How to organize a ladder competition?
To organize a ladder competition doesn’t have to be a lot of work (especially if you’re using the Tennis & Padel ladder). However, there are still a few tasks you’ll need to handle to make it a success.
Below, we’ll help you with some common problems you might encounter and how to solve them.
Select a platform or system to organize your ladder.
First, you need to choose which system you want to use.
This can be something as simple as pen and paper, but that usually requires a lot of administration and therefore a lot of work. An automated system is much easier to manage and less prone to errors.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want players to actively challenge each other, or whether the system should automatically generate smart matchups.
In our experience, when players are expected to actively challenge each other, the ladder often loses momentum over time. It also creates a higher barrier for scheduling new matches. At Tennis & Padel, we are one of the few platforms that automatically pairs players in a smart way.
When choosing a system, make sure you also maintain control over it. You’ll want insight into who the players are and what they’re doing, so you can step in or make adjustments when needed.
It’s also important to have access to player data—for example, if you want to invite them to a tournament or ask for a contribution to participate in the ladder.
Take Charge of Your Ladder Competition
As an organizer, you want to have control over what happens in your ladder.
In principle, you shouldn’t need to do much—but unexpected things always happen. That’s why it’s important to be able to step in when needed.
Make sure your ladder system allows you to:
- Set the start and end dates of the ladder
- Adjust a player’s position manually
- Schedule a match manually if necessary
- View all player contact information
- Remove players if needed
- Decide who is allowed to join the ladder
Remember, you’re organizing this ladder for your club or company. So it’s important to stay in control.
With Tennis & Padel, you have full control—without all the hassle.
Inform your players about the ladder
Once you’ve set up a ladder, it’s important to spread the word.
Announce it on your organization’s website, hang up a poster or flyer at the courts, and include it in your (digital) newsletter if you have one.
A great way to get players involved is by organizing a tournament.
During the tournament, you can inform players about the ladder and give them a chance to get to know each other.
Ask participants to help spread the word so even more people join. You can also ask coaches or trainers to help raise awareness of the ladder.
Answer questions about the ladder
No matter how easy a system is to use, questions will always come up.
Especially at the start of the ladder, make sure you’re available to answer players’ questions. What may seem obvious to one person can be confusing to another.
Players may also feel they’re ranked too high or too low. Sometimes they’re right—sometimes not. It’s helpful to have a system (like Tennis & Padel) that allows you to adjust a player’s position if needed.
Always take your players’ questions seriously.
This increases the chances they’ll stay engaged longer and helps make your ladder a lasting success.
Finally: Enjoy Organizing Your Ladder
These tips will help everything run smoothly. A ladder is also a great tool to help retain members.
In summary:
- Choose a system that doesn’t require too much work
- Make sure you have full control over the ladder
- Keep your players informed
- Organize extra activities around the ladder
- Answer your players’ questions
With the Tennis & Padel ladder, all of this is easy to achieve.