INTRODUCTION: The racket represents a key element in the sport of Padel, influencing the power and the direction of the stroke during the matches. There are different shapes and manufactures with a lack of standardization, and players often choose the racket based on experience and commercial interests. However, there is no agreement in literature in terms of differences due to the types of rackets. Thus, aim of this scoping review was the evaluation of the different types of racket and their impact on sport performance. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were screened up to February 2025 to identify eligible studies. Out of 975 records, we included 6 studies, which were focused on manufacturing characteristic of the Padel racket, sweet point position (SSP) and the role of hand dominance. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The results showed that there are three main shapes: tear, diamond where the weight and the sweet spot are moved towards the top of the racket, and round where the weight is centered. However, there is no clear correlation between SSP and the characteristics of the racket, and the only way to determine it is by a robotic direct measure. In this context, new technologies could improve manufacturing process, with 3D printing that facilitate the lamination process reducing waste. CONCLUSIONS: The high heterogeneity of the studies in the literature hinders our ability to draw any strong conclusions, and future research should address the link between padel rackets and stroke biomechanics to share light on upper limb injury mechanism.
Impact, strategies and performance profiles related to the rackets in padel players: a scoping review
de SIRE, Alessandro;MOGGIO, Lucrezia;INVERNIZZI, Marco;
2025-01-01
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The racket represents a key element in the sport of Padel, influencing the power and the direction of the stroke during the matches. There are different shapes and manufactures with a lack of standardization, and players often choose the racket based on experience and commercial interests. However, there is no agreement in literature in terms of differences due to the types of rackets. Thus, aim of this scoping review was the evaluation of the different types of racket and their impact on sport performance. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were screened up to February 2025 to identify eligible studies. Out of 975 records, we included 6 studies, which were focused on manufacturing characteristic of the Padel racket, sweet point position (SSP) and the role of hand dominance. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The results showed that there are three main shapes: tear, diamond where the weight and the sweet spot are moved towards the top of the racket, and round where the weight is centered. However, there is no clear correlation between SSP and the characteristics of the racket, and the only way to determine it is by a robotic direct measure. In this context, new technologies could improve manufacturing process, with 3D printing that facilitate the lamination process reducing waste. CONCLUSIONS: The high heterogeneity of the studies in the literature hinders our ability to draw any strong conclusions, and future research should address the link between padel rackets and stroke biomechanics to share light on upper limb injury mechanism.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
