BPA Leagues: What Level is Appropriate for Me?
We encourage everyone to read the following in order to determine which level best suits your current playing ability within the Burlington Pickleball Association league play.
Please note: if you register for a session that does not match your level of play, you will be moved to a more appropriate session if available. If a session is not available, you will be refunded.
Level 1.0
New and have no to minimal knowledge of the game and the rules. Please consider signing up for a Beginner Lesson through the City of Burlington as our league play starts at level 2.0.
Level 2.0-3.0
You can sustain a rally with players of equal ability and demonstrate the basic shot strokes (forehand, backhand, volley, overhead, and serve), but may have obvious weaknesses in these strokes.
You struggle to maintain a dink rally.
You avoid the backhand and your third shot lacks direction.
You are familiar with the rules and court positioning in doubles play.
Level 2.75-3.25
You have a consistent service, service return, and can sustain longer lasting rallies.
You are developing skills to handle hard shots and introducing soft shots into your game.
You make most easy volleys and use some backhand shots but need more work on developing shot strokes.
You are attempting to incorporate dinks and lobs into your game.
You are consistently approaching the non-volley zone and are comfortable to hit volleys from there.
You are starting to display proper court positioning.
Level 3.25+
You demonstrate stroke dependability with directional control on most medium-paced balls and some faster-paced balls.
You hit with a backhand when necessary and with control.
You move quickly towards the non-volley zone and are developing the third shot drop as a way to position yourself there.
You are able to use dinks and lobs to take control of the game.
You exhibit some aggressive net play and are beginning to anticipate your opponent’s shots.
You play with strategy and teamwork in doubles.
You demonstrate variety and accuracy when serving.
Level 3.75+
You incorporate spin, and other advanced shots, with success.
You can adjust your style of play and game plan according to your opponent’s strengths, weaknesses, and court position.
You use dink shots and drop shots to slow down or change the pace of the game. You can identify an attackable move and capitalize on it when you see it.
You have the ability to consistently return lobs and get back into proper position to continue play.
You demonstrate fast-paced ground strokes and use aggressive net play and teamwork in doubles.
You can anticipate the opponent’s shots resulting in good court positioning.
You have a moderate number of unforced errors in each game.
Looking for more in depth information on player rating definitions and skill assessments? Click here to check out the USA Pickleball Player Skill Ratings.