What’s my skill level?

There are plenty of different criteria factored into your pickleball rating. Ratings systems are both objective and subjective, because the majority are based on a decimal number, plus a combination of phrases that describe an individual player’s skill-set.

Players can self-rate and assign themselves any level they want when entering their first tournament or players can be evaluated in a number of different scenarios to determine a more accurate rating. Both self-rating and an official rating are deemed acceptable.

If you’re getting set to enter your first tournament or want to join a league or clinic and don’t know what your rating should be, you can start out by self-rating your game. Here’s a simple breakdown of each skill set and the pickleball rating that accompanies it.

1.0 – Player has never played and has no skill-set

2.0 – Player is just starting to play and has no other sports background.

2.5 – Player has limited experience, can sustain a short rally, and is still learning all the rules.

3.0 – Player understands the fundamentals and basic rules, as well as court positioning. They can construct limited points.

3.5 – Player knows the differences between the hard and soft game. They can get to the non-volley zone consistently and are beginning to understand the benefits of “stacking.” They may have an unrelated sports background that helps them learn new skills more quickly.

4.0 – Player is able to identify and attack opponents’ weaknesses, is aware of their partner’s position on the court, and is able to move as a team with their partner. They may have a related racquet sports background that helps them learn new skills rapidly.

4.5 – Player understands strategy, has good footwork, can communicate well, and moves efficiently with their partner. They have both easy and difficult shots in their arsenal, but may not be able to execute them consistently.

5.0 – 8.0 – Player is considered to be “semi-pro” or “pro” if they fall in this category. They have mastered strategy, have all the shots, and can easily play a fast or slow game, as well as employ in-match adaptation and strategy. This is the highest pickleball rating and has a wide range of skill within it, with World #1 Ben Johns holding the highest rating recorded at 7.286 (as of 09/27/2024).