What is my level?

This session is primarily for those with limited mobility, who do not have the physical fitness/ability to play at the lower intermediate level. Please be aware that a certain level of fitness is still required, and if you are not able to move about the court easily, we may need to advise you that Pickleball might not be a suitable activity for you.
This level is for beginners (after they have attended a Taster session). You should understand the basic rules, scoring etc, and are happy to play with those of a slightly lower or higher ability. Your aim is to serve effectively and aim to get a moderate proportion of serves in. You attempt to cover the court, and try to move to the kitchen line where appropriate. You are able to call out the score before a serve unaided.
This session is also good for Social players who want a fun, relaxed game. No competitive element, just a willingness to have some fun, assist others of a lower ability if necessary, and play in a recreational setting. Some social players may be happy to stay in this session long term, as they have no desire to train/practice etc in order to improve. Play in this session if you enjoy a social game and a bit of exercise. If you feel you are ready to move to the next level, let your group leader know before booking on to the next level.

Probably the most popular session, as whilst an element of wanting to win is evident, still fairly relaxed.
A lower level of unforced errors is required. You do need to show that you can keep up with the pace of the game, understand what ‘switch’ and ‘stacking’ means, even if you don’t use it, regularly starting to use a variety of shots, have an understanding of where your opponents are on the court, and how to respond accordingly.
If you feel you are ready for a more competitive edge, let your group leader know before you book onto the next level. You need to be assessed before you can move to the next levels and to do this you need to first speak with your group leader to see if an assessment is suitable.

The next level up from beginner and social play. A better awareness of the game, and a willingness to start learning the next step of trying a variety of shots, which may or not be successful!
Still fairly relaxed, but you need to be more confident in coming forward. An ability to at least try third shot drops, lobs, volleys and a willingness to start dinking at the kitchen line, rather than staying on the baseline.
Starting to feel less intimidated at the kitchen line, with some block volleys etc being tried out! More of your serves are going in and deep, and your return of serve is getting stronger. If you feel you are ready for the next level, let your group leader know before booking on to the next level.

A more competitive game, with higher levels of accuracy required.
Able to use a forehand and backhand with a moderate level of shot control.
Consistently gets serve I’m. Consistently gets return of serve in. Able to place serves and return of serves deep in court. Able to dink and sustain medium length rallies. Able to control height/depth of dink shot.
Understands variation of pace/height and depth of dink shot. Able to hit a third shot drop to gain advantage to the net. Able to volley with medium paced shots with control. Sustains a short volley session at the kitchen line with placement and control. Moves quickly to the NVZ when opportunity is there. Understands proper court position.
Understands difference between hard and soft game and knows when to use it. Knowledge is stacking and when to use it. Able to sustain short rallies and has good mobility, quickness and hand eye coordination ordination.
You need to be assessed before you can move to the competitive session, so please do not automatically book into the competitive session. Also, an assessment does not automatically mean a move to competitive will transpire.

At this level consistency is the key, and you should aim for 80% accuracy.
Consistently hits forehand and backhand with depth and control. Consistently gets serve in with varying depth and speed. Consistently gets return of serve in with varying depth and speed. Consistent and dependable overheads (directional control, depth and placement). Accurate in placing lobs. Able to sustain dink rally with control, height and depth of shot.
Understands which balls are attackable and those that are not in a dink rally. Sustains a dink exchange with patience at the kitchen line to elicit a ‘put away’ shot. Consistently executes a third shot drop from the baseline to approach the kitchen line. Able to change soft to power shots to create an advantage. Able to volley a variety of shots at varying speeds.
Able to block and return fast, hard volleys. Able to control the NVZ keeping their opponents back. Aware of partners position on the court and moves as a team. Solid understanding of stacking and when and how it can be used effectively.
Demonstrates ability to change position in an offensive manner (switching). Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the rules. Has a moderate number of unforced errors per game. Can identify opponents weaknesses and formulate a plan to attack weaknesses. Has good mobility/quickness/hand eye coordination.

This level is for the most experienced players only, those with DUPR ratings over 3.5, those who regularly play in tournaments at an advanced level, or those who have been specifically invited to join this session.
Please do not book this session without discussing it with Sylvia or Matt first.