Latest PPA Tour Stats: In professional pickleball, the finesse and power of the Erne and ATP shots have long been key weapons. Once considered near-guaranteed points, these aggressive maneuvers are now met with a level of defensive skill that keeps rallies alive longer than ever. The latest statistics from the PPA tour reveal just how adept players have become at neutralizing these once-feared shots.
Analyzing Erne Defense
The Erne shot, a daring shot executed from outside the kitchen, used to be a ticket to a point almost as often as it was played. However, in the 2024 season, the numbers show a significant shift in defensive capabilities.
In the men’s doubles finals, players executed 63 Erne shot. Of these, 36 resulted in either a clean winner or were not returned successfully—an impressive 58% success rate. Meanwhile, 27 Ernes were successfully defended, allowing rallies to continue, which accounts for 42% of the attempts.
The women’s doubles finals reflect a contrasting dynamic. Out of 29 Erne shot, only 9 resulted in points or failed to be returned (31%). This indicates that a staggering 69% of the Ernes were defended effectively, showing an exceptional level of defensive skills among female players.
In mixed doubles, the statistics mirror the intensity seen in other formats. A total of 77 Ernes were attempted. Of these, 53 were either clean winners or not returned successfully, representing a 68% success rate. The remaining 24 Ernes, or 32%, were successfully defended, prolonging the rallies.
Overall, across all doubles formats, 169 Ernes were put into play. Among these, 98 (58%) were either successful or not returned, while 71 (42%) were defended, showing the growing resilience in defensive play.
The ATP Shot: A New Defensive Frontier
The ATP shot, known for its angle and aggressive approach, is another area where defensive skills have notably improved. In the men’s doubles finals, players hit 38 ATPs. Of these, 16 were either clean winners or not successfully returned (42%), with the remaining 22 (58%) being effectively defended.
Women’s doubles show a similarly high level of defense. Out of 12 ATPs attempted, 4 were successful or not returned (33%), while 8 (67%) were defended successfully.
In mixed doubles, players faced 42 ATPs. Here, 20 were either clean winners or not returned (48%), leaving 22 ATPs (52%) successfully defended.
When compiling the cumulative data from all doubles finals, 92 ATPs were hit. Of these, 44 (48%) resulted in a point or were not returned, while 48 (52%) were defended, showing an even split between success and defense.
The Broader Impact on the Game
The data reveals a compelling trend: professional pickleball players are increasingly adept at defending against some of the sport’s most aggressive shots. The overall defense rate for both Ernes and ATPs stands at 45%, reflecting a significant improvement in defensive strategies and skills.
This evolution in defensive play not only highlights the growing sophistication of pickleball but also reshapes how players approach high-stakes rallies. The increased ability to return these challenging shots extends rallies and adds excitement and strategy to the game.
News in Brief: Latest PPA Tour Stats
In 2024, professional pickleball players have significantly improved their defense against aggressive shots like the Erne and ATP. The Erne, once a near-guaranteed point, now sees 42% defended across all doubles formats. Men’s doubles shows a 58% success rate for Ernes, while women’s doubles defend 69% of attempts.
The ATP shot, known for its daring angles, also faces strong defense, with 52% of ATPs successfully returned overall. This trend shows a growing defensive skill in the sport, extending rallies and intensifying gameplay. The enhanced ability to counter these shots is reshaping strategies and elevating the competitive level of pickleball.
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