1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I just started pickleball: I still mix up the serving rules, and the kitchen is just a line on the ground.
I already do
- RallyI return an easy ball when it comes to my strong side.
- ServeMy underhand serve goes in, as long as I don't try to add power.
- KitchenI know I can't volley with a foot inside the kitchen.
Not yet mastered
- RallyKeeping three exchanges going: on the third, the ball goes out.
- ServeRemembering the two-bounce rule when the point starts.
- KitchenPlaying a short ball: everything I hit goes deep.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I can rally from the baseline and let the serve bounce; I have to remind myself to run to the kitchen, but I get there.
I already do
- RallyI keep four or five baseline exchanges going at an easy pace.
- ServeI return the serve deep and hit the third shot without thinking about the rule.
- KitchenA slow dink when my opponent is at the line too.
Not yet mastered
- RallyCovering both sides alone: the crosscourt ball catches me flat-footed.
- KitchenThe third-shot drop: I try it and it pops up.
- ServeServing with direction: I only aim for the middle.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
Singles has turned into a race: I know I need to reach the kitchen, and I get there when the third shot comes off well.
I already do
- KitchenA third-shot drop that lands in the kitchen half the time.
- RallyI change direction in the baseline rally and run the line to reach the crosscourt ball.
- ServeDeep serve and deep return to buy time to move up.
Not yet mastered
- KitchenA long dink exchange: I rush it and lift the ball.
- RallyGetting past someone already at the kitchen when I'm stuck at the baseline.
- ServeVarying my serve on purpose.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play every week and my singles has structure: deep serve, deep return, drop and move up, with patience at the kitchen.
I already do
- ServeDeep serve and return with direction to open up the court.
- KitchenConsistent drop and dink at a moderate pace; volleys at the line without stepping on it.
- RallyI cover the whole court by myself and recover position after every shot.
- DecisionI choose between drop and drive based on the ball and where my opponent is.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionStaying patient in a long dink exchange: I speed up the wrong ball.
- KitchenA passing shot down the line against someone pressing me at the kitchen.
In tournaments I play 3.0 tournaments and win matches in them.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have variety: a third-shot drop, a fourth-shot drive, a spin dink and a passing shot when my opponent creeps in. Against faster players, I still miss when it's time to finish.
I already do
- KitchenA spin dink to the weak side and a reset of a high ball back into the kitchen.
- ServeA spin serve and a return that pushes my opponent deep.
- RallyQuick lateral movement: I reach the passing shot and return it with quality.
- DecisionI alternate drop and drive on the third shot depending on where my opponent sets up.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSticking to the plan when my opponent dictates the pace.
- KitchenClosing out the point at the line without forcing the ball out.
In tournaments I play 3.5 tournaments and I'm competitive in them; sometimes I make it out of the group stage.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
The kitchen is mine, and so is the whole court: I make few errors, I set the pace and I punish any ball that sits up.
I already do
- KitchenA speed-up on a high ball and a reset in the same exchange.
- RallyFull coverage of the baseline and the kitchen through a long point.
- ServeA deep spin serve and a return that let me reach the kitchen first.
- DecisionI read intent from my opponent's preparation and get there first.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionFinding an answer on the spot when my opponent stops coming in and starts pulling me back.
In tournaments I play 4.0 tournaments regularly and can win them; at 4.5 I win matches but don't yet go all the way.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity against any style and I'm strong in the points that decide; defending has become my way of attacking.
I already do
- DecisionI spot my opponent's weak side in the first games and adjust the plan.
- KitchenA long dink exchange with patience, speeding up only the right ball.
- RallyCounter-attack off an attacked ball and lob recovery without losing position.
- ServeI vary spin, height and direction on the serve to force a short return.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my game on 5.0 competitors without losing my cool.
In tournaments I play 4.5 finals and have started entering 5.0 tournaments.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
In amateur play, I'm a name everyone knows: I have no weak shot, and whoever faces me needs to show up with a plan.
I already do
- RallyPrecision from the baseline and the kitchen from the first point to the last.
- DecisionI anticipate my opponent's play and change strategy on the spot.
- KitchenA reset of any attacked ball and an attack on the first one that sits up.
- ServeServe and return as weapons: I win points right at the start.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training pace of someone who makes a living from pickleball.
In tournaments I play 5.0 tournaments and compete in the strongest amateur nationals.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
Pickleball is my job, or it's becoming one: I train as an athlete, with a team behind me and a season calendar.
I already do
- RallyKitchen, baseline and fitness at the level of someone who plays for a living.
- DecisionI make good decisions against tour-level opponents.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionWhat's missing doesn't fit in a sentence: it's a spot in the pro ranking.
In tournaments 5.5+ tournaments and the professional tour (PPA, APP, MLP or the national equivalent).
