Padel levels in Spain

If you play padel it is important to know your skill level. Depending on where you play these levels are described differently.

On this page we try to describe some of the different padel levels and how they relate to each other in different countries.

What is your padel level?

In our descriptions below we explain and make a rough comparison of the padel level systems used in Spain, Sweden and Belgium.

• In Spain they basically use two different padel level systems. These are the player skill levels (ES 1.0-7.0) and the tournament category levels (first, second, third, fourth and fifth). The skill level system (1-7) in Spain has many similarities with the Playtomic level system.
• Sweden (SE) only use one skill level system (1-10). Often referred to as the Matchi system.
• In Belgium (BE) players are often categorized in the P50-P1000 point-system.

Beginner padel levels

• ES1.0 = SE1 = BE P50 – Players who have just started playing padel and has no experience on the court.
• ES1.5 = SE2 = BE P50 – Padel players who have played a few times and know the basic strokes but has difficulty keeping the ball in play.
• ES2.0 = SE3 = BE P100 – This player can perform the basic stokes but is lacking in control and power. He/she avoids the backhand and finds it difficult to perform volleys and serves.
•  ES2.5 = SE3 = BE P100 – This player have a decent forehand and is beginning to manage backhands, serves and forehand volleys.

Intermidiate padel levels

• ES3.0/cat5 = SE4 = BE P200 – This player has a good forehand and can control the backhand, serve, forehand lob, forehand volley and slow rebounds from the glass.
• ES3.5/cat5 = SE5 = BE P200 – This player has a strong forehand, makes few misstakes on the backhand and can serve with slice. He/she can use aggresive forehand volleys at the net, has started to master the bandeja and powerful forehand returns after the glass.
• ES4.0/cat4 = SE6 = BE P300 – This player has a reliable forehand and can play the backhand with control and power. He/she has a more aggressive serve, can perform deep powerful volleys and is using bandejas and smashes with good control.
• ES4.5/cat4 = SE6 = BE P400 – This player has an aggressive forehand, a powerful backhand and serves with precision. He/she has good control on all volley shots, is continously using the glass for returns, smashes with power and puts effect on the ball with the bandejas and bajadas.

Advanced padel levels

• ES5.0/cat3 = SE7 = BE P500 – This player has a well controlled and powerful forehand, backhand and serve. He/she knows how to place the ball in the opponents weak spots and attacks aggressively on the volleys, sending the balls deep in the court. The overhead game is consistent, special shots like the drop shot is integrated into the game as well as using the walls effectivly.
• ES5.5/cat2 = SE8 = BE P700 – This player has all the qualities of the ES5/SE7 player but with even more accuracy and power. He/she plays with consitency and strenght without making unneseesary misstakes. This player also makes good decicions on the court based on stategy and the ablity to read the game.

Expert and professional padel levels

ES6.0-7.0/cat1 = SE9-10 = BE P1000

For players on these levels there is no need for catgorisation. The skill of the player is predominantly detimined by their placements in different tournaments and leuges.

A player at level ES6.5/SE9/BE P1000 plays national tournaments frequently and with good results. Level ES7/SE10 players play international tournaments and matches.

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Find Your Padel Level – Self-Assessment Guide

Whether you’re just starting out or already smashing balls out of the cage, understanding your padel level helps you find the right training, tournaments, and playing partners.

This guide breaks down padel levels 1–10 using six key skill areas: Groundstrokes, Serve, Wall Play, Volleys, Overheads and Movement.

Use the SE-level above to translate to your local circumstances.

Level 1 – Total Beginner

• Groundstrokes: I struggle to hit the ball and lack technique.
• Serve: I’m unsure and rarely get my serve in.
• Wall Play: I don’t use the wall at all.
• Volleys: I avoid playing at the net.
• Overheads: I don’t attempt overhead shots.
• Movement: I often stand still and don’t know where to position myself.

You’ve just started – and that’s fantastic! Taking your first step onto the padel court is brave and exciting. Focus on having fun, learning the basics, and not being afraid to make mistakes.

Development tip: Join a beginner course, play with patient friends, and practice simply getting the ball over the net.

Level 2 – Beginner

• Groundstrokes: I can hit forehands, but backhands are difficult.
• Serve: I sometimes get the serve in, but I make many double faults.
• Wall Play: I try using the wall occasionally, but often fail.
• Volleys: I try to volley but have poor control.
• Overheads: I attempt overheads sometimes, but rarely hit them well.
• Movement: I move reactively and often arrive late to the ball.

You’re starting to get a feel for the game – keep going! You’ve passed the first hurdle. Now it’s about building confidence in your shots and trying new things.

Development tip: Practice your serve and basic strokes, watch instructional videos, and play with different partners to learn teamwork

Level 3 – Advanced Beginner

• Groundstrokes: I’m comfortable with forehands and lobs, and starting to improve my backhand.
• Serve: I usually get my serve in and sometimes move to the net.
• Wall Play: I’m beginning to understand wall play but rarely use it.
• Volleys: I have some control but get nervous under pressure.
• Overheads: I can hit basic smashes, but not with power.
• Movement: I try to position myself correctly but often get caught out of place.

You’re becoming a steady player – great job! You’re beginning to understand the game and can rally the ball. Now it’s time to refine your technique.

Development tip: Start using the wall more, work on positioning, and play simple matches to gain experience.

Level 4 – Recreational Player

• Groundstrokes: My basic shots are reliable, and I can vary them a little.
• Serve: My serve is stable and I often follow it up by moving to the net.
• Wall Play: I use the wall actively, with mixed results.
• Volleys: My volleys are more stable and have some power.
• Overheads: I feel confident with several types of overhead shots.
• Movement: I move better on court and try to anticipate the ball, but I still hesitate at times.

You’ve built a solid foundation – now it’s getting really fun! You play with confidence and understand the basics. Now you can start thinking more tactically.

Development tip: Practice ball placement, improve movement and teamwork, and try participating in casual tournaments.

Level 5 – Intermediate

• Groundstrokes: I have good control and can vary speed and direction.
• Serve: My serve is consistent and starting to be used tactically.
• Wall Play: I’m comfortable using the wall, even double rebounds.
• Volleys: I have good control and can place the ball effectively.
• Overheads: I use multiple techniques with decent power and accuracy.
• Movement: I move efficiently and recover position after each shot, though I sometimes misread the play.

You’re a competent player – time to sharpen the details! You have control and can influence the game. Now it’s about becoming more consistent and strategic.

Development tip: Train double-wall shots, improve serve variation, and start analyzing your matches.

Level 6 – Upper Intermediate

• Groundstrokes: I master variations in spin, placement, and tempo.
• Serve: I use my serve offensively to gain advantage.
• Wall Play: I use the wall tactically and consistently.
• Volleys: I can control the game from the net with my volleys.
• Overheads: I hit powerful and varied overhead shots.
• Movement: I move with purpose, anticipate well, and transition smoothly between defense and attack.

You have a complete game – impressive! You’ve mastered technique and have good game understanding. Now it’s time to fine-tune and raise the intensity.

Development tip: Play against stronger opponents, take lessons with a coach, and work on reading the game faster.

Level 7 – Experienced

• Groundstrokes: I’m confident with all basic shots and use them strategically.
• Serve: I challenge opponents with placement and spin.
• Wall Play: I use the wall as a weapon in my game.
• Volleys: I hit powerful, fast, and well-placed volleys.
• Overheads: I use bandeja, vibora, and smash strategically.
• Movement: I read the game well, move proactively, and cover the court with ease.

You’re a strong player – and it shows! You play with control, variation, and tactical finesse. Now it’s about becoming even more efficient.

Development tip: Train to control tempo, improve your bandeja and vibora, and compete in B-class tournaments.

Level 8 – Skilled

• Groundstrokes: I have full control and can hit under pressure.
• Serve: I often gain an advantage directly from my serve.
• Wall Play: I use the wall to create openings.
• Volleys: I win points with power and precision.
• Overheads: I use advanced techniques with high accuracy.
• Movement: I move fluidly, anticipate early, and position myself optimally for every shot.

You’re a padel strategist – with both brains and technique! You play with precision and can dominate matches. Now it’s about fine adjustments.

Development tip: Work on match psychology, play against different styles, and create a personal development plan.

Level 9 – Expert

• Groundstrokes: I master all shots with precision and power.
• Serve: I vary my serve tactically and make it hard to read.
• Wall Play: I use the wall as part of my advanced strategy.
• Volleys: I dominate the game from the net.
• Overheads: I smash with power and use bandejas with control.
• Movement: I glide across the court, maintain perfect positioning, and recover instantly.

You’re an elite player – and highly respected! You have full control over the game and can adapt to any opponent. Now it’s about staying at the top.

Development tip: Train with other elite players, analyze match statistics, and stay updated with international trends.

Level 10 World-Class

• Groundstrokes: I play with maximum efficiency—every shot has a purpose.
• Serve: My serve is hard to return and often wins points.
• Wall Play: I use the wall creatively to manipulate the game.
• Volleys: I play near perfection and win matches from the net.
• Overheads: I smash out of the cage and use stop volleys and viboras with spin.
• Movement: I move like a machine—fast, precise, and always one step ahead.

You’re a role model – and an inspiration to others! You play padel at the highest level. Your development is a constant journey toward perfection.

Development tip: Work with a mental coach, fine-tune details with video analysis, and contribute to the sport by sharing your knowledge.