The Playtomic app: Are player ratings accurate?
The Playtomic app has become THE go-to platform for padel players around the world. It’s a hub for finding courts, booking games, and most notably, rating player performance.
A question that has been gaining traction among users is: are Playtomic player ratings truly accurate? Reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit shed light on the pros and cons of this rating system, while the platform itself provides insight into how its algorithm works.
How Playtomic's Rating System Works
Playtomic employs a levels algorithm to assess players based on their performance. The app claims to ensure fairness by factoring in wins, losses, and the quality of opponents faced. According to the app's help section, the system is designed to adapt with each game, dynamically updating player levels.
At its core, the algorithm functions similarly to an Elo rating system, commonly used in chess. It adjusts your rating depending on the outcome of matches against opponents of various skill levels. The key promise of the system is that the ratings will accurately reflect a player’s true ability over time, creating more balanced matchups.
Common Criticisms of Playtomic Ratings
However, many players question how well this theory holds up in practice. Reviews on Trustpilot express frustration over what they perceive to be inaccurate ratings. Some users feel the system rewards frequent play rather than skill. This means that players who compete more often can see their ratings rise faster, even if they aren’t improving as much in terms of actual gameplay.
One Trustpilot reviewer shared their concern, stating:
"The rating system seems off. I’ve beaten players ranked higher than me and still saw little improvement in my own rating. Meanwhile, players I know who aren't as skilled have higher ratings just because they play more games."
Sounds like this chap needs some cheese with his wine.
Another recurring complaint involves the algorithm's failure to account for individual game performance within a match. Even if a player performs well individually but loses due to their partner’s mistakes, their rating still takes a hit. This can be discouraging for those who feel that their abilities aren’t fairly represented. I'm not sure how you would accurately account for an individual's performance accurately anyways as this seems tough to track. Once submitting the match result though I have seen that they ask whether the other match participants should have a higher or lower ranking. Great value add.
The Reddit Debate: Is the System Flawed?
Reddit users have also weighed in on this issue, with some going as far as to say the system is “rigged.” A discussion on r/padel noted that Playtomic ratings don’t always align with on-court performance. One Reddit user observed that certain players seem to "game" the system, pairing up with lower-rated partners to secure wins and artificially inflate their ratings.
"I’ve seen players intentionally play against lower-rated opponents just to boost their rating, even though they’re clearly much better than their competitors. It’s annoying because it messes with the whole point of having an accurate level system," one commenter wrote.
On the flip side, some Reddit users argue that the rating system works as intended—over time, it does balance out. They point out that occasional inconsistencies are inevitable but that the system generally adjusts itself. As one user put it, "If you play enough games, your rating will eventually reflect your true skill level. The issue is people expect instant gratification, and the algorithm isn't built for that."
The Algorithm's Strengths
Despite the criticisms, Playtomic's rating algorithm has its strengths. It offers a structured way to track progress, providing a general idea of where players stand. For casual padel players, the ratings can still be a useful guide for finding similarly skilled opponents.
The app’s focus on game results and win/loss ratios means that ratings generally reflect a player's consistency. While there may be anomalies in the short term, Playtomic claims that, over time, a player’s rating will even out, making it more accurate the more games they play.
Could It Be Improved?
For players who want more precise ratings, Playtomic could consider updating the algorithm to take into account individual game stats like unforced errors, winners, and serve percentage. This would provide a more holistic view of a player's abilities, beyond just match results. Including such metrics could make the system more accurate and address the frustration many players feel when their rating doesn’t reflect their perceived skill level.
Additionally, making the algorithm more transparent might help players better understand how their rating is calculated. Providing detailed breakdowns of how each match impacts a player's rating could alleviate some of the confusion.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Playtomic app has made padel more accessible by providing a convenient platform for scheduling games and tracking progress. However, when it comes to player ratings, the algorithm is not without its flaws. While it works well in theory, many players feel that it doesn’t always reflect true skill, particularly when short-term fluctuations occur. For now, players may need to take these ratings with a pinch of salt, focusing on long-term trends rather than expecting immediate accuracy. At the end of the day, does your rating really matter?
Have a good week!
Jacques
