Skill Levels

This is a guideline to help people determine which levels they should sign up for. This is not meant to be a form of assessment. There will be exceptions to the criteria (i.e. someone who has played several times but never took lessons). 

Novice

Players should:

    1.  have completed at least 2 lessons prior to signing up 

    2.  know all the basic pickleball rules and how to keep score

    3.  be able to serve the ball in the opposite court and return serves at least 60% of the time

    4.  know how to dink and rarely make rule errors (i.e. step into the kitchen)

    5.  be able to maintain a slow-paced rally of at least 3-5 shots

High Novice

Players should:

1.  be able to perform all of the Novice skills above, and 

2.  be able to maintain a slow-paced rally of at least 5 shots

3.  be starting to develop control

Intermediate

Players should:

    1.  be able to perform all of the Novice and High Novice skills above, and 

    2.  be able to serve the ball in the opposite court and return serves at least 70% of the time

    3.  be able to perform deep serves and returns

    4.  keep the ball low on most shots

    5.  almost never miss the connection with the ball

    6.  be able to maintain a rally of at least 3-5 shots at a moderate speed

    7.  consistently move to the kitchen line after the return shot

High Intermediate

Players should:

    1.  be able to perform all of the Novice, High Novice and Intermediate skills above, and

    2.  be able to maintain a fast-paced rally of at least 5 shots, most of the time

    3.  be able to deal with spinning balls

    4.  be able to return most smash shots

    5.  be able to return lob balls in partners' side of the court

    6.  be able to place the ball where you want it

    7.  be able to choose shots wisely (including a third shot drop), and move as a team

Advanced 

Most advanced players play at official Pickleball facilities.

Players should:

1. be able to perform all of the skills above, and

2. be consistent, dependable, and tactical

3. be able to control pace, place shots, and use third-shot drops effectively