SKILL LEVELS

Pickleball ratings go from beginner (around 2.0) all the way up to professional level (5.5+). These ratings are based on the global DUPR system, which helps players understand where they’re at, and who they’ll have the most fun (and challenge!) playing with.

If you’re interested in attending an Open Play or a Skills and Drills clinic at Peak Pickleball, we’ve created a skills level guide to help you know which level is right for you. It shows you what’s expected at each level, what sessions are best suited to your current skills, and what to work on if you’re aiming to move up to the next level.

STARTER/
IMPROVER

Starter/Improver players are getting comfortable with the basics of pickleball:

  • Developing the main shots

  • Getting a short rally going (2–4 shots)

  • Getting to grips with the rules and scoring in doubles

  • Developing proper technique for groundstrokes, volleys, dinks, and serves

  • Exploring basic positioning and tactics for doubles play

Even if you have racquet sports experience, a 1.5 hours Intro to Pickleball coached session or a three-part Mastering the Basics series, would be a good place to start

Or if you already feel confident about the rules and strategy of pickleball, book straight onto an Open Play or Skills and Drills clinic for Starter/Improvers

iNTERMEDIATE

Intermediate players have solid groundstrokes and volleys, and a good understanding of basic doubles strategy and court positioning

An Intermediate player can typically:

  • Keep a rally going for 3–5 shots

  • Hit reliable backhands

  • Volley confidently on both the forehand and backhand

  • Dink and counter-dink with control

  • Serve consistently, often with depth and/or spin

  • Move smoothly from the baseline to the kitchen line during a rally

Open Play and Skills and Drills sessions at Intermediate levels would be good for you

INTERMEDIATE PLUS

Intermediate PLUS players have mastered basic doubles tactics, understand when and how to execute drops and dinks, and can demonstrate effective strategic doubles play

An Intermediate PLUS player should be able to do everything an Intermediate player can do, and also:

  • Sustain a long length rally (8+ shots)

  • Reliably hit groundstrokes from both forehand and backhand

  • Execute a drop shot reliably from all parts of the court

  • Reach the kitchen line ready to volley as soon as practicable, particularly on return of serve

  • Control lob shots effectively

  • Move in sync with their partner on the court

  • Be able to drive or drop a third/fifth shot successfully

  • Serve with power/spin to an opponent’s weaker side

  • Typically, but not necessarily, play competitively in club competitions and tournaments

An Intermediate PLUS player will typically have a DUPR rating of between 3.0 and 3.5

Open Play and Skills and Drills sessions at Intermediate PLUS level would be good for you

ADVANCED

Advanced players bring a high level of skill, strategy, and court awareness to their game. They consistently play well with other advanced players, compete successfully at the 3.5+ level in tournaments and festivals, and hold a matching DUPR rating (or equivalent) in either singles or doubles

An Advanced player can do everything an Intermediate Plus player can, and also:

  • Serve with precision, pace, and spin

  • Dink and drop with spin and accuracy from anywhere on the court
    Hit groundstrokes with speed, spin, and control from both forehand and backhand sides

  • Reach the kitchen line quickly, ideally within one or two shots

  • Execute block volleys, spin volleys, and resets with consistency

  • Handle fast, body-targeted shots at the net with control

  • Use smart positioning and teamwork to pressure opponents and cover the court

  • Compete confidently in club matches, leagues, and tournaments

  • Stay positive and encouraging with their playing partner

An Advanced player typically has a DUPR rating between 3.5 and 4.5

Open Play and Skills and Drills sessions at Advanced level would be good for you