Playing side and point-ending actions in elite women’s padel: a notational analysis of professional competition

This study aimed to analyses side-dependent technical-tactical patterns and examine their association with point outcomes in elite women’s padel competition. A total of 1,020 points from eight Premier Padel matches played during the 2025 season were analysed using systematic observation. Contingency table, independent-samples t-tests, and binary logistic regression models were performed. Significant differences were found between playing sides in shots per point (p = 0.003, d = −0.092), shot effectiveness, type of last shot, and rally duration (all p < 0.007; Vc = 0.099 − 0.224). Right-side players performed fewer shots per point (5.47 ± 4.70), more errors (67.47%; ASR = 3.29), finished more points with volleys (33.62%; ASR = 3.57), and concluded more long rallies (38.86%; ASR = 3.05). In contrast, left-side players accumulated more shots per point (5.90 ± 4.97), produced more winners (42.60%; ASR = 3.29), executed more point-ending smashes (24.42%; ASR = 5.95), and finished more medium-duration rallies (35.29%; ASR = 2.20). For shot effectiveness, both sides showed differences between winners and errors (p < 0.001, Vc = 0.532 − 0.630). Errors were mainly associated with forehand and backhand, back-wall, lobs, half-volleys, and block volleys (21–34%; ASR = 2.39–5.18), whereas winners were primarily achieved through smashes (8–21%; ASR = 8.31–12.85). Logistic regression revealed that each additional shot increased the probability of the returning pair winning the point by 3.6–3.8% (OR = 1.036–1.038; p < 0.001). Overall, these findings highlight side-specific technical-tactical roles in elite women’s padel.