Our Skill Leveling System

THE WHY

Why not just use self-rating? Or just DUPR rating? Or why categorize skill levels at all? These are all good questions. And the simple answer is that we need some way to help members quickly and easily search for, and identify, programming that is appropriate for their level of play so that everyone can find fun, competitive games and events. DUPR is the most widely used rating system in the industry, but some have a love/hate relationship with it, and many don’t have a DUPR score to reference. Likewise, self-rating is helpful, but incredibly subjective, and thus often flawed.

So our solution is a simple one: develop a system that uses straight-forward, named levels with detailed descriptions of the skills generally associated with that level, and then connect a DUPR range and a visual ski slope rating icon (green, blue, back diamond, etc.) next to each for easy reference. That way you have multiple ways to identify and assess the right classes and events for you.

This is system is designed to help you self-rate and identify programming that fits your level of play, not as a gate. At all levels below Advanced, you will be able to join whichever Open Plays and Clinics you feel best fit your actual level of self-rated play. Our coaches will also be available to help you find the best programming for your skill level, accurately rate yourself, and coach you up to whatever level you’d like to get to.

THE SYSTEM

BEGINNER
Players at this level are brand new to pickleball and may or may not have a sports background. They are learning the rules and the basic fundamentals of the game (forehand, backhand, serve, and volley).
DUPR Range Reference < 2.40

NOVICE
Players at this level know the rules of the game and can keep score without trouble. They can hit a forehand and backhand with some direction and land their serve in play with reasonable consistency.
DUPR Range Reference 2.40 to 2.99

INTERMEDIATE
Players at this level can hit all of the basic strokes with pace, direction and some consistency. They have learned to hit a 3rd shot drop, understand court positioning, and have started playing in leagues and tournaments.
DUPR Range Reference 2.9 to 3.49

ADVANCVED INTERMEDIATE
Players at this level have the ability to add pace, spin and control to their shots, and can apply strategies. They consistently get the return of serve deep in the court, can dink and sustain medium length rallies and understand stacking. They have also learned to reset points and move quickly to the non-volley-zone.
DUPR Range Reference 3.40 to 3.99

ADVANCED
Players at this level show consistent pace, depth and control of all fundamental shots, and can drop the ball from various areas of the court. They can sustain a dink rally with control, block and return fast volleys, and identify opponents’ weaknesses and formulate a plan of attack.
DUPR Range Reference 3.9 to 4.49

EXPERT
Players at this level consistently execute with placement and control. They can sustain a long volley battle, reset points on demand, develop changing strategies, have limited unforced errors, and can effectively cover gaps in the court instinctively.
DUPR Range Reference 4.40 to 4.99

SEMI-PRO / PRO
DUPR Range Reference 5.0 and above.