How to Determine Your Padel Level

“What level am I?” is one of the most frequent questions on padel forums. An objective assessment helps you find suitable partners, choose the right tournament, and understand what to work on.

Quick Level Test

Not sure where you stand? Take this 10-question quiz to get an approximate assessment of your level:

Why Know Your Level

• Finding partners. Playing with players of your level is the fastest path to improvement. Opponents who are too strong demoralise you; those who are too weak offer no challenge.
• Tournaments. Tournament formats require a stated level for category placement.
• Training planning. Each level has its focus areas: at 2.0 there is no point working on the vibora, and at 5.0 there is no need to drill basic grip technique.

The 1.0–7.0 Scale

The most widely used system, based on the NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) adapted for padel:

Beginner (1.0–2.5)

1.0 — First steps:

• Just started playing, minimal ball control
• Learning basic shots and rules

1.5 — Completed first sessions:

• Knows the main shots but cannot control the ball
• Can serve but with frequent errors

2.0 — Confident beginner:

• Stable forehand, backhand still uncertain
• Can keep the ball in play but without tactics
• Struggles with volleys and serving

2.5 — Transitional:

• Forehand with control and moderate power
• Beginning to develop the backhand
• Fewer serve errors
• Understands the concept of positioning

Intermediate (3.0–4.5)

3.0 — Lower intermediate:

• Good control and power on the forehand (slice, flat)
• Backhand more consistent but not under pressure
• Beginning to read rebounds off the walls
• Good forehand lobs

3.5 — Solid intermediate:

• Confident backhand (difficulty with fast balls)
• Consistent serve with slice
• More aggressive at the net, good footwork
• Beginning to use the bandeja

4.0 — Strong intermediate:

• Minimal errors on forehand and backhand
• Aggressive serve with control
• Deep volleys, controls net position
• Uses the lob as a tactical weapon

4.5 — Upper intermediate:

• Strategic thinking: reads the opponent’s game
• Uses different shots situationally
• Commands the bandeja and begins learning the vibora
• Good team communication

Advanced (5.0–5.5)

5.0 — Competitive:

• Full command of all shots
• Uses the forehand to set up net approaches
• Controls the pace of the rally
• Can identify and target opponent weaknesses

5.5 — Expert:

• Tactical mastery: adapts strategy during the match
• All shots at the highest level
• Capable of competing at regional tournaments

Elite and Professional (6.0–7.0)

6.0–6.5 — Elite:

• Regularly competes in national tournaments
• All aspects of the game at the highest level

7.0 — Professional:

• Competes in international tournaments (Premier Padel, FIP Tour)

Self-Assessment Checklist

Answer “yes” or “no” to each question. The first question you answer “no” to is approximately your current level:

Rating Platforms

Playtomic

The most popular court booking platform automatically calculates ratings:

• Initial level determined by a registration questionnaire
• Adjusted based on match results
• Beating a higher-rated opponent raises your rating

NPRP (National Padel Rating Program)

A self-assessment system based on skill descriptions:

• 8 categories from Exploratory (1.0) to Professional (7.0)
• Detailed skill descriptions for each level
• Used in a number of clubs and leagues

[EXPERT OPINION] Do not fixate on numbers. A rating is a tool for finding suitable partners and tournaments, not a measure of your worth as a player. Play for enjoyment and progress will follow.

How to Grow