player ratings
Padel is at its best when both
teams are evenly matched. A player rating system helps make that happen
– creating fair, competitive and enjoyable games – whether you’re playing socially or in a tournament.
A rating also gives you a clear picture of your current level and the areas you can work on, making it easier to track your progress over time. And when players know they’ll be matched fairly, they’re far more likely to join club sessions, leagues and competitions.
Padel in the UK has two main rating systems...
Playtomic Rating
This is the most widely used system globally because Playtomic is the main app for booking courts and matches.
Key points
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Your ‘Starting Level’ rating is determined by the answers you give to a short questionnaire when you create your Playtomic profile.
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The dynamic rating system updates after every match based on your opponents’ level, the score, and how ‘expected’ your result was.
lta Rating
(Lawn Tennis Association) This is the official UK system, used by clubs and coaches to classify your playing level.
Key points
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Assigned by an LTA‑qualified coach
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Based on technique, consistency, tactical understanding and match play
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Used for coaching groups, club sessions and entry into LTA‑sanctioned tournaments
So what's your rating?
Here’s a comparison of both systems. You’ll notice that they differ slightly, but serve as a useful guide in helping you determine and understand your player rating.
Playtomic
Has never played any racket sport
LTA
N/a
No classes. Less than 6 months playing. No technique or tactics.
N/a
No classes or only a few. Less than 12 months playing. No technique or tactics.
This player has no experience and is just starting to play.
Few classes. A couple of games a month. Rally and return at low speed.
N/a
Few classes. At least one year of play. A couple of games a month. Rally and return at low speed.
Player is consistent at a low pace.
Has almost mastered most of the strokes and controls the directions at a normal pace.
Player is consistent at a medium pace, however shots lack direction.
Dominates most strokes, plays flat and drives the ball. Makes many unforced errors.
Dominates most strokes. Can play slice forehand, slice backhand and flat. Can direct the ball correctly. Makes a lot of unforced errors.
Masters most strokes. Controls the directions. Is able to play slice forehand, slice backhand or flat and direct the ball. Makes a few unforced errors.
Masters the stroke. Controls the directions. Is able to play slice forehand, slice backhand or flat and direct the ball where wanted. Puts the ball at speed but has difficulties finishing points.
Medium technique and high tactical mindset. Is ready to play matches with good pace.
5.5-6.5: Dominates technical and tactical skills. Prepared to play matches at high pace. Forehand and backhand: Hard hitting with control, depth and variety of shots. Can use the backhand on aggressive shots with fairly good consistency. Can return difficult serves with control. Attacking strokes: Can hit with depth and power, plays difficult volleys, looking for the opponent’s weak point. Walls: Good rebounding defense, even on strong balls. Is less mentally and physically consistent than an eliteor professional player.
Professional player. Top 30 World Padel Tour.
Player is building confidence at a medium pace and is consistent at a medium pace.
Player has control and pace. Previous racket skills generally fall into this category.
Player has experience constructing padel points and is generally a consistent player.
Player is resourceful – executing winners and the ability to force errors.
Player has experience competing at a tournament level.
5.5: This is a top nationally ranked player regularly competing at a high tournament level.
6.0: Semi-professional player with a World ranking outside the World’s top 250.
6.5: Professional player ranked inside the World’s top 250.
Professional player ranked inside the World’s top 100.