La padel level grid, updated for several years by a group of enthusiasts united around Padel Magazine et French Padel Shop, has become an essential tool for clubs and players. Used to assess skills on the field, it returns in 2025 with a major change: the removal of elite levels, i.e. levels 9 and 10, in order to simplify and balance the system.
Why remove elite levels?
This decision is based on a simple observation, as explained Regis Monnerie de French Padel Shop :
"We chose to remove levels 9 and 10 because they were never used by elite players. No player spontaneously defines himself as level 9 or 10, because his national ranking already clearly determines his level. This allowed us to simplify the grid, now reduced to 8 levels."
This streamlining makes the grid more readable and accessible for everyone, whether beginners or experienced competitors.
A more balanced and visible tool
To Stéphane Penso, a recognized expert in padel equipment, this simplification represents a real step forward:
"The table gains in balance and makes this grid of levels even more visible. It has now become the basis for many clubs, players and competition management software."
With its 8 levels, the updated grid is an essential tool for organizing structured competitions, balancing matches and improving the player experience.
No automation of levels: a conscious choice
Another debate concerned the integration of an automatic level assimilation system, based in particular on tennis rankings. Finally, the paddle, as a sport in its own right, requires that the level be determined directly on the courts. Playing experience prevails over theoretical criteria related to other disciplines.
"Determining your level on a tennis ranking would be too easy and theoretical. Padel deserves a proper assessment, based on real play."
A wish for 2025?
The 2025 level table remains true to its principles while opting for a simplified presentation. The aim is for players to carry out a self-assessment objective, ensuring balanced games in the clubs. A realistic ambition or just wishful thinking? The coming year will certainly bring answers.
Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.
Quite logical removal of levels 9 and 10 which are not used. The same could be true for levels 7 and 8 (level 7 and higher players without a padel ranking must no longer be very numerous). On the other hand, the famous level grid would deserve to be further developed for “intermediate” players. Today the vast majority of players are categorized in only 3 levels (between 4 and 6) … The three lower levels are also in my opinion not useful and little used (a level 1 or 3 player remains a “beginner”, and will pass the level 4 milestone with a few additional games). A word to the wise 😉