Levels. Lessons. Drills.

1.0-2.0 Beginner  “Seahorse”

This player is just starting to play pickleball.  Minimal understanding of rules of the game.

Lesson plan: Intro lesson followed by Quick Start series

2.0- 2.5 Beginning Novice “Seahorse”

Can sustain short rallies, understands scoring and the two-bounce rule, and is learning game patterns.

Lesson plan: Quick Start Series and Beginner Drills

2.5 – 3.0 Novice “Dolphin”

Understands fundamentals. Is learning proper court positioning. Knows the fundamental rules and can keep score and is now playing tournaments. Ability to hit a medium paced forehand shot and weak backhand. Lacks directional intent and consistency. Able to hit a medium paced return shot  and volley shots, but lacks direction and consistency. Not able to consistently sustain a dink rally. Generally, hits a medium paced ball.

Lesson Plan: Drills as well as Private and Semi-Private lessons to improve weaker areas.

3.0- 3.5 Intermediate “Stingray”

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 medium rallies. Is learning proper court positioning. Basic knowledge of stacking and understanding of situations where it can be effective.

Improved stroke development with moderate level of shot control for both forehand and backhand. Consistently serves/returns.

Lessons: Higher-level Drills, Private and semi-private Lessons, Ball Machine 

3.5 – 4.0 Intermediate Advanced “Piranha”  

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. Perfecting shot selection and timing. Places a high majority of serves/returns with varying depth and speed. Selectively mixing up soft shots with power shots to create an advantage.

Lesson Plan: Master classes, Custom group drills,  Private lessons, Ball Machine

4.0+ Advanced “Shark”

Has good footwork and moves laterally, backward, and forward well. Uses weight transfer for more efficient footwork. Able to change direction with ease. Very comfortable playing at the non-volley zone. Communicates and moves well with partner — easily “stacks” court positions. Understands high-level strategy and can adjust style of play and game plan according to the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and court position. Limited number of unforced errors. Eventually, masters all aspects of the game, makes near-zero mistakes, and understands the nuances of the game. 

Lesson plan: Master classes, Custom group drills, Private lessons