Player rating scale information
What is the skill level scale?
We are aligning and adopting the PFI Skill system. The PFI (Padel Federation of Ireland) skill scale runs from Level 1 (complete beginner) to Level 7 (international professional). Levels 1–6 are divided into decimal sub-levels (e.g. 3.1–3.9) so progress within a level can be tracked in detail; Level 7 is the top band and isn’t sub-divided.
- L1 Beginner (1.0–1.9)
- L2 Advanced Beginner (2.0–2.9)
- L3 Intermediate (3.0–3.9)
Within L3, there are two sub classes as follows:
3.0-3.4 – Lower Intermediate
3.4-3.9 – Mid Intermediate
- L4 Advanced intermediate (4.0–4.9)
- L5 National Club (5.0–5.9)
- L6 National Elite (6.0–6.9)
- L7 International (7+)
L1 – Beginner ( 1.0-2.0)
Technical Skills
* Learning the rules and scoring
* Basic forehand and backhand
* Legal serve but inconsistent
* Limited volley ability
* Little or no wall play
Tactical Awareness
* Focused on getting the ball back
* Limited understanding of positioning
Match Characteristics
* Short rallies (2–5 shots)
* Frequent unforced errors
* Often stays at the baseline
Ready for L2 when:
* Can sustain rallies
* Moves to the net when appropriate
* Understands basic positioning
L2 – Improver ( 2.0-2.99)
Technical Skills
* Consistent forehand and backhand
* Comfortable volleys
* Can hit basic lobs
* Beginning to use the back glass
* Basic overhead
Tactical Awareness
* Knows when to attack and defend
* Starts playing cross-court
* Moves with partner
Match Characteristics
* Rallies of 8–15 shots
* Moderate consistency
* Some forced errors under pressure
Ready for L3 when:
* Defends confidently with the glass
* Uses lobs effectively
* Maintains consistency under pressure
L3.1-3.4 ( Lower Intermediate)
Technical Skills
* Reliable forehand, backhand and volleys
* Good use of back glass
* Starting to use side glass
* More effective use of lobs
* Can execute bandeja and controlled overheads
* Consistent serve and return
Tactical Awareness
* Good court positioning – consistently coming to the net
* Understands offensive and defensive transitions
Match Characteristics
* Longer rallies
* Lower level of unforced errors
* Wins through consistency as much as power
Ready for L3.5-3.9 when:
* Controls matches tactically
* Uses shot variation effectively
* Consistent use of back and side glass
* Performs consistently against strong club players
L3.5-3.9 ( Mid Intermediate)
Technical Skills
* Reliable forehand, backhand and volleys
* Consistent use of back and side glass
* Effective lobs
* Consistent execution bandeja and controlled overheads
* Consistent serve and return
Tactical Awareness
* Good court positioning
* Builds points patiently
* Understands offensive and defensive transitions
Match Characteristics
* Long rallies
* Low unforced errors
* Wins through consistency as much as power
Ready for L4 when:
* Controls matches tactically
* Uses shot variation effectively
* Performs consistently against strong club players
L4 – Advanced intermediate
Technical Skills
* Reliable bandeja and vibora
* Strong volleys
* Powerful yet controlled smashes
* Excellent wall defence
* Can finish points when opportunities arise
Tactical Awareness
* Reads opponents well
* Creates opportunities rather than waiting for errors
* Excellent positioning and communication
Match Characteristics
* Very consistent under pressure
* Few unforced errors
* Strong league and tournament performances
Ready for L5 when:
* Dominates Advanced players consistently
* Competes successfully in high-level tournaments
* Demonstrates exceptional tactical awareness
L5 – Elite
Technical Skills
* Complete command of every shot
* High-level attacking and defensive play
* Consistent winners without excessive risk
Tactical Awareness
* Controls the tempo of matches
* Adapts tactics quickly
* Makes teammates around them perform better
Match Characteristics
* Competes at county, national or equivalent high-level competitions
* Exceptional consistency
* Rarely loses to L4 players