These rating guidelines (GLP skill ratings, Autumn 2023) summarize USAP pickleball rating definitions. Please use them to objectively self-rate your skill level and to identify improvements you need to reach the next skill level. As applicable, stack your paddle diagonally if you self-rate between levels.
1. Beginner — 1.0 to 2.5
- Learning the basic shot strokes, scoring, and detailed rules.
- Can sustain a short rally of easy-paced shots with players of equal ability.
- Needs to improve consistency, power, net play, and court coverage.
2. Intermediate — 2.5 to 3.5
- Has learned the basic shot strokes, scoring, and detailed rules.
- Can sustain a rally of medium-paced shots with advanced players.
- Needs to improve directional intent, power, depth, and consistency — especially in backhand and serve.
- Needs to improve control of dink rallies, net play, faster-paced court coverage, and strategies.
3. Advanced — 3.5 to 4.5
- Can sustain a rally of fast-paced shots with expert players with consistent, dependable strokes.
- Demonstrates reliable serves, lobs, overhead slams, dink and drop shots, and uses spin with success.
- Exhibits more aggressive approach shots and net play; can occasionally force return failures when serving.
- Needs to master consistency, power, accuracy, speed, and winning strategies.
4. Expert — 4.5 through 5.5+
- Has mastered varying power, depth, spin, dink and drop shots.
- Has mastered shot anticipation and placement, and regularly hits winning shots.
- Has mastered a variety of 3rd-shot strategies with both forehand and backhand.
- Forces opponents into errors by aggressively keeping the ball in play; rarely makes unforced errors.
- Ready to play and win in competitive or tournament matches.