• Beginning to approach the nonvolley zone to hit volleys .
• Aware of the “ soft game .”
• Knowledge of the rules has improved .
• Court coverage is weak but improving .
3.0
• More consistent on the serve and service return and when returning medium-paced balls .
• Demonstrates improved skills with all the basic shot strokes and shot placement but lacks control when trying for direction , depth , or power on their shots .
• Beginning to attempt lobs and dinks with little success and doesn ’ t fully understand when and why they should be used .
3.5
• Demonstrates improved stroke dependability with directional control on most medium-paced balls and some faster-paced balls .
• Demonstrates improved control when trying for direction , depth and power on their shots .
• Needs to develop variety with their shots .
• Exhibits some aggressive net play .
• Beginning to anticipate opponent ’ s shots .
• Learning about the importance of strategy and teamwork in doubles .
4.0
• Consistent and dependable strokes , including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand shots .
• Reliable serves , lobs , overheads , approach shots and volleys and can use spin shots with some success .
• Occasionally can force errors when serving .
• Rallies may be lost due to impatience .
• Uses the dink shot and drop shots to slow down or change the pace of the game .
• Demonstrates 3rd shot strategies – drop shots , lobs , and fast-paced ground strokes .
• Aggressive net play and teamwork in doubles is evident .
• Fully understands the rules of the game and can play by them .
4.5
• Beginning to master the use of power and spin , can successfully execute all shots , can control the depth of their shots , and can handle pace .
• Beginning to master the dink shots and drop shots and their importance to the game .
• Beginning to master 3rd shot choices .
• Displays sound footwork and moves well enough to get to the non-volley zone whenever required .
• Understands strategy and can adjust style of play and game plan according to the opponent ’ s strengths and weaknesses and court position .
• Serves with power and accuracy and can also vary the speed and spin of the serve .
• Understands the importance of “ keeping the ball in play ” and the effect of making errors .
• Making good choices in shot selection .
• Anticipates the opponent ’ s shots resulting in good court positioning .
5.0
• Mastered all the skills – all shot types , touch , spin , serves , with control and can use them as weapons .
• Excellent shot anticipation , extremely accurate shot placement and regularly hits winning shots .
• Forces opponents into making errors by “ keeping the ball in play .”
• Mastered the dink and drop shots .
• Mastered the 3rd shot choices and strategies .
• Uses soft shots , dinks and lobs to set up offensive situations .
• Mastered pickleball strategies and can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive or tournament matches .
• Dependable in stressful situations as in tournament match play .
• Athletic ability , quickness , agility , and raw athleticism are also qualities that are sometimes what separates the top players from those near the top . •
Rating Descriptions by International Federation of Pickleball . For more information visit ifpickleball . org .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER2017 | MAGAZINE 39