The skills, criteria, and requirements for each IPTPA player rating level — so you can identify where you stand today and see your path to the next level.
Each assessment describes the strokes, consistency, strategy, and match-play abilities expected at that rating level. Review the level that matches your game — and the one above it — to guide your development. Your official rating is confirmed on-court by an IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS).
Learning the fundamentals — basic strokes, court positioning, scoring, and the rules of play.
View AssessmentDeveloping consistency on basic shots and beginning to sustain short rallies with control.
View AssessmentMore reliable strokes, improved footwork, and a working understanding of court strategy.
View AssessmentGreater shot control, dependable third-shot and dinking, and sound court positioning.
View AssessmentConsistent, strategic play with shot variety, placement, and effective teamwork under pressure.
View AssessmentRefined shot-making, advanced strategy, disciplined shot selection, and consistent execution.
View AssessmentDescriptions summarize each level; the linked PDF is the full IPTPA assessment for that level. Ready for an official rating? Learn how the rating system works or find a Certified Rating Specialist near you.
Every IPTPA rating session has two parts: a demonstration of pickleball skills, and a series of Ghost Doubles games. Ghost Doubles is played one player against one other player, using only half of the court on each side. It is not a win-or-lose format — scores are cumulative across the games, and at least one game must be played against an already-rated player. Both the skills demonstration and the Ghost Doubles games must be passed to earn the rating.
| Players being rated | Ghost Doubles games |
|---|---|
| 1 player | Plays the rated player 3 times. |
| 2 players | Each player plays the rated player twice. |
| 3 players | All three play each other once and the rated player once. |
Because scoring is cumulative, every point counts across all games — there is no single deciding game. Your Certified Rating Specialist records the results on the IPTPA scoring sheet.
The detailed level assessments are available to IPTPA Certified Rating Specialists and to members who have registered for a player rating.