Hi, everyone. A member asked me to provide some info that circulated about 6 years ago regarding Paddle Ratings and the description that goes along with it. It has nothing to do with our ladder. I tried to add a little context for those that aren’t comfortable with this type of system. In some ways it is similar to the Tennis Rating system for leagues and tournaments.
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Here is the self rating tool that will give you a rating assuming you understand the nuance in what they are asking. Always assume that when they ask a question, that it means when playing opponents that are maybe 20 spots higher than you on the ladder. Many people tend to read something and think to themselves, “yes I can do that” When they should be reading it and saying, can I do this against one of the better players in the club. We only have a handful of 5.0 – 5.5 players at the top of our ladder.
Last time this circulated, guys would read the description and think that sounds like me and started professing around the firepit that they were a particular level player, only to be politely corrected as all are when spewing shit around the firepit.
Our top 10 guys that can take over matches against our top guys are 5.0 – 5.5 players. Guys who could routinely make the Semi’s of the State Closed. If people are destroying your serve, and you can’t take away their return and throw a few different looks at them to keep them off balance, start to consider yourself a 4.5 or lower. (unless you have wicked hands and played Div. I tennis at some point. There are exceptions in everything. Sometimes injuries limit a guys serve or other particular shot but their talent shines through.)
If you are between 20 – 40 on our ladder you may be a 4.0 but might likely be a 3.5 or possibly a 3.0. If you don’t come with big tennis skills it is very hard to develop a game that will get you out into the 4.0 and 4.5 levels. Some can do it, but not many.
Most guys 50 – 80 on the ladder don’t really care what they are. They love the game and the club and are happy to show up and have a night out.
If you play competitive tennis leagues or tournaments, take your tennis rating and subtract a half or a full point. Having reliable tennis skills makes becoming a paddle player much easier. But there is still much work to understand the nuances of the game and that this isn’t mini tennis. It takes major commitment and understanding over years to get your paddle rating equal to or higher than your tennis rating, for most guys.
Enjoy.
— Brett Smith
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