Pickleball Resources

SLPC offers many opportunities for leveled play, both at the Rally House and at the Blackwell Hub. These can be in tournaments, leagues, and/or regular scheduled play. To provide enjoyable, yet competitive play for all, it is important for all members to play at their applicable level. 

SLPC recognizes that players’ levels change as they progress, but we also recognize that some players may need to decrease their levels (temporarily or permanently) due to injuries and/or loss of mobility.  

SLPC recognizes that there are benefits to playing with players at a higher level, however, SLPC also recognizes that this can be disruptive to competitive play if the ‘gap’ is too wide. As such, SLPC has adopted a rating system that utilizes 0.25 increments and our scheduled leveled play provides opportunities for members to  play up and play down. 

Additionally, Open Play and Private Court Reservations provide multi-level play opportunities. 

Pickleball Canada outlines the levels of progression to provide consistency:  Pickleball Canada’s Rating Self-Assessment

A member can email SLPCRatings@gmail.com with the following information 

• Name 

• Current Level

• Requested Level

• Evidence Supporting Your Rating Level Change – Some examples of this are:

• Completed self-assessment 

• How long you have been playing and how often  

• DUPR rating 

• Pickle Vision Rating report 

• Tournament/Ladder League performance

The Assessment Committee will review the submissions quarterly (submissions deadlines are  March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1);  

• If the Committee can reach a consensus for an individual’s rating, an email notification will  be sent to the player. 

• If there is insufficient familiarization with an individual’s play, 2-3 committee members will  observe the individual playing at their current level. 

• If the 2-3 committee members still cannot make a determination, arrangements will be  made to observe the individual playing at the requested level.  

Note: On occasion, concerns may be raised regarding a member being misplaced at a level (too high or  low). In such cases, the SLPC Board of Directors may initiate a review of a member’s Club Level and the member will be notified of the change by email.

SLPC has certified coaches and mentors who are willing to help anyone with their skills and development. Check  the Player Development section of the SLPC website for more information.

2.0–2.5 (Beginner)

You have a little experience and can keep basic score. Your rallies can last 1-2 shots.

3.0 (Lower intermediate)

You know the fundamental rules and can keep score. You're learning proper court positioning. You have some consistency with forehands and serves. You're starting to dink but not able to consistently sustain a dink rally yet. You still avoid backhands.

3.5 (Intermediate)

Your forehands, serves, returns, and volleys are improving. You can sustain medium-length dink rallies. You're developing your third-shot drop. You're learning backhands but you avoid them if possible. You understand the difference between a hard and soft game and the need to vary them.

4.0 (Upper intermediate)

You're starting to play more patiently in long rallies. You read your opponents' games and look for weaknesses. You mix soft shots with hard shots. You're aware of your partner's position and can play as a team. You have a moderate number of unforced errors.

4.5 (Advanced)

You have a high level of forehand consistency. You serve with power, accuracy, and depth. You can vary serve spin and speed. You're more offensive on dinks. Your footwork is varied and efficient, with easy changes of direction. You're comfortable playing at the non-volley zone. You're confident in stacking. You strategize and can adjust your play style and have a limited number of unforced errors.

5.0+ (Elite)

You hit all shot types at a high level across forehand and backhand. You have mastered dinks and drop shots. You play competitively. You have mastered pickleball strategies and can quickly adjust your play style. You rarely make unforced errors.