Playing levels

Find your level

Coaching sessions and leagues at Top Padel are grouped by level so you can find a competitive game. Use the guide below to place yourself, then choose a session that fits.

Four padel players of mixed ability at the net of an indoor court at Top Padel Basildon

The level guide

L1 First timer

0 – 1.0

Never played, or fewer than a handful of sessions.

  • Learning the underarm serve and basic rally
  • Getting used to the glass and the enclosed court
  • Best in a coached beginner session before open play

Where to play: Padel 101 · Beginner social

L2 Improver

1.5 – 2.0

You can rally, serve consistently and keep score.

  • Comfortable playing the ball off the back glass
  • Starting to volley and hold the net as a pair
  • Ready for open matches marked Improver

Where to play: Improver drills · Open matches

L3 Intermediate

2.5 – 3.5

Confident club player with match experience.

  • Consistent lobs, bandeja and controlled net play
  • Positioning and pair movement come naturally
  • Plays club leagues and ladders competitively

Where to play: Club league · Intermediate matches

L4 Advanced

4.0+

Tournament and county-standard players.

  • Full shot range including vibora and smashes off the glass
  • Tactical point construction and pressure play
  • Trains regularly and competes at LTA events

Where to play: Performance squad · Advanced matches

Padel coach working with players on an indoor court at Top Padel Basildon

How levels work here

Be honest about your level

Open matches work when the four players are close in standard. If you are between two levels, pick the lower one for your first few matches.

Levels are guides, not gates

Nobody is turned away from a session. Our coaches will nudge you up or down after a session or two so you get the best games.

Mixed-level matches are fine

Pair a stronger player with a developing one and matches stay close. Many of our best social nights are deliberately mixed.