Skills needed for these ratings
For a description of the IFP Ratings Click Here
2.0
- Everyone starts here
This player is just starting to play pickleball and has no other sports background. Minimal understanding of rules of the game.
2.5
This player has limited experience. Can sustain a short rally with players of equal ability. Basic ability to keep score.
3.0
FOREHAND:
Ability to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
BACKHAND:
Avoids using a backhand. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
SERVE / RETURN:
Able to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks depth, direction, and consistency.
DINK:
Not able to consistently sustain a dink rally. Not yet developed the ability to control this shot.
3RD SHOT:
Generally hits a medium paced ball with little direction.
VOLLEY:
Able to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks direction/inconsistent.
STRATEGY:
Understands fundamentals. Is learning proper court positioning. Knows the fundamental rules and can keep score and is now playing tournaments.
3.5
FOREHAND:
Improved stroke development with moderate level of shot control.
BACKHAND:
Learning stroke form and starting to develop consistency but will avoid if possible.
SERVE / RETURN:
Consistently gets serve/return in play with limited ability to control depth.
DINK:
Increased consistency, with limited ability to control height/depth. Sustains medium length rallies. Starting to understand variations of pace.
3RD SHOT:
Developing the drop shot in a way to get to the net.
VOLLEY:
Is able to volley medium paced shots thereby developing control.
STRATEGY:
Moves quickly towards the non-volley zone (NVZ) when opportunity is there. Acknowledges difference between hard game and soft game and is starting to vary own game during recreation and tournament play. Can sustain short rallies. Is learning proper court positioning. Basic knowledge of stacking and understands situations where it can be effective.
4.0
FOREHAND:
Consistently hits with depth and control. Is still perfecting shot selection and timing.
BACKHAND:
Has improved stroke mechanics and has moderate success at hitting a backhand consistently.
SERVE / RETURN:
Places a high majority of serves/returns with varying depth and speed.
DINK:
Increased consistency with moderate ability to control height/depth. May end dink rally too soon due to lack of patience. Is beginning to understand difference between attackable balls and those that are not.
3RD SHOT:
Selectively mixing up soft shots with power shots to create an advantage with inconsistent results.
VOLLEY:
Able to volley a variety of shots at different speeds. Is developing consistency and control. Starting to understand the block/re-set volley.
STRATEGY:
Aware of partner’s position on the court and is able to move as a team. Demonstrates ability to change direction in an offensive manner. Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the rules of the game. Has a moderate number of unforced errors per game. Solid understanding of stacking and when and how it could be used in match play. Beginning to identify opponents weaknesses and attempts to formulate game plan to attack weaknesses. Beginning to seek out more competitive play.
Higher levels of consistency in all the above strokes
Ratings Committee
Vicky Noakes 3rd V. President
Will Williams (Chairman) 405-595-6898
Don Stanek 405-694-5176
Vicky Noakes 405-206-3909
Mary Williams 405-202-5373
Derek Orr - dereko140@gmail.com
Karen McAllister - 405-823-5197
Rajesh Lakhotia - 405-227-9275
