102.- Final 2-shot sequence performed by the same pair during the World Padel Tour Madrid indoor 2023 Master: Sex differences in shot type and effectiveness

Recalling game patterns is crucial for achieving expert performance in padel; however, the sequence of the last 2 shots played by the same pair remains underexplored. Therefore, this study analyzed these sequences in professional padel, distinguishing between points ending in a winner or an error and examining potential sex differences. Methods: A total of 878 points (men 504, women 374) from 10 matches (men 5, women 5) of the 2023 Madrid Indoor Master of the World Padel Tour circuit were analyzed using systematic observation. Results: The effectiveness of the final 2-shot sequence in men’s and women’s padel significantly differed in terms of winners and errors (men P < .001, Cramer V coefficient [Vc] = 0.724; women P < .001, Vc = 0.559). The most effective sequences in men’s padel were volley–smash, volley–volley, and lob–recovery smash, whereas in women’s padel, these were volley–smash, volley–volley, and bandeja–smash. Conversely, the sequences leading to the highest number of errors in men’s padel were volley–volley, lob–forehand/backhand, and forehand/backhand–forehand/backhand, whereas in women’s padel, they were lob–forehand/backhand, lob–volley, and forehand/backhand–volley. No significant sex-based differences were found in errors (P > .05, Vc = 0.063), although the volley–volley sequence resulted in more errors than expected (adjusted standardized residual [ASR] = 3.1). However, significant sex-based differences were found in winners (P < .001, Vc = 0.464). In men’s padel, volley–smash (ASR = 4.1) and lob–recovery smash (ASR = 2.3) sequences produced more winners than expected, whereas in women’s padel, it was smash–forehand/backhand (ASR = 2.3), forehand/backhand–volley (ASR = 2.1), forehand/backhand–forehand/backhand (ASR = 2.9), lob–bajada (ASR = 2.6), and lob–forehand/backhand (ASR = 3.0). Conclusions: These findings highlight key shot sequences’ effectiveness and provide insights for optimizing professional padel performance.