Physical fitness and competitive anxiety in amateur padel players

Authors

  • Bingen Marcos-Rivero [1]AKTIBOki: Research group on physical activity, exercise, and sport, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); 2GIKAFIT Research Group: Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8617-4567
  • Jon Mikel Picabea GIKAFIT Research Group: Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7048-9476
  • Cristina Granados [1]AKTIBOki: Research group on physical activity, exercise, and sport, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); 2GIKAFIT Research Group: Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8366-8932
  • Javier Yanci 1 AKTIBOki: Grupo de investigación sobre actividad física, ejercicio y deporte, Departamento de Educación Física y Deporte, Facultad de Educación y Deporte, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU). Vitoria-Gasteiz./2 Grupo de investigación GIKAFIT: Departamento de Educación Física y Deporte, Facultad de Educación y Deporte, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU). Vitoria-Gasteiz. Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8965-5024
  • Josu Ascondo 1 AKTIBOki: Grupo de investigación sobre actividad física, ejercicio y deporte, Departamento de Educación Física y Deporte, Facultad de Educación y Deporte, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU). Vitoria-Gasteiz/2 Grupo de investigación GIKAFIT: Departamento de Educación Física y Deporte, Facultad de Educación y Deporte, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU). Vitoria-Gasteiz. Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3823-9466

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.3.2025.21967

Keywords:

self-confidence, category, non-professional, racket sports, performance
Agencies: University of the Basque Country

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze differences in physical fitness and competitive anxiety among amateur padel players based on their age, skill level, court position, and training frequency. Fifty-four male amateur players (35.6 ± 11.4 years) participated in the study. The observed results included a vertical jump, grip strength, a 5-meter acceleration, and a CODA test. Cognitive and somatic anxiety levels were moderate, while self-confidence was relatively high (3.3 ± 0.5 points). Significant differences were observed in physical fitness based on age and court position, and in competitive anxiety based on age, court position, and training frequency. Younger players showed superior vertical jump and change-of-direction performance, while skill level had no significant effect. In conclusion, age and court position appear to influence players' physical and psychological capabilities, highlighting both as key factors in the design of training strategies.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Marcos-Rivero, B., Picabea, J. M., Granados, C., Yanci, J., & Ascondo, J. (2025). Physical fitness and competitive anxiety in amateur padel players. Revista Iberoamericana De Ciencias De La Actividad Física Y El Deporte, 14(3), 68–82. https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.3.2025.21967

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