of 50.79 mL·kg−1·min−1. Playing side significantly affected Yo-Yo performance and estimated VO2max (p = 0.036), with higher values in left-side players. Although no significant differences were found in handgrip strength according to playing side. As expected, weekly training frequency did not significantly influence any variable. Conclusions: These findings help characterise the physical and physiological profile of high-level padel players and provide practical reference values to support training prescription and performance monitoring.

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