Understanding Ladder League Rotations

This guide will help you, as a league coordinator, understand and choose the best rotation structure for your pickleball ladder league using Quke.

Understanding Rotations

In a ladder league, players are grouped for matches. In individual play, groups consist of four or five players. Each player in the group plays one game with every other player. In a partner league, groups consist of four or five teams. Each team plays one game against every other team in their group. A complete cycle of these games within a group is called a “rotation.” One rotation typically takes about 75 minutes if groups of 5 play games to 11 and groups of 4 play games to 15.

League Length and Rotations

The ideal number of rotations depends on your league session length:

• 1.5 Hours or Less: For 90-minute sessions, we recommend one rotation per week. Players can expect 3-4 scheduled games.
• 2.5 - 3 Hours: For longer sessions (2.5 hours or more), we recommend two rotations per week, providing players with 6-8 scheduled games.

Rotation Options (Two Rotations Per Night)

If you opt for two rotations, you have two choices:

1. Shuffling Groups Between Rotations

By default, Quke only generates the schedule for the first rotation. Once all scores from the first rotation are entered, the leaderboard updates, new groups are formed, and the second rotation’s schedule is created.

• Pros: More variety of opponents within the same night.
• Cons: Players must wait for all groups to finish the first rotation before the second rotation can begin, potentially leading to long wait times.

2. Keeping the Same Groups for Both Rotations

You can create both rotations before play begins, keeping the same groups for both. See our step-by-step guide on setting this up.

• Pros: Players have their entire schedule upfront and can play both rotations back-to-back without waiting. This maximizes playing time.
• Cons: Less variety of opponents, which some players might find less appealing.
• Note: With no movement between rotations, we recommend choosing a higher movement setting. If you normally choose setting 3, use setting 4 for these leagues.

Key Considerations

• League Size: Larger leagues can experience longer wait times between rotations if groups are shuffled. In a 50-person league, for example, 45 people might be waiting for one slow group to finish. For larger leagues, keeping the same groups might be preferable.
• League Culture: Consider your players’ preferences. Shuffling works well for social leagues where players enjoy chatting between games and value variety. For leagues focused on maximizing game time, keeping the same groups is often the better choice.

Communication is Key

Regardless of your chosen rotation structure, clear communication with your players is essential. Explain how rotations work and what to expect each night to ensure player satisfaction.