Badminton levels explained

Every player on ShuttleFour has a level from 0.5 to 7. It's how games stay even: hosts pick a level range, and you join games that fit yours. Here's what each level looks like on court.

0.5–1.4

Beginner

New to badminton or picking it back up. You can serve and keep a short rally going, and you are still learning the grip, footwork and scoring.
1.5–2.4

Improver

You play now and then and can rally with clears and serves. Shots land in more often than not, but power, placement and backhands are still coming.
2.5–3.4

Intermediate

You play regularly. Clears, drops and smashes are all there with some control, you can hold a rally under a bit of pressure, and you know roughly where to stand in doubles.
3.5–4.4

Advanced

A strong club player. You place the shuttle on purpose, defend smashes, play tight at the net and rotate between attack and defence in doubles without thinking.
4.5–5.4

Expert

League or club-team standard. Consistent with every shot under pressure, quick to read the game, and comfortable against fast, deceptive opponents.
5.5–7.0

Elite

County, tournament or coaching standard. Fast, accurate and tactically sharp, with very few unforced errors.

Questions about levels

How do I find my badminton level?

Answer five quick questions when you sign up: how long and how often you have played, your shots, any competitive play and whether you know doubles rotation. That gives you a starting level between 0.5 and 7.

Does my level change?

Yes. After a competitive game, the result moves your level up or down. Beating stronger players moves it more than beating weaker ones, and new players move faster until their level settles. Friendly games never change it.

What level should I join?

Each game shows the levels it is for, for example 2.0 – 4.0, set by the host. You can join if your level is in that range, with a little leeway (a quarter of a level) either side, so games stay even.

Is this the same as Playtomic levels?

It uses the same 0.5 to 7 idea that many racket-sport apps use, so it will feel familiar, but levels here are worked out from badminton games on ShuttleFour only.

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