Pickleball Player Ratings: How to Self-Rate Your Level

When you start playing pickleball, you think it’s just another game, and you are playing just for fun. But bear in mind that it’s a very addictive and competitive game. So, with time, you may want to understand your current level to correctly choose a paddle or play against competitors who match your skills.

In any sport, the rating isn’t just a label; it shows what skills you should work on. In this article, I’ll prepare a checklist to rate your level. It’s not a professional test, but it will help you to get a basic idea, especially if you are not a professional player.

What Is a Pickleball Rating?

A pickleball rating, or the player rating, is a number given to a player based on their pickleball skills level - the higher the number, the closer the player is to a pro level. Simply put, it just divides the players based on whether they are a novice player, an intermediate player, or a pro.

However, there are different rating systems that, for beginner players, may be confusing. So, if you are just a beginner or recreational player, I suggest you self-check your skills  (I’ll explain how to do that below) just to understand your approximate level. It will help you to understand if you need a pickleball paddle for beginners or what skill sets you should improve. You can also use a skill level scale from 1.0 up to 6.0+. 

But if you want a more official rating, you should check UTR-P or DUPR ratings. I’ll explain these two further in the article.

How to Self-Rate Your Pickleball Level

If you are a beginner or even an intermediate pickleball player, you may quickly get overwhelmed with different approaches to pickleball level rankings and how they work. Of course, if you are a casual player and don’t intend to improve your skills or play weekly, I don’t think you need to go deep into these numbers and ranking systems. But if you are serious about your game, you need to have a clear understanding of your own level. I don’t suggest taking a professional rating, but self-rating your pickleball skill level is a good way to track improvements over time.

A Beginner or a 2.0 Player Self Rating Checklist

You are brand new to the game and don’t have much experience - you are a beginner or a 2.0 player. If you know the pickleball basics, it’s a good start, but if you have just learned it from your friends, I advise you to learn the pickleball glossary and the basic requirements. Get comfortable with rules and start improving your skills to move to the next level.

An Advanced Intermediate or a 2.5 Player Self Rating Checklist

You are an advanced beginner or a 2.5 level player if you already have a solid knowledge of the pickleball gameplay and have hands-on experience on the court. Now you need to work on improving your current skills before moving to more advanced strategies.

An Intermediate or a 3.0 -3.5 Player Self Rating Checklist

As an intermediate or 3.0 -3.5 player, you know the pickleball rules as second nature. You keep score and understand proper positioning on the court, moving, and synchronizing with your partner. While the beginner players just try to hit the ball to the opponent’s courtside, you, as an intermediate player, are trying shots. Although you are still developing advanced strategies and shots, you are already quickly changing the game pace and strategy.

An Advanced or a 4.0 Player Self Rating Checklist

If you are a 4.0 or an advanced player, you already know your level. You don’t need a course on pickleball theory; you just hone your skills and develop your strategy. You are probably trying to improve your shots and dinks to take the opponent by surprise during the match. You have the skills to respond to your opponent's attacks without surprise or hesitation. The ability to vary your shots and make quick tactical decisions even under pressure is the main sign of a 4.0-level player.

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Ask Yourself Key Questions (Self-Assessment)

Now that I’ve explained each level’s description, I can share with you a small questionnaire that will help you to assess your level. My advice is - be honest, don’t try to exaggerate your skills, even if you heard the specific term somewhere, or have some experience, it doesn’t mean you already know your level. 

• Can I consistently serve the ball in play? 

▢ If you still struggle with it, you’re likely around the 2.0-2.5 level (a beginner). 

▢ If you are able to serve with moderate consistency, you must be a 3.0 - 3.5 level player.

• Do I know how to keep score and follow the basic rules every time?

▢ If you confuse the pickleball scoring system or you often forget the double-bounce rule, then you’re likely a 2.0 player (a beginner). 

▢ As a 2.5 player, you already have basic scoring knowledge and use the two-bounce rule correctly. 

• Can I confidently call out the score, and do I know when to switch sides?

▢  If you can’t confidently answer the question, you are a beginner player.

• How many shots can I rally back and forth during a quick gameplay? 

▢ If your most rallies end after just 1–2 shots, you are likely in the 2.0–2.5 range.

▢  If you can keep a rally for 4–5 shots or more without dropping the ball, you’re around a 3.0–3.5 level.

• Am I comfortable hitting soft shots (dinks) at the net without popping the ball up?

▢ If you avoid dinking or can’t perform them, you’re likely a 2.0 - 2.5player. 

▢ If you are able to dink cross-court with some control when you’re not under big pressure, you have a 3.0 - 3.5.

• Can I perform a third-shot drop? 

▢ The third-shot drop is a strategy usually used by 3.0 to 3.5 level players. 

▢ If you don’t know what the third shot is or you’ve heard of it but never tried it, you’re still a 2.5 or 3.0.

▢   If you use the third shot strategically, you are a 3.5 or 4.0 player.

• Am I synchronized with my partner and communicating during doubles? 

▢ If you are mainly stacked to your side and don’t know how to communicate, you are a 2.0 - 2.5 (beginner) player. 

▢ Although you are not using advanced tactics yet, you have started to communicate with your partner, so you are a 3.0. 

▢  If you start constantly communicating with your partner and occasionally adjust positions, but can’t hold under pressure, you are a 3.5 level player.

Important Note: You must understand that a self-rating is unofficial. The checklist I provided above isn't 100% accurate. I made it primarily for your personal use or initial assessment. Over time, when your skills are improving, I suggest you get an official rating that’s recognized everywhere and will provide you with more accurate results. 

UTR-P and DUPR Player Ratings

UTR-P is the official rating system used by USA Pickleball for both verified tournament results and unverified recreational matches. If the event has been organized by USA Pickleball, all APP events, and all UTR Sports, the rating will be verified; for all other events, the rating will be unverified. The rating is shown as a three-decimal format (e.g., 3.752), and the typical range is from 1.0 up to 10, where 1 indicates a beginner player and a 10 player is a world-class pro.

DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. It’s a relatively new global rating system. It uses a numeric scale from 2.000 up to 8.000+. DUPR can be accessed via a mobile app or website, and it’s free to use.

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