How UPR is calculated.
One universal number derived from every shot a player takes — normalized, weighted, and validated across any capture platform.
UPR builds on what current systems already measure — then goes further.
WPR/NPR and other existing rating methods already do meaningful work. They account for opponent rating, set outcome, and match outcome — and do it well. UPR takes those same inputs as its foundation.
Then UPR layers in individual shot-performance data across four dimensions: stroke execution, court positioning, serve and return quality, and match intelligence. The result is a rating fully consistent with the existing logic — and genuinely more precise because it includes what actually happened on court, shot by shot.
UPR doesn't replace the logic of existing systems. It expands that logic with individual performance data.
These metrics and their weights are not fixed by Raydel alone. The exact data points, relative weights, and calculation methodology that determine a player's UPR will be established collaboratively — with input from federations, professional players, recreational players, and data capture platforms. Raydel is the founding partner and the first contributor. The sport decides the rest. Learn about open governance →
1.00 to 13.00.
Every level of the game.
A single continuous scale that maps every player — from first-time beginner to WPT/APT professional — onto one universal number.
Every UPR maps to a named skill tier. Click any row to see the full skill description for that level.
| Skill Tier | Raydel Rating | UPR Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not Rated | NR | Establishing | |
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Your UPR is established over your first five competitive matches. During this window, the system collects data on your win/loss results, opponent ratings, and match scores to calibrate your starting rating accurately. You will not appear on leaderboards or be assigned a tier label until this process is complete. Results in these five matches carry full weight — play competitively and honestly. |
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| Beginner | < 800 | 1.00 – 2.00 | |
Serve & ReturnFunctional at best — a flat, low-pace delivery aimed at getting the ball in play. Double faults occur regularly. Returns are reactive with minimal directional control. GroundstrokesHit with little shape or intent. The forehand may produce a few reliable exchanges; the backhand is inconsistent and often mistimed. Volleys & NetTentative and primarily defensive. Net positioning is rarely sought or maintained. Lob & OverheadThe lob exists only by accident. Smash attempts are uncoordinated and often mis-hit. No bandeja or vibora. Wall PlayEntirely incidental. Back glass and side glass rebounds catch the player by surprise; reading a rebound is not yet a skill. Tactics & MentalNo point construction — play is purely reactionary. Players are still acclimating to the game's unique glass environment and doubles structure. |
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| Advanced Beginner | 800 – 1000 | 2.00 – 3.50 | |
Serve & ReturnLands in consistently but offers no threat. Returns struck with more control but direction and depth are still inconsistent. GroundstrokesImproved mechanics: the forehand has a repeatable swing path. The backhand remains the weaker side and breaks down under pace. Volleys & NetAttempted at net but lack confidence. The player reaches for the ball rather than moving into position. Lob & OverheadThe lob is beginning to emerge as a pressure escape, though height and depth are inconsistent. Bandeja and vibora are unknown. Wall PlayRemains largely accidental. The player may position near the glass but cannot reliably redirect a rebound with purpose. Tactics & MentalDoubles structure is approximate. Point construction is one-shot thinking. Technique erodes significantly in competitive situations. |
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| Low Intermediate | 1000 – 1200 | 3.50 – 4.50 | |
Serve & ReturnMore deliberate — placement toward the body or wide corner is attempted. Returns hit with basic directional intent, though depth control is inconsistent. GroundstrokesRepeatable under moderate pace and can be directed cross-court or down the line with reasonable consistency. Volleys & NetMore comfortable at net, with the forehand volley showing more reliability than the backhand, which still breaks down under pressure. Lob & OverheadLob used purposefully as a defensive reset but lacks consistent depth and height. Basic smash lands more often than not; the bandeja is underdeveloped; the vibora is absent. Wall PlayAttempted but unreliable. Players can identify when a back glass or side glass shot is coming but frequently misread pace or spin. Tactics & MentalDoubles positioning is forming. Two-shot point construction is the ceiling. Composure holds in casual matches but erodes in competitive situations. |
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| Intermediate | 1200 – 1400 | 4.50 – 6.00 | |
Serve & ReturnPlaced with intent targeting T or body with reasonable reliability. Returns directed and occasionally aggressive off weaker serves. GroundstrokesSolid mechanics on both wings. The forehand can generate pace and depth; the backhand is no longer a liability. Volleys & NetReliable on the forehand side; the backhand volley is serviceable but not aggressive. Net game is sought rather than avoided. Lob & OverheadThe lob becomes a real weapon — used deliberately to push opponents off net. Basic smash and a rudimentary bandeja are in the toolkit; the vibora is still emerging. Wall PlayBecoming functional — back glass defense is read with greater reliability and the player can redirect rather than just block. Tactics & MentalDoubles positioning is more structured. Two- and three-shot point construction. The chiquita and volley are beginning to be used tactically. |
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| Transition Band | 1400 – 1500 | ~6.00 – 6.25 | |
Serve & ReturnConsistently placed with purpose. Second serve is solid and seldom exploited. Returns are directed and occasionally aggressive. GroundstrokesDependable under pace. Both wings can sustain a rally with depth and direction. Volleys & NetConfident — the forehand volley can finish points. The backhand volley holds up under moderate pressure. Lob & OverheadLob is well-placed and used both defensively and as a tactical reset. A workable bandeja resets the point; the vibora is attempted but inconsistent. Wall PlayFunctional on both back and side glass. Players can execute a defense off back glass and construct a play from it. Tactics & MentalThree- and four-shot point construction is achievable. Drop shot and chiquita used with tactical purpose. Players lose structure when opponents apply sustained pressure. |
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| True Midpoint ★ | 1500 | 6.25 | |
Serve & ReturnReliable, placed, and occasionally threatened with pace or spin variation. Returns can be aggressive off shorter balls. GroundstrokesSolid on both wings with consistent depth and directional control. No chronic weakness on either side. Volleys & NetCompetent across both forehand and backhand. Net game is actively sought and maintained as a tactical position. Lob & OverheadLob is a genuine tactical weapon. Bandeja used correctly to maintain net position; the vibora is emerging as an executable shot. Wall PlayA real part of the game — back glass defense is read and redirected with confidence. Side glass angles are both defended and constructed. Tactics & MentalFour-or-more shot point construction with deliberate patterns. Drop shot and chiquita used with purpose. Players begin to manage match momentum rather than just react to it. |
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| Upper Intermediate | 1500 – 1700 | 6.25 – 7.75 | |
Serve & ReturnVaried — pace, slice, and body targets are deployed deliberately. Returns can open the point with direction and pace. GroundstrokesConsistent under pace and spin with the ability to hit depth and change direction within a rally. Volleys & NetA weapon — forehand and backhand volleys are used to redirect, angle, and finish points at the net. Lob & OverheadLob deployed both defensively and offensively with height and depth well controlled. Bandeja is reliable; the vibora is increasingly confident. Wall PlayIntegrated into the game plan — back glass defense is used to extend and reset; side glass angles are beginning to be played with construction in mind. Tactics & MentalFive- and six-shot point construction achievable. Drop shot, chiquita, and block used with tactical precision. Players read match situations effectively. |
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| Advanced | 1700 – 1900 | 7.75 – 9.25 | |
Serve & ReturnA tactical weapon — pace, slice, and placement varied with disguise. Returns are offensive, frequently attacking short serves outright. GroundstrokesStruck with pace, spin, and depth across both wings with minimal breakdown under pressure. Volleys & NetAggressive and precise — forehand and backhand volleys are used to open the court, angle the ball, and close out points. Lob & OverheadLob hit with high accuracy in depth and trajectory. Bandeja controlled under pressure; vibora executed reliably to redirect off glass; smash clean when the ball sits up. Wall PlayA genuine tactical dimension. Back glass defense becomes a launching point for counter-attack. Gancho executed with intent; por quatro attempted when the angle presents. Tactics & MentalPoint construction is multi-dimensional. Composure holds through competitive pressure in tournament environments. |
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| High Advanced | 1900 – 2100 | 9.25 – 10.50 | |
Serve & ReturnApplies real pressure — placement, speed, and spin variation combined with a reliable, aggressive second serve. Returns consistently offensive. GroundstrokesPowerful and directional at high pace with excellent consistency. Player can shift pace and spin deliberately to manipulate the point. Volleys & NetSharp and finishing-quality on both sides, with the ability to redirect pace and create angles under pressure at the net. Lob & OverheadLob is precise — used as both a defensive weapon and offensive tool. The bandeja is controlled and disguised; the vibora is executed with power and direction. The gancho is used confidently in the right moments. Wall PlaySophisticated — back glass defense launched into counter-attack. Side glass constructions executed deliberately. Bajada and rulo attempts begin to appear. Tactics & MentalPoint construction is layered and complex. Players perform under tournament pressure and read opponents at a high level. |
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| Tournament Player | 2100 – 2300 | 10.50 – 11.50 | |
Serve & ReturnA genuine weapon that can win free points — placement, spin, and kick varied with timing and disguise. Returns are controlled, offensive, and shift the structure of the point from the first ball. GroundstrokesPowerful, deeply placed, and directionally controlled even at high incoming pace. Changes of direction and pace made to construct openings. Volleys & NetPrecise, aggressive, and finishing-quality on both wings under sustained pressure. Lob & OverheadPerfectly calibrated lob deployed in the right moments. Bandeja, vibora, and smash all executed reliably and correctly selected for the situation, with disguise beginning to appear. Wall PlayFully integrated — back glass and side glass used both defensively and constructively. Gancho is reliable; bajada and rulo executed with confidence; por quatro attempts are calculated and well-timed. Tactics & MentalPoint construction is multi-layered, systematic, and opponent-specific. Players perform at their ceiling in decisive moments. |
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| Professional | 2300 – 2500 | 11.50 – 12.00 | |
Serve & ReturnMulti-option weapon — pace, slice, kick, and body targeting varied with full disguise. Returns are controlled offensives that set up the point from the first ball. GroundstrokesPowerful and directionally precise under full-pace rally conditions. Spin, slice, and changes of pace deployed as deliberate tactical tools. Volleys & NetFinishing shots on both wings — used to construct angles, redirect at pace, and close points with surgical precision. Lob & OverheadPrecisely calibrated in every situation. Bandeja, vibora, and smash selected correctly and executed at high quality with movement. Gancho is reliable and dangerous. Wall PlayA creative tactical tool. Por quatro executed with conviction. Bajada and rulo are clean, reliable shots. Tactics & MentalPoint construction is match-specific, adaptive, and pressurized. Players operate at a consistent elite level across long tournaments — mentally and physically. |
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| World Class / WPT–APT | 2500+ | 12.00 – 13.00 | |
Serve & ReturnMulti-dimensional weapon — pace, spin, and placement varied with full disguise and adaptable in real time. Returns are offensive, precise, and capable of immediately seizing net position. GroundstrokesPowerful, heavily varied in pace and spin, placed with precision under full-pace exchanges. The player manufactures advantage from neutral or defensive positions. Volleys & NetDecisive finishing shots with angles and redirections that most players at lower tiers physically cannot cover. Lob & OverheadControlled tactical weapon deployed with perfect calibration. Bandeja, vibora, and smash executed at speed with disguise, timing, and precision under movement. Gancho used creatively and dangerously. Wall PlayA canvas for point creation — por quatro, back glass, and side glass combinations constructed as attacking sequences. Bajada and rulo are weapons, not experiments. Tactics & MentalShot creation — the ability to invent solutions under pressure rather than execute known patterns. Doubles movement, rotation, and coverage are seamless. Psychologically and physically, these players compete at the highest level of the sport. |
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Any source. One standard.
UPR normalizes performance data from any capture method into one schema. The technology that records the shot doesn't change what the shot was worth. UPR is the common language of padel player performance.
Direct Capture
Raydel, Padelytics, Clutch, AI Ball, PlaySight, SwingVision, and any camera-based platform that generates shot-level data output directly into UPR. Every shot classified, every metric measured in real time.
UPR Converter
Any platform that outputs match or performance data in a non-native format runs it through the UPR Converter. The converter normalizes schema differences, resolves metric mismatches, and produces a valid UPR input regardless of the source format.
Manual & Tournament Entry
Where no capture technology is present, match outcomes and opponent rating provide a solid baseline UPR — the same logic the Raydel Rating already uses. As platforms enter that court or club, shot-level data layers on top, progressively improving the rating's precision.
Accuracy compounds.
The more data flows into UPR, the more precise every player's number becomes. Every platform that joins makes the entire standard stronger.
More platforms integrate
Capture technologies, clubs, and apps connect to the UPR schema.
More shot data flows in
Every match on every connected platform adds data to every player's record.
UPR becomes more accurate
Ratings converge toward a true representation of each player's real level.
More valuable for everyone
Clubs, tournaments, and federations gain a standard they can actually trust — attracting more platforms to integrate.
What UPR is.
What UPR is not.
Institutional standards require precise definitions. Here is exactly what UPR is and isn't.
A proprietary closed system. No single company controls access to the UPR standard or its methodology.
Camera-dependent. Shot-level data improves accuracy, but UPR functions from match outcomes alone and upgrades progressively as richer data becomes available.
Owned by any one platform. Raydel is the founding partner, not the gatekeeper. Any capture platform can integrate and generate valid UPR. The methodology is shaped by the entire sport.
Identical to each platform's own score. Raydel, Clutch, AI Ball, and Padelytics each have their own approach to evaluating and organizing performance. A player's Raydel Rating and their UPR are related — Raydel's data feeds and moves a player's UPR — but they are not the same number. UPR is what the sport agrees on collectively.
Just a match-outcome calculator. That logic is the floor, not the ceiling. UPR's real value is in what it adds on top of outcome data.
Capture-agnostic. The protocol normalizes data from any source — camera, sensor, app, or manual entry — into one universal schema.
Player-owned. A player's UPR belongs to the player. It travels across clubs, platforms, and countries without being locked to any single app or subscription.
Built on performance data. Not opinion, not club affiliation, not self-reported level. Every UPR is derived from documented performance on court.
Expandable to other racket sports. The UPR schema is sport-agnostic at its core. The padel implementation is first — tennis, pickleball, squash, and platform tennis follow the same model.
No single company decides.
The sport decides.
The exact metrics, weights, and methodology that calculate a player's UPR will not be set by Raydel alone. They will be determined collaboratively — by the federations that govern the sport, the professional players who compete at its highest levels, the recreational players who make up its largest community, and the data capture platforms that make measurement possible.
Federations & Governing Bodies
USPA, FIP, and national bodies will have a direct seat at the table. They bring competitive integrity, global credibility, and the authority to make UPR the official standard of the sport.
Professional Players
The professionals who compete on the WPT and APT circuits understand which performance metrics actually separate elite play from the rest. Their input shapes what the standard measures at the highest levels.
Recreational Players
35 million players worldwide. The standard only works if it reflects the full spectrum of the game — from beginners at local clubs to seasoned amateurs competing nationally. Their experience at every tier validates the methodology.
Data Capture Platforms
Raydel, GameCam, Clutch, PlaySight, SwingVision, Padelytics, and every platform that generates performance data contributes real-world signal. The platforms that feed the standard have a direct role in defining what it measures and how.
UPR is a standard the entire padel industry is building together.
Raydel is the founding partner — the first to build, the first to contribute, and the first to invite others to the table. The methodology will evolve as the sport and its stakeholders shape it together.
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