Introduction to Club Grades/Ratings
Why grade members?
Most clubs divide play between grades of players to ensure that participants are allowed to play with players of a similar standard, offering a better chance that the individuals will have a competitive and fun match. Determination of this grade can be controversial as players often believe that they are at a higher level than their skills dictate.
A Grading Committee, consisting of 6 members, has been appointed to assign a grade to all our members. Once finalised, a list will be available on our website. An appeal process will be available should a member not agree with the grade assigned to them. This process will be explained in due course.
The Grading Committee is using the below skill level guidelines to form a view of the grade achieved by members to date. Members may complete the self-assessment form anytime for review by the Grading Committee.
NBPA Skill Level Guidelines
When you have ticked the skills which you believe you have mastered, please enter your name and click the SUBMIT button. Your answers will be reviewed by the Grading Committee.
Please note: If a person cannot move quickly enough due to physical restrictions, then a rating will be reduced according to the physical limitations as related to playing the game.
Read this blog post first if you are unsure of some of the pickleball terminology.
Helpful links:
What is a dink? (4-5 minute video)
What is a 3rd shot drop? (4-5 minute video)
When to use a 3rd shot drive instead of a 3rd shot drop? (4-5 minute video)
How do you refigure (keep track of) the score? (PDF)
4.5 and 5.0 Skill Level
The 4.5 player is distinguished from the 4.0 player by increased skills, a higher level of strategy, quickness of hands, judicious use of power, superior placement of shots and consistently fewer unforced errors. The 5.0 player is even more consistent in all skills than the 4.5 player with very few, if any, unforced errors.
Note: 5.0 players are very rare in Australia!
