Pickleball is a sport that has gained prominence in the last decade. The sport now sees a range of amateur and professional players who compete against each other in multiple regional tournaments. Players can rate their skill levels in Pickleball based on a classification that is suggested by USA Pickleball. This skill rating scale is between 1 to 5.5+. Here is the significance of each score:
Skill rating of 1.0-2.0
A skill rating of 1.0 to 2.0 means that the player is new to the sport and is yet to understand the basic rules of the game.
Skill rating of 2.5
A skill rating of 2.5 hints that the player can now indulge in short rallies with players of a similar rating. The player can now keep a track of scores and understands the basic laws of the game.
Skill rating of 3.0
At a skill rating of 3.0, a player can now play in regional tournaments. Even though shots like forehand, backhand, dink, third shot drop are still inconsistent, the player can understand basic strategizing and court positioning.
Skill rating of 3.5
A skill rating of 3.5 indicates that the player is now able to sustain rallies longer and has developed better consistency over ground strokes. The player’s style of play around the non-volley zone improves. Players begin to understand the importance of reflexes and spontaneity at the net.
Skill rating of 4.0
A skill rating of 4.0 means that the player can now serve with varying speeds and depths. The average number of unforced errors hit by a player per match also decreases substantially. The ability to hit a dink shot improves. However, the player still struggles to decide when to hit the dink shot. The player becomes a better doubles player with the ability to attack and defend shots accordingly. There is also an improvement in the players’ analysis of their opponents. Furthermore, the player now knows the rules of the game completely.
Skill rating of 4.5
The player now displays a full array of shots in terms of consistency and depth. The skill of the player also increases in serving by inculcating heavy spin on the ball. Players are now able to execute the third shot drop, volleys and dinks with much better accuracy.
Skill rating 5.0
The player has gained mastery over every shot now. A player with a skill rating of 5.0 is well-versed with every key strategy of the sport. A highlight of their athletic abilities includes agile footwork and the ability to neutralize offensive shots.
Skill rating 5.5+
This is a player that is ranked high in the global rankings. The player’s caliber is as good as an expert in the sport.
Pickleball skill ratings are also helpful in making the draws of some tournaments. However, their primary function remains to help the player and coaches understand the progression of a player’s abilities on the pickleball court.
