What Is My Pickleball Skill Rating and Skill Level?
Just how is a pickleball player’s skill level determined? If you play pickleball, you might be wondering what your rating is. Whether you’re at the local community center, a pickleball sports clinic, or someone looking to play in an official tournament, it’s important to know and understand what a rated player is and what universal pickleball ratings are.
Who asks this pickleball rating question determines the answer. Pickleball players who are simply interested in socializing and getting some exercise are looking for "beginner, intermediate, or advanced players" types of games. However, those looking to play in official league tournaments need a two-digit pickleball skill rating number ranging from 1.0 to 5.5+.
What is the Purpose of Pickleball Ratings?
The "official" pickleball rating system is intended to remove "relativity" and "political" influences. But politics exists even in pickleball ratings! A definite advantage of official ratings is that they are more objective; however, they aren't without limitations.
Ratings for pickleball are usually given as a 2-digit or 4-digit number. An individual's skill level is determined by how well they can execute different shots, such as the forehand, backhand, serve, dink, third shot, and volley, as well as their ability to understand game strategy. Ultimately, every aspect of how you play the game is considered when determining a rating.
What are the Different Pickleball Ratings?
Two-digit ratings are legacy ratings. Club and league play is usually done with these ratings. In 2019, the 4-digit rating went into effect. Tournaments are played using the 4-digit system, which is based on the Elo rating. These ratings change after each match.
USA Pickleball Ratings
Here is the breakdown of the 2-digit skill rating by USA Pickleball:
● 1.0 – 2.0: Individuals who are new to pickleball and don't have any prior athletic experience but know the basic rules.
● 2.5: An inexperienced player that can sustain a short rally.
● 3.0: Someone who understands the fundamentals and knows court positioning, and is able to make medium-paced shots.
● 3.5: An individual who can differentiate between a soft game and a hard game and can move quickly into the non-volley zone. This person also understands when stacking might be advantageous.
● 4.0: The ability to recognize and exploit an opponent's weaknesses. It is possible for them to move as a coordinated team because they know where their partners are on the court.
● 4.5: Player with good footwork and a solid understanding of strategy. Easily communicates with their partner for optimal shot placement and move well together.
● 5.0: An expert at picking up pickleball strategies. It is easy for these players to adapt their game to an opponent's strengths and weaknesses because they have efficient footwork. Unforced errors are rare for them.
● 5.5+: A pickleball player with mastery of the sport. A player of the highest caliber.
Self-rating for Pickleball
Pickleball tournaments require self-assessment ratings for players who have never participated previously. You will thus be required to self-rate so you can compete in the proper skill division when you compete in tournaments.
The “Player Skill Rating Definitions” of USA Pickleball describe the specific skills a player must possess to achieve each level. Be sure to consult the USAPA website and documentation when self-rating.
How Do You Find Your Official Pickleball Rating?
The "official" rating of your USA Pickleball membership will adjust based on results at tournaments where PickleballTournaments.com is used, the officially sanctioned tournament software. Your rating will become more accurate as you participate in more tournaments.
Your USA Pickleball Tournament Player Ratings (UTPR) are available in your profile on usapickleball.org if you are a USA Pickleball member.
Local Play Ratings
It is likely that YMCAs and local community centers that typically attract large crowds during large 'open' pickleball times will rate and separate opponents according to skill levels so that players with similar skill levels will play together.
Most players at these venues do not have experience playing in pickleball tournaments, so ratings given by tournament directors are unofficial. Ratings are sometimes labeled "novice/beginner," "intermediate," and "advanced."
Novice/Beginner
Generally, those considered novice/beginner players are those who have never played pickleball before or have only played a few times. They aren't familiar with keeping score and where to place themselves on the court, so they rely on others to help them.
Intermediate
The skill ratings for intermediate players will probably be the largest of the three. Intermediate players are regular pickleball players who understand the game, know how to rally, and can dink, serve, and volley decently.
Advanced
A player who is rated an "advanced" player at the local YMCA or community center is generally one who has a strong hitting stroke, strategic, with excellent footwork and is making fewer errors than others there.
These "ratings" are generally subjective and relative at the local YMCA or community center. A player categorized as "advanced" at the YMCA may be a much better player than their peers at the YMCA, but not for those who play in pickleball tournaments or at a more competitive pickleball club.
Pickleball Ratings: A Final Thought
The skill level of players at local venues, YMCAs, and community centers can vary greatly depending on their location. The more tournaments you participate in, the more objective your ratings will become. Of course, no system can be 100% accurate, and your rating will likely fluctuate over time with more tournament play and practice.
Have questions about pickleball ratings? Drop them in the comments below!
