How the Playtomic level system works

Getting Started: Determining Your Initial Level

When you first join Playtomic, we need to understand your skill level in your chosen sport (tennis or padel). To do this, you'll complete a brief level assessment with questions about your playing experience and abilities.

This initial assessment can only be completed once and gives you your starting level. From there, your level will adjust automatically based on your match results.

How Your Level Changes

Your Playtomic level is dynamic and updates after each competitive match based on several factors:

• Match result – Whether you won or lost
• Opponent levels – The skill levels of the players you faced
• Partner level – Your teammate's skill level
• Your reliability score – How established your level is (more matches = higher reliability)

Winning against higher-level players will increase your level more significantly. Conversely, losing to lower-level players will decrease your level more notably.

Understanding Reliability

Reliability is a key factor in how much your level changes after each match. When you're new to Playtomic, your reliability is low, so your level will fluctuate more dramatically as the system learns your true skill level. As you play more matches, your reliability increases and your level becomes more stable — players with well-established reliability will see smaller changes after wins or losses.

How is reliability calculated?

Reliability is set automatically by the system — neither you nor Playtomic Customer Care can adjust it manually. The main way to build it is simply by playing competitive matches. The more you play, the higher your reliability will grow over time.

Please note: if you complete a leveling session at one of our certified clubs, your reliability is automatically set to medium (50%), since the level assigned during that session is considered trustworthy by the system.

Why Levels Change Differently for Each Player

You may notice that your level changes differently than your partner's after the same match. This is normal and happens because:

• Each player has a different reliability score
• The algorithm considers each player's current level relative to opponents
• Players with lower reliability will see larger level swings

As your reliability increases over time, your level changes will become smaller and more predictable.

Competitive vs. Friendly Matches

Only competitive matches affect your level. If you want to play without impacting your rating, simply select the friendly match option when creating or joining a game.

When Your Level Doesn't Change

If your level didn't change after a match, it could be due to:

• The match was set as friendly (not competitive)
• The match results were rejected by one or more players
• The score entered was invalid

Valid Score Requirements

For a set to count toward level changes, it must meet these conditions:

1. One player/team must have more points than the other
2. At least one player/team must have scored 6 or 7 points
3. If neither has scored 7 points, there must be a 2-point difference (e.g., 6-4 is valid, 6-5 is not)
4. If either has scored 7 points, a 1-point difference is acceptable (e.g., 7-6 is valid)

What Happens in a Tie?

Even in tied matches, levels will change. The team with the higher combined level will lose points, while the team with the lower level will gain points. This helps balance the system over time.

Need to Adjust Your Level?

If you feel your level doesn't accurately reflect your skill, you have two options:

• Lower your level manually – You can adjust your level downward through the app. Learn how to change your level.
• Get evaluated in a leveling session – Attend a leveling event at a Playtomic Leveling Club to have your level professionally assessed. Find out more about Playtomic Leveling Clubs.

Keep in mind that consistent play will naturally adjust your level to match your true ability.