Every year in November, the playing strengths are adjusted. This happens every year so that the matches you play will be fairer.
Why does your rating change?
Due to the explosive growth of padel in the Netherlands, challenges have arisen in the current Dynamic Playing Strength System (DSS). Data analysis and research show that this system no longer accurately reflects the actual playing levels of the players. This leads to imbalances in the playing strength classification between women and men, as well as in the classification of new players. That is why the KNLTB has developed a new rating model for padel, so that you always play at the right level. Below you can read what this new model entails and what you can expect.
More evenly matched games
The new rankings will take effect on January 1. The KNLTB will use a new formula for this. These are the new changes that will determine your ranking.
1. Gender component becomes part of the calculation
The different gender combinations possible in padel will be taken into account, ensuring a better balance between the playing strengths of women and men.
2. Games will count in the calculation
The new formula not only takes into account wins and losses, but also the number of games won and lost. This ensures that you reach your actual playing level faster and more efficiently.
Your playing strength for 2025
What does this mean for you? You can see your new playing strength on the KNLTB website. Your playing strength will be based on how you played last year. There are three ways in which you can see that your rating has gone up, down, or stayed the same.
A green upward arrow means that your playing strength will increase. So in this image, the singles and doubles tennis ratings will increase. The padel ranking will decrease by 1, so it will be at playing strength 8. If nothing changes in your playing strength, there will be a blue dot and nothing will change.
If your playing strength is adjusted, you will of course want a racket that matches your level. So we recommend these rackets per playing strength:
Playing strength 9-7
These rackets are perfect for beginner padel players! They are slightly lighter rackets, which makes you more agile. These rackets also have a very large sweet spot, which is great for beginners. This allows you to hit the ball well almost anywhere on your blade. The balance is also more in the middle, which provides more control and not too much power.
Siux Electra ST3 Go Tecnifibre Wall Master 360 Head Graphene360+ Alpha Elite
Playing strength 6-4
These are the rackets that have more power. They are also slightly heavier, which allows you to play with more power. The sweet spot is still very large. These rackets are designed more for specific playing styles, such as controlling or attacking.
NOX AT10 Genius 12K HEAD Speed Motion Osaka Pro Tour LTD Control
Playing strength 3-1
These rackets are only for truly advanced players. The sweet spot is a lot smaller, so consistency is very important. However, these rackets have a lot more power because they have a high balance. These are the rackets that can score the winning points.
Siux Electra ST3 Pro Bullpadel Vertex 04 25 Babolat Technical Viper
