Possible Singles Pickleball Predictors Related To Point Differential

In sports, it is essential we understand the characteristics that are relevant to success so that coaches or players can develop more effective training methods. These factors have not been researched in the context of pickleball. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine which factors are related to singles pickleball performance. METHODS: Six players, (five men and one woman, age: 40.2 ± 10.1 y) participated in a 15-match singles pickleball tournament. Prior to the tournament, participants were given a questionnaire in which they identified their total pickleball experience, the frequency in which they played pickleball, and the total experience they have with other racquet sports such as tennis or badminton. Participants performed a countermovement jump test before the tournament on dual force plates with peak power scaled to body mass (i.e. relative jump power) as the variable of interest. Participants also performed a pickleball serve test, which tested their serve accuracy and reliability. The total point differential (points won minus points scored against) was determined over the course of the tournament for each participant. We used a multiple regression model to examine the relationship between the variables collected pre-tournament compared to the point differentials of participants. RESULTS: Of the factors included in the regression model, scaled jump power, pickleball weekly frequency, and total racquet sport experience were statistically significant predictors of singles pickleball match point differentials (Table 1). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a higher frequency of playing pickleball, more racquet sport experience, and greater relative jump power are identified as factors associated with ability to win points, as well as ability to prevent opponents from winning points. Lower body power is likely something that should be trained in order to raise a player's ability to move and return balls on a pickleball court.Supported by: CSUMB Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity Competition Grant (#835)