Reliability of technical and agility tests for padel players and padel skill level classification

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the tests applied to measure the technical and physical performances of padel athletes, to examine the relationship between the technical performance of padel athletes and t agility test performance, and to develop a level determination scale specific to padel athletes. Method: This study was conducted based on the relational survey model. Twenty-eight athletes (10 females, 18 males) actively playing padel in Turkey participated in the study. Padel-specific technical skill test and T-agility test were applied to the athletes. The analysis of the data obtained was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 programme. Test-retest method was used for the reliability of the measurements and Cronbach Alpha coefficient was calculated. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, paired sample t test and Wilcoxon test were used as statistical tests. In addition, K-Means clustering analysis was used to determine the levels of padel athletes and elbow method was used to determine the number of groups. The significance level was accepted as p<0.05 for all tests. Results: As a result of the analyses, a positive significant relationship was found between the technical skill test and agility test. In addition, it was revealed that the technical performance test and t test were reliable tests in determining padel performance. Conclusion: The classification system (A (Elite), B (Advanced), C (Intermediate), D (Beginner)) developed as a result of the research offers a practical model. This system can be used as a functional tool for coaches, clubs and federations to objectively evaluate athletes and make level groupings. Keywords: Padel, Athlete Level, Technical Skill, Agility Test, Performance Assessment.