UK PADEL RATING SYSTEM

Playing the same level games is a great way to get started, we ask players to self-rate themselves using this simple rating system that we have categorised.

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The UK PADEL Ratings system provides a standardised reference for Padel players using the LTA Padel framework. It is a guide to help new players to Padel establish a level and find partners to play with at a similar standard. It is a guide, and not an exact science. UK PADEL will be using our ratings guide to drive dynamic performance data to give users of our APP a live level based on your results, like the handicap system in golf.

PLATER
RATING
C1.0 C2.0 C3.0 B4.0 B5.0 A6.0
Mobility
Co-ordination, Footwork and Movement
Limited and movement affects shot execution. Can sustain a short length rally at very slow pace. Tries to play the game with arms only, no footwork. Starting to show some movement and hitting through a ball but still limited and inconsistent movement. Can sustain a medium length rally at a slow pace. Limited when under pressure. Can defend comfortably in a medium pace, medium length rally. Developed some balance when on the ball to transfer weight through a shot Can defend comfortably in a medium to long rally. Gets behind the ball with fast movement around the court, and coordination is consistently there, once again under pressure accuracy of movement disintegrates Can sustain high intensity during matches, remaining balanced during very fast sequences of movement and through technical execution of a shot; such as when hitting with spin, pace or power Balanced during high intensity fast paced and long rallies.
Positioning on the court Does not come to the net after they serve, no understanding of net positioning or it being the position to dominate the game from. They come to the net after they serve so have basic understanding of court positioning. May not arrive at the same place each time, or likely be in the wrong place. Always moves to the net after serving, however often caught in between front and back as not moving to the net with enough pace or hitting the serve too quickly to get there. Starting to show that they understand the tactic of lobbing and similarly slice volley/ bandeja to hold the position on the court. Makes every effort to hold the net at all times, executing sliced volleys/ lobs to keep that position. Lack the tactics to always chose the right shot. Seamless transition from defence to attack and back when appropriate Next level understanding of the variations between defence and attack positions such as standing closer to walls or net depending on the shot opponent hits.
Ground Strokes Basic flat forehand groundstroke, with many unforced errors. May not even be able to hit a backhand and can only return the ball a few times for a rally. Basic groundstrokes on both forehand and backhand, and does not hit quite as many unforced errors so can partake in longer rallies. Basic groundstrokes on both sides, technically strong enough to hit minimal unforced errors, though inconsistent when adding variety to shot making. Such as placement or attempting to introduce spin and power. Consistent strokes, alongside minimal unforced errors, which can be used to take control of the rally, using tactics such as a range of pace on the shots, and directing the ball to different areas and corners of the court. Technically competent to execute all shots. Has a range of sliced and top spin shots that can open up a court. Top spin kick smash, regular use of chip shot/ Chiquita to control the point and control the position of their opponent on the court, also uses groundstrokes and a variety of flat or sliced shots. Everything with great accuracy, all the time.
Front court
Net play, Volleys & Attack
Can hit a flat volley, a basic shot but it is not accurate, would instinctively prefer to hit a groundstroke than a volley. Hits flat volley. Has some understanding of a sliced volley/ bandeja but not able to execute or coordinate the basic technique. Can most likely hit a smash winner from tennis as only competent volley. Reliant on a flat smash and doesn’t always execute it. Can use the bandeja but doesn’t chose the right time for each volley. Can create some angles and depth with the shot. Hits consistent volleys, low or high and can hit them both flat and with slice, but not consistently enough to guarantee outcome. Can use the bandeja but not consistently execute it or deploy it at the right time. Likely that transition volleys are well played consistent. Has no topspin kick smash, smash is flat. Can hit the top spin smash as well as alternative volley shots like the vibora. The volley is played to a consistently planned length and the appropriate volley is used when placed under pressure. Knows how to use all the volley shots and play them at the right time from the right part of the court in any direction and at any pace to open up the court.
Defending Likely unable to use walls or to defend near walls. Little ability to use a lob enough or to hit it correctly. Will likely be able to work with one wall and will be able to use a lob but not clear on what type of lob to hit nor able to hit it consistently back in the court, or with confidence on accuracy. May be weaker on one side such as backhand off the wall and in the lob execution. The player is able to cut out unforced errors when defending modest shots that come off the wall. Has started to be clear on how the ball will come off of two walls ( side wall then back wall glass for instance), but struggles to play it consistently or with accuracy. Lobs are becoming a basic defence tool but not hit with variety and consistency. Defending is becoming consistent, with the ability to repeatedly defend against double glass shots, as well as being able to retrieve not only standard height balls but also lower balls hit at pace. Lobs are struck with confidence when aiming high, but may not be able to mix up the variety for the just out of reach lob. Consistent and confident double and single glass returns with consistent lobs at height or hit at speed. They can defend as to obtain an advantage, returning attacking shots such as vibora’s back to the opponents with composure and accuracy. Defencive lobs come in all angles and speed, including a sliced lob.
Strategy
building points and team work with a partner
Can’t consistently move together with their partner. Is not able to adjust their game based on opponents play, cannot execute point building strategies like using a short shot or a lob to flip defence into attack. Understands the concept of moving front to back with a partner. Does not understand moving side to side to cover gaps, and can’t communicate this with a partner nor know who should take the middle ball. Has basic understanding of transition in the game from defence to attack using shots like lobs. Growing awareness of strongest opponent and areas not to hit the ball to. Can highlight and expose opponents weaknesses, but not able to consistently anticipate; can perhaps go through one cycle before not being able to adjust their game further. Still reactive to opposition but movement together with a partner side to side is improved, and this level player can do that consistently, making small adjustments to what their partner does. May still make regular poor decisions from strong positions. Awareness of partners court position at all times and can adapt accordingly, and move to the strongest place to be on the court as a pair. Now able to use lobs for point construction though more complex strategy building may still be inconsistent; They can see opponents’ strengths but may not be able to fully expose weaknesses with limited anticipation. Able to change thier game to work in the best partnership and to create strategy quickly. Able to confidently break out of formation without sending partner into panic, such as covering dynamically and relieving pressure from partner. Are thinking several plays in advance to construct seuquences that don’t allow opponents to play to their strengths. Agree and execute strategy with a partner and will play in different formations such as a front player and a back player, agreeing where and how any space is covered. Entirely and totally flexible to avoid playing to their opponents strengths and can play out a sequence of shots entirely as planned.

Holmer Green Padel, Dormer Lane (off Spurlands End road), Holmer Green, High Wycombe, HP15 6PG

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