New to pickleball? Welcome! The novice level is perfect for beginners who are learning the game’s basics.

✔ Serving “in” most of the time

✔ Knows the two-bounce rule and demonstrates it consistently

✔ Learning court positioning during serves, returns, and general play

✔ Working on form, though accuracy is variable

✔ Beginning to approach the non-volley zone (kitchen) for volleys

✔ Improving court coverage and understanding of fundamental rules

✔ Can keep score

For players with a growing command of the game who are ready to step up their skills.

✔ Developing deeper serves and returns

✔ Moving quickly toward the non-volley zone when opportunities arise

✔ Coordinating with a partner to cover the court as a team

✔ Beginning to blend power and soft shots

✔ Experimenting with shot variety but refining when and why to use them

✔ Improved shot placement and basic strokes, though control over direction, depth, and power is still developing

Players at this level demonstrate greater consistency and strategy in their game.

✔ Strong understanding of rules and strategies

✔ Frequently serves and returns serve deep with accuracy

✔ Targets opponents’ weaker sides

✔ Beginning to use advanced strategies, such as drop shots and sustained dinking

✔ Communicates effectively with partners and works well as a team

✔ Consistently executes lobs, groundstrokes, volleys, and dinks

✔ Mixing soft and power shots to gain a competitive edge

✔ Fewer unforced errors

Confident and competitive players who excel in all aspects of the game.

✔ Anticipates opponents’ shots for excellent court positioning

✔ Plays offensively and executes a variety of advanced strategies

✔ Consistently places serves and returns for maximum advantage

✔ Controls the non-volley zone, working with a partner to dominate the net

✔ Blocks volleys, switches positions with ease, and moves fluidly around the court

✔ Strategically uses drop shots, lobs, and powerful groundstrokes

✔ Minimizes unforced errors