Match activity profile analysis during professional single male pickleball matches

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out a descriptive analysis of the game actions and activity profile of professional men's singles pickleball. A cross-sectional design was used. Match activity profile of seven male singles pickleball matches from the Carvana Arizona Grand Slam tournament were analysed. Study variables, such as, playing and resting time parameters, shots per rally, type of shots, trajectory of the ball and its path and shot outcomes were studied. The mean match durations were 37.1 ± 11.6 min, with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:3.8 (mean, 0.26 ± 0.03), where the effective playing time represents 20.5% of the total playing time. Most rally durations (77.4%) lasted between 3–9 s and most resting times (76.9%) were between 9–18 s. 53.1% of rallies had between 3–5 shots. The forehand (32.3%), the serve (19.8%) and the backhand (19.5%) accounted for 71.6% of the shots. Cross-court play (55%) predominated over parallel (45%). Most of the shots (99%) were performed from the baseline (53.9%) and the transition zone (45.1%). The majority of the shots were intercepted (80.2%). This information enhances understanding of singles pickleball and can contribute to performance and training session improvements.