Padel ranking: how does it work and how can you improve?

 Discover everything you need to know about padel rankings in this article. You’ll learn how the system assesses players’ level of play, what ranking levels exist and why these rankings matter. 

We will also give you some tips to improve your ranking and progress in the world of padel.

How does the padel ranking work? 

Since April 2023, the national Padel Ranking in France has been a dynamic ranking system that takes into account the 12 best results achieved by each player over the last 12 months. 

There are two padel rankings: men’s and women’s. Although women can enter certain men’s competitions, there is no mixed ranking. 

The FFT Padel Ranking is published on the first Tuesday of each month, providing regular updates to player rankings, with sorting by rank, league and alphabetical order. 

How does the padel points system work in France?

In France, points are calculated based on results in tournaments held throughout the country. There are several tournament categories, which award more or fewer points depending on the playing level of the participants. Tournaments are named starting with P for padel, followed by the number of points earned by the tournament winner. The range therefore goes from P25, the smallest category, to P2000, the highest points category. 

Each tournament category has its own points scale, and each participating pair earns a specific number of points depending on its finishing position in the tournament. We have explained all this in articles dedicated to each tournament category to provide more details. 

How does the points system work abroad?

In France, the points system is fairly basic. In other countries, each federation manages it in its own way. The points system is also the same in Spain, logically with more players and therefore a higher standard. In other countries, other methods are used to rank players, often depending on the number of licence holders and participants. 

What are the padel ranking levels? 

An individual padel ranking is defined by a rank ranging from 1 to N. If several players are tied at the same rank, this will be taken into account when determining the ranking of the next player. For example, if there are 12 players ranked 1000, the next player will be ranked 1,013.

If a player is unranked, their ranking will be equal to that of the last-ranked player in France, plus one. If several players are tied at the last rank, this will be taken into account when determining the ranking of an unranked player. For example, if there are 25 players at the last rank, ranked 13,000th, then an unranked player will be numbered 13,026 (this rank for unranked players is indicated in the monthly Ranking file published on the FFT website).

A player's individual rank is also used to calculate a pair's weight. To do this, the rankings of both players must be added together. Please note that you must add the rankings (ranks), not each player's total points. Therefore, the lower a pair's weight, the stronger the team is considered to be.

Why is the padel ranking important?

Establishing a ranking for padel players is important for several reasons:

Assessment of playing level

It allows a player's level to be assessed objectively by placing them in relation to their peers. Comparing themselves with other players allows them to establish benchmarks to measure progress over time and assess their performances. 

The ranking is also a powerful driver of progress and motivation for players who aspire to improve. By knowing your ranking, you can set specific development goals and commit yourself to reaching a higher level.

Organisation of competitions

Furthermore, the padel ranking plays an essential role in organising competitions and tournaments. By grouping players according to their level, it helps ensure balanced and stimulating matches. 

In addition, the ranking can be used to determine players' eligibility to participate in specific events, sometimes reserving certain tournaments for players who have reached a required ranking level. 

How can you improve your padel ranking?

To improve your padel ranking, you need to earn points, and to earn points, you need to enter competitions. Playing regularly in official tournaments will help you accumulate ranking points. Bear in mind that the rules of padel may vary between tournaments and regions. 

Look for tournaments suited to your level and take part in them to increase your chances of earning points. The further you progress in the tournament and the better your results, the more points you accumulate. Reaching the final stages or winning matches against higher-ranked players can earn you additional points. As your ranking improves, consider entering higher-category tournaments.

Consistency in your performances is important for earning ranking points. It is better to achieve solid results regularly than to have inconsistent performances. 

Train and enter tournaments regularly. Make sure you also have the best equipment for your level: padel shoes , padel rackets , a padel bag and other padel accessories. 

Resources for tracking your padel ranking?

To keep track of your padel ranking, there’s one solution: the Ten’up app. Created by the French Tennis Federation in 2019, the idea was simple: bring all tennis (and padel) players together in one place so they could connect. With Ten’up, players can book courts at their club, enter tournaments, view their match history and check their ranking. Ideal for meeting players at the same padel level as you! It’s a must-have for any tennis or padel player, helping you stay informed both on and off the padel courts…