Analysis of the Actions of Net Zone Approach in Padel: Validation of the NAPOA Instrument

Abstract

To carry out research that analyzes performance indicators through observational methodology, it is necessary to have validated tools. The purpose of this study was to design and validate a tool to ascertain the characteristics of the strokes that padel pairs use to reach the net and their consequences in the two subsequent shots of the game. Eleven experts, who had to meet four of the five inclusion criteria established by the researchers, participated in the process. Aiken’s V coefficient and confidence intervals were used to analyze content validity and Cronbach’s α coefficient to calculate reliability. The adequacy and wording of the sixteen variables initially designed were evaluated. Four variables were eliminated due to obtaining values <0.90 in Aiken’s V coefficient in adequacy. The rest of the variables were modified in their wording, according to the qualitative evaluations of the experts, or were considered correct. The reliability of the instrument was acceptable (α = 0.89). The NAPOA instrument is novel, as it is of interest to analyze the characteristics of the strokes that padel players use to achieve the offensive position.

Physical Fitness and Upper Limb Asymmetry in Young Padel Players: Differences between Genders and Categories

“…Studies that have analysed performance factors in padel conclude that winning pairs are those that manage to stay longer in the net area [ 7 , 20 , 42 ], performing more attacking actions than losing pairs [ 43 , 44 ], specifically smash and volley actions [ 45 ]. These data indicate the relevance of all manifestations of strength, both gripping and jumping.…”

“…In recent years there has been increasing interest in studying the sport of padel by analysing adult players of different levels and especially professional players [ 11 , 12 ]. The found published research has focused mainly on investigating other game variables, such as the temporal structure [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ] and the technical or tactical actions performed during the matches [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ] as well as analysing the metabolic and physiological response that occurs during the competition [ 1 , 8 , 21 ]. From a fitness point of view, a recent study compares the existing differences in physical fitness parameters between genders in professional players.…”

Design and Validation of an Instrument for Technical Performance Indicators of the Kick (Chagi) Technique in Taekwondo

“…Previous researchers [56] conducted a study to design and validate a tool to identify the characteristics of the strokes that are used in the sport of Padel with the help of eleven expert judges (n = 11) who met four out of five inclusion criteria. Another study [57] used a sample of participants composed of thirteen experts (n = 13), nine of whom were experts in football and six of whom were experts in basketball and handball.…”

Analysis of Off-The-Wall Smash Shots in Men’s and Women’s Professional Padel

“…In relation to the smashes that take place after a lob, sports researchers have focused on a joint analysis of different smash shots that are performed over the head, classifying them as bandeja, flat smash, topspin smash and off the wall smash (Sánchez-Alcaraz, Pérez-Puche et al, 2020), or, following the variables of the validated Observational Analysis of the Smash in Padel (OASP) tool (Escudero-Tena, Antúnez, et al, 2023), classifying them by type of spin (flat, topspin and slice), and final landing point (own court, opponent's court, x3 and x4) (Escudero-Tena, Parraca, et al, 2023). Thus, the flat spin (and topspin in men's padel) and the down the line direction are predominant types of smashes to achieve a winning point in men's and women's professional padel (Escudero-Tena, Parraca, et al, 2023;Sánchez-Alcaraz et al, 2023;Sánchez-Alcaraz, Pérez-Puche et al, 2020), but the proportion of winning points decreases the farther these shots are performed from the net.…”