Performance Demands in Padel
Chapter from the book: Uluç, E. A. & Ünver, D. & Karataş, B. (eds.) 2025. Sports Sciences Research 7.

Mevlüt Yıldız
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
Doğukan Batur Alp Gülşen
Aydın Adnan Menderes University

Synopsis

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of performance requirements in padel by integrating structural, physiological, motor, technical–tactical, and psychological dimensions. Padel is an intermittent racket sport played mainly in doubles on a 20 × 10 m enclosed court where walls are actively involved in play. The game is characterized by short, high-intensity rallies interspersed with brief recovery periods, demanding an efficient contribution of both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Time–motion and physiological data indicate that average heart rate responses typically range between 70–85% of maximal heart rate, with frequent short peaks during decisive rallies. From a motor standpoint, padel requires repeated 5–10 m accelerations, multidirectional agility, lower- and upper-body strength and power, as well as balance and mobility. Technically and tactically, performance is driven by net dominance, effective use of the lob, wall shots, offensive–defensive transitions, and doubles-specific space sharing (right/left side specialization, middle-court responsibility). Psychologically, key demands include attentional control, emotional regulation, stress and anxiety management, self-efficacy, and high-quality communication and cohesion between partners. The chapter also outlines a set of performance assessment tools: physiological tests (e.g., Yo-Yo intermittent recovery, repeated sprint ability), motor tests (speed, agility, jump performance), technical–tactical indicators (shot accuracy, simple match charting), and psychological measures (motivation, competitive anxiety, team cohesion scales). In terms of training planning, principles of seasonal periodization (pre-season, in-season, transition), weekly load distribution, adaptation to different competitive levels, integrated physical–technical–tactical–psychological training, and load monitoring–injury prevention strategies are discussed. In conclusion, while padel is accessible and attractive as a recreational activity, optimal performance development requires scientifically grounded, multidimensional, and individualized training design. Current literature offers a useful framework for coaches and practitioners, while highlighting research gaps in longitudinal monitoring, injury epidemiology, and intervention studies aimed at enhancing specific performance determinants in padel.

How to cite this book

Yıldız, M. & Gülşen, D. B. A. (2025). Performance Demands in Padel. In: Uluç, E. A. & Ünver, D. & Karataş, B. (eds.), Sports Sciences Research 7. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub1066.c4801

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Published

December 31, 2025

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