Pickleball Paddles

Rating

Pickleball Rating System

1.0-2.0

A rating of 1.0 - 2.0 is given if you are just starting to play pickleball & just starting to understand the
rules of the sport. A 1.0 is given to someone with no other sports background when joining pickleball.

2.5

A rating of 2.5 is given if you have limited experience playing pickleball. You can keep a short rally on
the pickleball court and you have a basic understanding of the rules (in particular, if you can keep the
score properly).

3.0

A rating of 3.0 is given if you (A) can generally hit forehands, volleys, serves and returns with medium pace,
with minimal ability to sustain a dink rally. Generally you lack consistency and control; and (B) you
understand the basic strategy and rules of pickleball, including that you can keep the score properly.

3.5

A rating of 3.5 is given if (A) you can hit forehands, volleys, serves and returns with pace and moderate
control. Your dinks and drop shots have limited control, and you're developing backhand shots but avoiding
if possible. You have moderate consistency and control, and have started varying your shots between the
hard and soft game. (B) You understand the overall strategy and rules of pickleball, including stacking, to
sustain rallies. You have begun entering pickleball tournaments.

4.0

A rating of 4.0 is given if (A) you generally hit forehands and serves consistently with depth and control. You
hit backhand shots with moderate success. Your dinks and drop shots have more consistency with depth
and height. Overall, you have consistency and control in your shots. (B) You firmly understand the strategy
and rules of pickleball. You have a broad knowledge of rules, have become aware of your partner's
positioning, have a moderate number of unforced errors and you understand how to attack your opponents"
weaknesses on the court.

4.5

A rating of 4.5 is given if (A) you generally hit both forehand and backhand drives, serves, returns, dinks, drop shots,
and block volleys with pace, spin, depth, direction, consistency and control. You are able to vary your shot
selections with controlled offensive intent. (B) You firmly understand the strategy and rules of pickleball (including
stacking). You have a limited number of unforced errors and you change your game play to attack your opponents'
weaknesses on the pickleball court - including controlled footwork to quickly change directions and shot types. Your
communication with your parter is strong and you aren't afraid to play at the non-volley zone.

5.0

A rating of 5.0 is given if (A) you have mastered both forehand and backhand drives, serves, and returns with pace,
touch and spin. Plus you mastered dinks and drop shots to move opponents. You can control and block volleys of
different speeds, all with consistency to take advantage of the non-volley zone. (B) You have mastered the strategy
and rules of pickleball (including stacking) in tournament style play. Your footwork is highly effective, helping you
turn defensive shots into offensive shots. You rarely make unforced errors and you constantly attack your
opponents' weaknesses on the pickleball court by adjusting your own style and game plan mid-game.

5.5

A rating of 5.5+ is given if (A) you have mastered all shots and strategy on the court in
tournament style play. (B) You are consistently winning at the highest level, meaning that
you are winning against the best professional pickleball players at the tournament level.
Your skills and abilities speak for themselves.