What Pickleball Rating Am I?

A rating system is used by the USA Pickleball Association to group players of like abilities to create fair matches and tournaments. If you would like to play in any competitions, it is helpful to know what rating you are, so you can enter appropriately. Some competitions will only be open to players of a certain skill level, for example. 

This page offers a great overview of the rating system, but we will also provide some helpful information below. 

The Ranking System

USA Pickleball uses a numerical ranking system from 1.0 to 5.5+ to rank pickleball players. It’s a simple enough system to understand – the higher the number, the better the player. So, a player who is ranked at 1.0 has just started playing the game and may not yet know all of the rules or how to play properly. So, if you have never picked up a paddle before and are thinking of starting in this game, you can safely assume you are a 1.0 rating. 

On the other end of the spectrum, a player at the 5.5+ level is an accomplished pickleball player who has proven his or her skills in competitions. This is a highly advanced level that only a small percentage of those who play pickleball will ever reach. 

A Variety of Ranking Factors

If you decide to have your game ranked by a pickleball association in your area, you will be evaluated by a rating team on a number of factors. Some of those factors can include your understanding of the rules and how scoring works, as well as your ability to execute basic shots like the forehand, backhand, and serve. For more advanced players, the rating system will look at things like variety of serve shots, the ability to hit a dink consistently, executing overheads, and much more. 

So, do you need to have yourself rated to enjoy pickleball? Of course not – you can simply play games with friends and have a great time. If you want to get involved in competitions, however, it will be helpful to understand the system and find your place on this scale. Good luck!