PaddleWar Pickleball Rating System

The PaddleWar Rating (PWR) serves as the official rating system for all PaddleWar league play. Developed using years of experience with Elo, Glicko/Glicko2, and USTA NTRP, the PWR aims to provide an accurate and fair rating for pickleball league participants.

PWR is calculated for all three disciplines: doubles, mixed doubles, and singles. Consequently, players will have different ratings for each discipline and may compete at various levels across them.

The PWR operates as a dynamic system, consisting of two key components: a year-end level published each December and a Dynamic PWR updated nightly. This real-time calculation allows players to monitor their ratings and track their progress through the PW website.

A player’s PWR is essential for determining the appropriate level for league play. When registering for a new league, players should use their most recent year-end level. However, if a player has significantly improved since their last year-end level was published, they may be promoted and required to register at a higher level.

The PWR scale ranges from 2.5 to 5.5, with ratings provided in half-point increments. Beginners and new players fall at the lower end of this range, while accomplished players and professionals occupy the higher end.

For new players joining PaddleWar, the initial rating is established through a self-rating process. Players must complete a questionnaire and provide relevant information or existing ratings from other tennis or pickleball assessments. This information helps assign an initial self-rating level, indicating the minimum level at which the player will compete. As they participate in matches, their performance will contribute to establishing a Dynamic PWR, culminating in a PWR level at year-end.

The Dynamic PWR is calculated by comparing expected results—based on the ratings of all players in a match—with the actual outcomes, adjusting ratings accordingly. While the score is important, generally, winning increases your rating, and losing decreases it. Notably, upset wins will boost your rating more significantly, while upset losses will reduce it more dramatically. Victories against lower-rated opponents will raise your rating less and may even lower it if the match score is close.