Match-play dynamics in youth padel: sex differences in rally length, final shot effectiveness, and net exchanges across U14, U16 and U18 categories

Understanding sex differences in performance dynamics in youth padel is essential for talent development, yet most research focuses on professional contexts. This study aimed to compare male and female players in U14, U16, and U18 categories in terms of rally length, final shot effectiveness, and net exchanges. A total of 34 competitive matches (boys = 21; girls = 13) were analysed through systematic video observation. Descriptive and inferential analyses (Student’s t-test, Chi-square, Fisher’s test, Cramer’s V, ASR) were performed. Rally length ranged from 7 to 9 shots across categories. Significant sex differences were observed in U14 (boys: 8.48 ± 6.55 vs girls: 7.32 ± 5.96, p = 0.002) and U18 (boys: 7.54 ± 5.76 vs girls: 8.62 ± 6.96, p < 0.001). Regarding final shot effectiveness, male players showed a higher percentage of winners than female players in both the U14 (33.1% vs. 24.3%) and U18 (38.3% vs. 25.1%) categories. Net exchanges were absent in over 60% of rallies, with a sex-based difference observed in U18 players (boys: 74.6% vs girls: 61.1% rallies without exchanges). These findings highlight the emergence of sex-specific patterns across age groups and support the need for tailored, age- and sex-specific training strategies in youth padel.