Lessons
Pickleball Ratings
Purpose
When players know their rating it is easier for them to find fun, competitive games with others. Ratings also help to make tournaments fair and challenging.
Structure
Levels 1 through 6 in .5 increments
Ratings at a glance
1-2.0: true beginners with little to no athletic background
2.5: beginner level possessing little consistency and little strategy
3.0: beginner to intermediate level possessing some consistency or some basic strategy
3.5: intermediate level with either good strategy and little consistency or consistency with little strategy
4.0: high intermediate level possessing two of the three: good strategy, consistency, high level shots
4.5: advanced level possessing advanced strategy and a mix of great offensive and defensive shots
5.0: advanced level possessing advanced strategy, consistency, great offense and defensive ability, and able to compete at the pro level
5.5: pro level (tournament players competitive at the top level)
6.0: elite pro level (reserved for the few who consistently win or medal in major tournaments)
The two websites below give a more detailed explanation for ratings. If you are a tournament player, however, your rating is determined from your performance in tournaments and it can be found here.
Recommendations
Use the 80-10-10 rule. This means 80% of the time you should play with players at your skill level, 10% of the time play with players one step above your level, and 10% of the time play with players one step below your level. Playing up exploits your weaknesses and gives you an idea of what you need to improve on and playing down helps you return the favor for folks below you wanting to move up.