Padel has become a global movement, shaped by communities stretching from Madrid to Dubai and from Bangkok to Buenos Aires. Yet with this rise comes a familiar question for travelling players: what level am I, really? A rating that feels comfortable at your home club can translate very differently abroad. A full court of players who call themselves “3.0” may vary widely in ability, depending on coaching standards, local competition, and the depth of the padel community where they play.

Around the world, clubs and platforms are working to bring consistency to player ratings. Playtomic, the largest international padel booking platform, has become one of the most referenced systems for recreational players seeking clarity. Although no rating can fully capture your intuition about who you enjoy playing with, understanding the global scale helps you choose the right tournaments, the right social mix and even the right travel destinations.

If you are unsure of your level, ask a coach to watch you for fifteen minutes. Short observational assessments are one of the quickest ways to determine sports proficiency with reasonable accuracy.

This guide walks you through the widely used Playtomic player rating system, helping you recognise where you sit today and what that means when you travel for padel.

Understanding Padel Ratings and Skill Levels

Padel ratings help players find suitable partners, book balanced matches and enter events that feel competitive without being overwhelming. They also provide a shared language across borders. Still, it is important to remember that numbers remain relative to local context unless the standardised criteria are followed closely.

Below is a refined walkthrough of the international Playtomic scale, which ranges from complete beginner to elite professional. These descriptions provide more than technical markers. They also show how a traveller might experience match-ups across the world.

Beginner Levels

Level 0

Never played any racket sport before. Movement is exploratory and rallies are short. This is the pure starting point.

Level 0.5

Has not taken classes and has played for fewer than six months. Little technical or tactical awareness, but able to participate in simple rallies. This level is common among curious first-time holiday players.

Level 1

Has taken few or no classes and has played for fewer than twelve months. Technique is limited and tactical understanding is minimal. Players at this stage often benefit from group clinics and fundamental drills.

Low Intermediate Levels

Level 1.5

Has taken a few classes and plays a couple of games a month. Can rally and return at low speed. At this point players begin to recognise timing, rhythm and basic net play.

Level 2

Has taken a few classes and has at least one year of experience. Still plays casually but can maintain rallies at low speed and start experimenting with court positioning. This is the level where social matches become more enjoyable during travel.

Intermediate Levels

Level 2.5

Has almost mastered most basic strokes and can control the direction of the ball at a normal pace. This level marks the transition to consistent cross-court rallies and a growing use of walls.

Level 3

Can dominate most strokes and drives the ball with confidence, but makes many unforced errors. Players here often have strong athletic ability but are still refining shot selection.

Level 3.5

Comfortable with slice forehand, slice backhand and flat shots. Can direct the ball correctly but still makes frequent unforced errors. A very common level in international holiday clubs.

High Intermediate Levels

Level 4

Masters most strokes and controls direction well. Able to play slice forehand, slice backhand and flat shots with accuracy. Only a few unforced errors. This is where strategic play improves and where travellers often benefit from joining mid-level tournaments.

Level 4.5

A confident, reactive player with strong stroke mastery. Can place the ball accurately at speed, though may struggle to finish points under pressure. Partners at this level value communication and efficient movement.

Advanced Intermediate

Level 5

Technically solid with a clear tactical mindset. Comfortable playing matches at a good pace. This level suits competitive leagues, structured clinics and destination events that blend coaching with match play.

Advanced Levels

Level 5.5

Dominates technical and tactical aspects and can play at a high pace. Consistency is strong and positioning is deliberate. A natural level for advanced travellers entering invitational events.

Level 6

High control and consistency across all shots.

Forehand and backhand
The player hits with power and depth, using variety to control rallies. Backhand is efficient even under pressure. Lobs are purposeful and set up net-dominant phases of play.

Attacking strokes
Volleying is sharp, decisive and well placed. The player identifies weaknesses quickly and plays with maintained pace even in faster exchanges.

Walls
Strong defensive rebounding, competent bajadas on both sides, and a clear understanding of tactical adjustments. Teamwork is mature and court reading is intelligent. Physical and mental consistency remains high across long rallies and matches.

At this level, travellers often join advanced training camps or invite-only tournaments.

Elite Level

Level 7

Professional players competing at the highest level, typically ranked within the top 30 of the World Padel Tour. This level is rarely encountered by recreational travellers, though many luxury resorts host exhibition matches featuring touring professionals.

Using Your Padel Rating When You Travel

A well-understood rating enhances your padel travel in meaningful ways. It ensures that you enter suitable tournaments, join social sessions that match your rhythm and meet players who elevate your game rather than overwhelm or underserve it.

Many destination clubs are now integrating global rating systems to improve matchmaking. Research from sports tourism providers shows that holidaymakers who participate in level-appropriate sporting activities report significantly higher satisfaction, especially when competitiveness and enjoyment are well balanced (World Tourism Organisation, 2023).

For travellers who feel caught between levels, it is better to rate conservatively. Playing slightly above your comfort zone can be enriching, but travelling for padel should remain enjoyable, not stressful.

How Luxury Padel Escapes Helps You Play at Your Level

Luxury Padel Escapes curates tailored padel holidays built around your playing style, your level and your preferred environment. We partner with the world’s best padel clubs, trusted coaches and high-quality programmes around the world. 

Some travellers enjoy calm, wellness-led destinations with casual play and social events. Others prefer high-energy clubs with competitive coaching and matches. Matching you correctly is part science, part intuition and part deep understanding of padel communities worldwide.

When curating your itinerary, we look at elements that go beyond your number, whether that be the type of opponents you enjoy, whether you prefer structured coaching or free match play, the atmosphere you enjoy at a club, and more.

Your rating is a starting point, but your travel personality shapes the rest.

Closing Thoughts

Padel is unique in how quickly it brings people together. Understanding your rating allows you to travel with confidence, meet players who complement your game and step into new destinations with a sense of ease. As global rating systems continue to evolve, the travellers who understand their level will enjoy richer matches, better events and more rewarding padel holidays.

If you are planning your next padel escape, we would be delighted to design a bespoke journey shaped around your rating, your preferences and your vision of the perfect trip.

Begin your personalised escape with Luxury Padel Escapes. Enquire now.