Artificial intelligence in padel performance assessment: A comparative study of result-based and computer vision-derived rankings

Background Accurate evaluation of non-professional padel players is essential for optimizing training and ensuring fair competition. Traditional result-based ranking systems, often reliant on self-assessment, can be biased. In contrast, AI-driven methods utilizing computer vision and deep learning promise objective, real-time performance evaluations. Methods In this study, evaluation scores for 180 players were derived from three sources: a self-assessed result-based system (Playtomic), an AI-based system (AIball), and expert coach assessments, which served as the benchmark. AIball is a computer-vision–based evaluation system that automatically extracts key performance metrics. Data were collected from 50 matches across 9 clubs in Spain. Statistical analyses—including Pearson correlation, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC), paired t-tests, Bland-Altman analysis, and error metrics (mean squared error [MSE], root mean squared error [RMSE], and mean absolute error [MAE])—were employed to assess the reliability, agreement, and classification accuracy of the evaluation systems. Results AIball demonstrated a strong positive correlation with coach evaluations (r = 0.7769; CCC = 0.7144) and yielded lower error metrics (MSE = 0.6689; RMSE = 0.8178; MAE = 0.6678) compared to Playtomic. Bland-Altman plots revealed that AIball's scores were more closely aligned with those of the experts, and pairwise comparisons showed a slightly higher classification accuracy for AIball (74.27%) relative to Playtomic (73.74%). Conclusion The findings indicate that the AI-based evaluation system (AIball) offers a more reliable and objective assessment of non-professional padel players than traditional self-assessed methods. This approach has significant implications for enhancing training programs, standardizing player rankings, and promoting fairness in competitions.