Skill Divisions
Paddle Party runs three divisions. Pick the one that fits where you are now — not where you want to be.
You self-select. There's no test, no tryout, no gatekeeper. Read the descriptions and trust your read of yourself.
You've picked up a paddle a handful of times — or maybe not at all. You're still learning where to stand, how to score, and what a dink is. You're not ready to compete seriously and you know it. This division is relaxed, welcoming, and focused on learning through play rather than winning.
≈ DUPR 2.0 – 3.0
Register as NewbieYou know the rules, you can keep a rally going, and you're ready to play competitively. You're not just hitting the ball back — you're starting to think about placement. You might not have a reliable third-shot drop yet, but you're building competitive instincts.
≈ DUPR 3.0 – 3.5
Register as BeginnerYou play regularly and you've developed real consistency. You're thinking about strategy — where to position yourself, when to attack, when to reset. You have a working dink game and you're starting to finish points deliberately rather than waiting for errors.
≈ DUPR 3.5 – 4.5
Register as Lower IntermediateWe don't run tryouts or skill tests. You self-select. That puts the responsibility on you to be honest — which is in your own interest. Playing up when you're not ready makes the league less fun for everyone, including you.
The three questions to the right are the honest ones. Most people know the answer after the second one.
When in doubt: start lower. You can move up next season. You can't un-register from a division that's too hard mid-season.
Register NowIf the answer is "sometimes" or "not really" — you're Newbie. If yes, comfortably — you're at least Beginner.
If you're just trying to keep it in — Beginner. If you're actively choosing where to put the ball — Lower Intermediate.
A few times ever → Newbie. A few times a month → Beginner. Weekly with intent → Lower Intermediate.
DUPR ratings are a useful reference, not a requirement. You don't need a rating to play in Paddle Party.
Roughly DUPR 2.0 – 3.0. You're still building basic mechanics and court awareness. Rules might still feel unfamiliar.
Roughly DUPR 3.0 – 3.5. You can sustain rallies and play a full competitive match. Starting to develop a consistent serve and return.
Roughly DUPR 3.5 – 4.5. You play regularly, think tactically, and have a developing dink game and net presence.
DUPR self-ratings are notoriously inflated. If you're on the edge between two divisions, start lower — it's easier to dominate and move up than to struggle and stay.
Division changes aren't permitted once the season starts — so choose carefully before registering. If you realise you've misplaced yourself before the season begins, contact the league admin and we'll do our best to accommodate a move during the placement window.
Yes. Division placement resets each season. If you dominated your division this season, register up next time. There's no automatic promotion — it's still self-select — but there's also no barrier to moving up if you feel ready.
No. DUPR ratings are a useful reference point, but we don't require one. Read the division descriptions, answer the three questions honestly, and register where you think you fit. Most players figure it out quickly.
Register in the division that fits the weaker player. Divisions are for the team, not each individual. If one of you is a strong Beginner and the other is Newbie, register as Newbie — you'll still be competitive and the weaker player won't be out of their depth.
A minimum of 7 teams is required to run a division. If a division doesn't reach that threshold before the registration deadline, registered players are offered a full refund or the option to transfer to a different division.
Not yet. Paddle Party is expanding — Upper Intermediate and higher divisions are on the roadmap as leagues grow. If you're above Lower Intermediate level, watch this space or get in touch — your interest helps us prioritise.
Pick your city, pick your division, and get in before spots fill up.
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