White
Level 1 - Beginner
Objective:
Introduction to the game of Pickleball, has an understanding of the rules, and basic strokes.
Assessment Criteria:
☐ Understands basic rules and scoring.
☐ Demonstrates correct grip and ready position.
☐ Performs forehand groundstroke (inconsistent but recognizable).
☐ Attempts backhand groundstroke.
☐ Attempts serve (may be inconsistent or underhand only).
☐ Sustains 2-3 shot rally with coach or partner.
☐ Demonstrates doubles court positioning.
Green
Level 2 -Foundations
Objective:
Developing basic consistency and court awareness.
Assessment Criteria:
☐ Serves land in bounds more than 50% of the time.
☐ Returns of serve successful more than 50% of the time.
☐ Rallies of 5+ shots with cooperative partner.
☐ Demonstrates both forehand and backhand with some consistency.
☐ Understands Non-Volley Zone (kitchen).
☐ Performs basic footwork and transitions to NVZ line.
☐ Shows improved paddle control and shot direction.
Orange
Level 3 - Intermediate
Objective:
Improving control, shot selection, and net play.
Assessment Criteria:
☐ Consistent serve and return with direction and depth.
☐ Rallies of 7-10 shots in drills.
☐ Dinks with purpose (3-5 in a row).
☐ Uses drop shots from mid court or baseline.
☐ Knows when to drive vs. drop.
☐ Identifies opponent weaknesses.
☐ Communicates effectively in doubles.
Purple
Level 4 - Advanced Intermediate
Objective:
Refining strategy and execution under pressure.
Assessment Criteria:
☐ Uses 3rd shot drops or drives consistently and strategically.
☐ Dinks consistently under pressure, from various angles.
☐ Utilizes lobs, volleys, and resets in game-like play.
☐ Counters attacks at NVZ line.
☐ Fewer unforced errors.
☐ Shows strategic positioning and anticipation.
☐ Understands advanced formations (e.g., stacking).
Blue
Level 5 - Advanced Recreational
Objective:
Playing tactically sound games with consistent execution.
Assessment Criteria:
☐ Executes drop-shot strategy with high success.
☐ Wins points through controlled dinking and placement.
☐ Resets fast-paced shots into the kitchen.
☐ Maintains NVZ control with volleys and counters.
☐ Handles fast hands battles at the net.
☐ Minimizes unforced errors.
☐ Uses stacking and switching when needed.
Red
Level 6 - Competitive
Objective:
Competing in local / regional tournaments with a strong skill set.
Assessment Criteria:
☐ Consistent in both mixed and same-gender doubles.
☐ Controls pace and spin; adapts mid-game.
☐ Recognizes and exploits opponent patterns.
☐ Uses deception (fake drives, lob dinks).
☐ Neutralizes power players under pressure.
☐ Rarely makes unforced errors; mentally tough.
☐ Applies partner positioning and rotations.
Black
Level 7 - Elite
Objective:
Performing at high-level tournaments or preparing for pro level play.
Assessment Criteria:
☐ Dominates rallies with power, finesse, and placement.
☐ Executes all shots under intense pressure.
☐ Exceptional footwork, coverage, and anticipation.
☐ Dictates tempo and forces errors.
☐ Wins hand battles and out-dinks top opponents.
☐ Mentally sharp, emotionally composed, tactically mature.
☐ Competes at 4.5+ or pro tournaments.
Island Pickleball Academy provides a clear path for skills development to ensure your child is encouraged to keep learning, challenged to grow and continually motivated to improve their skills.
All first time members to our academy start with a free pickleball skills assessment before being assigned to a practice group.
