Frequently asked questions
Everything about how the ladder runs. If something is missing, ask in the WhatsApp group.
How much does it cost?
$70 per player for the full eight weeks. That covers court rental and the payment processing fee. There are no other charges.
What is a ladder league?
A ladder ranks players on performance. Each week you are grouped into a pod of four based on Elo rating, and you play three matches with and against different players. Your ranking moves up or down on the results.
It is a way to play competitively without a fixed partner, and it means the people across the net stay close to your level as the season goes on.
Can I miss a week?
Yes. If you cannot make it, you are responsible for finding a substitute to play in your place. Substitutes do not need to be league members and they play free.
Try to find a sub of similar skill level so the matches stay balanced. If you cannot find one, ask in the WhatsApp group and an admin will help. Scores are entered under the original player's name.
League format
- Each pod of four plays three matches a week in a rotating doubles format, so you partner with each of the other three once.
- Matches follow standard pickleball rules.
- Elo rankings update weekly to keep matchups balanced.
- League admins handle scheduling and court assignments.
- A team captain submits scores in Global Pickleball Network after each round.
How scoring works
- The ladder uses Elo ratings.
- Only wins and losses count. Point differential is not a factor.
- Beating a higher-rated player gives a bigger boost. Losing to a lower-rated player costs more.
Do I need a DUPR account?
Not required, but recommended. It is free, and it means your rating travels with you across leagues and venues.
- Sign up for DUPR
- Link your DUPR account to Global Pickleball Network, and your Gateway Smash matches will update your DUPR rating automatically.
When and where does the league play?
- Sunday nights, 6:00–8:00 PM.
- Arch Pickleball, Bridgeton, on courts #5, #6, #7, #10 and #12.
- Indoors, so nothing gets rained out.
- Season dates are on the league schedule.
Checking in at Arch
Everyone, substitutes included, scans in at the front desk using the barcode in the CourtReserve app. Tell the staff you are with Gateway Smash. Subs should also say who they are filling in for.
Arch has been a good host. Following their process keeps it that way.
Who can join?
- All skill levels are welcome. Players range from 2.0 to 4.0+.
- Limited to 56 players, first come first served.
- Pods are adjusted weekly for fair matchups.
How do I join?
Registration and payment both happen through Global Pickleball Network.
- Go to the Gateway Smash page on Global Pickleball Network.
- Sign up or log in.
- Select Gateway Smash and ask to join.
- Complete the $70 payment.
- Once payment clears you are added to the ladder.
Joining the WhatsApp group or saying you are interested does not hold a spot. Only players who register and pay are added to the ladder.
Refunds
No refunds once registration closes, unless the whole league is cancelled.
Rating yourself
Use this to work out roughly where you sit before joining. Be honest: accurate ratings make for better matchups.
| Rating | What that looks like |
|---|---|
| 2.0 | Just starting. Learning the rules, scoring, and where to stand. Misses many serves and returns. |
| 2.25 | Can serve and return most of the time. Understands the kitchen and scoring. |
| 2.5 | Hits forehands consistently, backhand developing. Short rallies. Knows where to stand during play. |
| 2.75 | Consistent serve and return. Simple groundstrokes and dinks. Struggles under pressure. |
| 3.0 | Sustains short rallies. Working on volleys and dinks. Starting to think about strategy. |
| 3.25 | Hits to an opponent's weakness. Mixes forehands, backhands and overheads. Fewer unforced errors. |
| 3.5 | Consistent dinking, third shot drops developing. Understands positioning and covers the court. |
| 3.75 | Resets from the transition zone. Places shots well. Communicates with a partner. Defends hard hitters. |
| 4.0 | Confident in drops, dinks, drives and resets. Uses pace and placement tactically. Understands stacking. Few unforced errors. |
| 4.0+ | Resets under pressure, changes the speed of a point deliberately, finishes at the net. Strong anticipation and teamwork. |
How do I get updates or ask questions?
The WhatsApp group carries announcements, sub requests and everything else.
A few courtesies
- Read league emails.
- Reply to messages from admins.
- Follow the check-in process at Arch.
Anything else?
- Holiday weekends. The league does not pause for them. If you are travelling, arrange a sub in advance.
- One more game. If you want more court time after league matches, book directly with Arch.