1.0 – “What’s a pickleball?”

Fresh outta’ the jar and brand new to the sport with no prior playing experience or foundational skills. You’ve never played, don’t know the rules and are here to learn and have fun. Welcome!

2.0 – “I came for the vibes.”
Just starting to play, with no background in other sports. You’re picking up the basics, and every game is a new adventure.

2.5 – “Okay, I’ve got this (sort of).”
You’ve played a few times, can keep a short rally going, and know the basic rules—but you’re still getting the hang of things.

3.0 – “Serious casual.”
You understand the fundamentals: court positioning, basic rules, and can play full points. You’re feeling more confident with each match.

3.5 – “Game face: activated.”
You’re working on strategy, use both soft and hard shots, get to the non-volley zone (a.k.a. the kitchen) regularly, and might be experimenting with more advanced positioning like stacking. Bonus points if you’ve got a sports background helping you learn fast.

4.0 – “Pickleball is my personality now.”
You play smart—targeting your opponents’ weaknesses, syncing with your partner, and thinking a few moves ahead. You likely have experience in other racquet sports and it shows.

4.5 – “Footwork? Flawless.”
You’ve got solid court movement, great communication, and a variety of shots in your toolkit. While not always 100% consistent, you’re bringing serious heat in and outta’ the kitchen.

5.0–8.0 – “VIP (Very Important Pickler)”
This is the top tier—semi-pro to pro players who’ve mastered all aspects of the game. You adjust your style on the fly, dominate with both strategy and finesse, and know how to win in any scenario. Other players fear you—and for good reason. You’re not just dinking around out there… you’re delivering precision paddles of doom.