LET’S DIVE INTO LEVELS, SHALL WE!
As we’re expanding super-fast and to minimize unnecessary emails/posts to ALL of you about upcoming clinics, playing lessons, events, etc… It would be pickle-tastic if you took a moment and read through the levels criteria and let us know where do you see yourself fit the best.
I’m all for reading through self-assessment rating levels, but sometimes we all get trapped in the mental check list of the required skills and shots; ‘oh, I can do a drop shot 7/10 times, serve in, or I can dink, etc…’ which is ABSOLUTELY great!
These rating levels can be found here: https://iptpa.com/iptpa-rating-skills-assessment/
However, best thing you can do for yourself is not to focus on the the succession of the skill that is required (ie: drop shot from the baseline 7/10 while practicing), but focus on the actual ‘what is expected’ at certain level of play (ie: during a faster pace play, am I actually able to perform a successful drop shot 7/10 times?; remember, this ball is no longer coming directly to you as a controlled feed, but it could be coming from an angle, outside of your reach, as a fast top spinning ball or an overhead smash, etc…).
As you know, I like humour and pickleball is super fun! So, I’ve come up with a slightly different outlook on levels. Please have a read and when you get a chance, please let me know at which level you see yourself having most fun!
HERE THEY ARE:
A CUCUMBER – 1.5-2.0
A complete beginner player. Your paddle just arrived from Amazon. You show up at the city drop-in, you put your shoes on and took the wrap off the racket handle.
Welcome to the court. What’s a 2-bounce rule? Why are you yelling at me? Why are we talking about my kitchen? It’s a what…? a paddle?
PICKLE APPRENTICE – 2.0-3.0
Beyond beginner player. A rare species, stepping onto the court and just starting their journey into the exciting world of paddle-swinging fun, who has just discovered the joy of whacking a wiffle ball! They are armed with a shiny new paddle, eyes wide with a mix of excitement and confusion. It’s a beautiful mess of enthusiasm and misplaced shots.
Beyond beginner might fumble with their footwork, swing the paddle in ways that defy the laws of physics, but hey, we’ve all been there, right?
Beyond beginner is a player who is trying to grasp the nuances of serving, returning, dinking, and those pesky kitchen rules. You know a beginner when you see one as they have slightly perplexed expressions as they try to figure out the mystical scoring system, and the occasional accidental dance moves as they navigate the court.
They experience the delightful mix of laughter and mild frustration as they send a few balls sailing into the stratosphere.
DILL UNDERSTUDY – 3.0-3.5
Intermediate-ish player. Not-quite-intermediate-yet but not-total-beginner pickleball player; the delightful middle ground! This player has graduated from the beginner stage, having moved beyond the basics but still navigating the complexities of the game. They’ve got the fundamentals down, managing a decent rally, starting to experiment with a few strategic shots but are finding their rhythm and developing their skills.
This stage is like the “in-between” phase, where every game is a chance to learn and refine their skills. While they may not yet be the master of spin or the queen of drop shots, they’re building a foundation for more intricate maneuvers. It’s a delightful mix of ambition and eagerness, creating an environment where improvement is not just a goal but a thrilling journey.
A player who’s gaining confidence, refining their shots, and maybe experimenting with a few tricks they’ve picked up from seasoned players. This player is in the phase of discovering their unique playing style, show hunger to learn more, a determination to advance, and a willingness to embrace the occasional blunder with a grin.
PICKLE PROTOGY – 3.5-4.0
Intermediate player. The unsung hero of the courts! These are the folks who’ve moved past the mediocre stage, conquered the basics, and are now diving deeper into the nuanced world of pickleball prowess.
An intermediate player is armed with a solid understanding of ground strokes and court positioning. They’re not fazed by the dink game; in fact, they’ve turned it into an art form and can execute some impressive lobs (grrrrr!). They exhibit a solid understanding of strategy, demonstrating a knack for well-placed shots, strategic moves, transitioning smoothly between offense and defense, making each game a captivating dance of skill and strategy. Their serves have a bit more zing, and they’ve got a wicked forehand slice that keeps opponents on their toes.
They might not be executing behind-the-back shots like the pros just yet, but they’re getting there. The intermediate player is hungry for improvement, eager to fine-tune their skills, and maybe throw in a few trick shots for good measure. They’re not afraid to take risks, but they also know the value of consistency.
GHERKIN GRANDMASTER – 4.5+
Advanced player. A majestic creature on the court! A player whose every move is a well-choreographed dance, where each step is a testament to their hours of practice and dedication. Their strategic mind is sharper than a freshly sliced cucumber that leave opponents wondering if they’re playing pickleball or witnessing a magic show.
They have mastered the art of spin, sending the ball on trajectories that defy the laws of physics where balls are curving and bouncing in ways that leave their rivals scratching their heads. This player has ninja-like reflexes, capable of returning even the trickiest of shots and the ability to attack the attack! They possess an uncanny ability to read their opponent’s moves, predicting shots before they even happen.
Let’s not forget the psychological warfare they unleash. A well-timed fake-out or a sly grin after a perfectly executed shot – they know how to play the mental game. It’s like they have a doctorate in pickleball mind games.
In the end, facing an advanced pickleball player is not just a match; it’s an experience. Win or lose, you come out of it with a newfound respect for the game, and perhaps a burning desire to up your own pickleball game.