Master Your Game: The Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Skill Levels and Progression
Pickleball Skill Levels: The Simple “Yes or No” Way to Figure Out Your Skill Level
- “Yes” to 5 or more statements: Move to the next level.
- “No” to 5 or more statements: Stay at the current level.
NEWBIE (2.0)
- “No” to 5 or more of the statements in the Novice section.
NOVICE (2.5)
- “Yes” to 5 or more of the following statements:
- I know where to stand at the beginning of each point.
- I usually get my serves “in.”
- I usually let the return of serve bounce.
- I am getting the hang of keeping score.
- I can often keep the ball in play.
- I know what a dink shot is.
(LOW) INTERMEDIATE (3.0)
- “Yes” to 5 or more of the following statements:
- I have the basic rules down.
- I am working on getting my serves and return of serves deeper.
- I am working on getting my dinks shallower/lower.
- I am capable of hitting a few dinks in a row.
- I can usually hit backhand shots when I need to.
- I’m trying to add more power or softness to my game.
(HIGH) INTERMEDIATE (3.5)
- “Yes” to 5 or more of the following statements:
- I know most of the rules (including net rules, net post issues, NVZ, etc.).
- My serves and returns are almost always deep.
- I sometimes try to hit a 3rd shot drop shot.
- I try to be strategic about how and where I hit the ball.
- I have a wide variety of shots in my arsenal.
- I actively work with my partner to win the point.
ADVANCED (4.0)
- “Yes” to 5 or more of the following statements:
- I can often anticipate my opponents’ shots.
- I often finish the point when my opponent gives me an opening.
- I am usually consistent with drop shots and dink shots.
- I almost always play at the non-volley line.
- With a good partner, I can cover almost any shot.
- I try to be patient and wait for the opening.
EXPERT (4.5-5.0)
- “Yes” to 5 or more of the following statements:
- I can consistently convert a hard shot to a soft shot.
- I am almost always patient and wait for the opening.
- I rarely make unforced errors.
- I consistently use power and finesse to my advantage.
- I can easily sustain a rally of 40 or more shots.
- I have competed and/or won in tournaments at the 4.5 level or higher.
