INFLUENCIA DE LAS PELOTAS DE BAJA PRESIÓN EN LA INICIACIÓN AL PÁDEL

The aim of this study was to analyze the physical demands in padel initiation stage and to observe the influence of playing with different type of padel balls. Sixteen padel players at initiation stage participated in this study. Players wore a heart rate (HR) monitor. Perceived exertion and satisfaction questionnaires were administrated at the end of the matches. No differences were found in the match temporal structure. Playing with official balls caused a significant increase in HR (p < 0.001) both in average and maximal values (Average HR: 145 bpm, %HRmax: 72.5%) comparing to low-compression balls (Average HR: 140 bpm, %HRmax: 69.9%). In addition, players showed higher satisfaction when using low-compression balls. This information may have implications to determine the use of normal balls or low-compression balls and the design of specific training programmes for young padel players