Below you will find the Pickleball Player Skill Ratings, which list the specific skills required to achieve each rating level. Click on any box below to view the specific definitions for each rating level.
We, the Swiss Pickleball Association, thus take over the official ratings of USA Pickleball.
DUPR Rating
We have officially used DUPR as a rating in Switzerland since 2024. Our members are listed in the club. The Swiss pickleball clubs are also introducing DUPR in order to achieve a standardized system in Switzerland and internationally.
For questions about DUPR and player skills please contact our Head of Sport.
This player is just starting to play pickleball and has no other athletic background. Minimal understanding of the rules of the game.
This player has little experience. He can sustain a short rally with players of equal strength. Basic ability to keep score.
FORWARD
Ability to execute a medium-fast stroke. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
BACKHAND
Avoids the use of the backhand. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
IMPACT/REBOUND
Can deliver a medium-fast punch. Lacks depth, direction and consistency.
DINK
Not able to sustain a dink rally. Has not yet developed the ability to control this stroke.
THIRD SHOT
Generally hits a medium fast ball with little direction.
VOLLEY
Can hit a medium fast ball. Not targeted/inconsistent.
STRATEGY
Understands the basics. Learns proper court positioning. Knows the basic rules, can keep score and now plays tournaments.
FORWARD
Improved impact development with medium level of impact control.
BACKHAND
Learns stroke form and begins to develop consistency, but is avoided when possible.
SERVE/RETURN
Consistently brings the serve/return into play, but can only control the depth to a limited extent.
DINK
Increased consistency, with limited ability to control height/depth. Persists through rallies of moderate length. Begins to understand variations in tempo.
THIRD SHOT
Develops the drop shot so that it goes to the net.
VOLLEY
Is able to play balls at medium pace while developing control.
STRATEGY
Moves quickly toward the non-volley zone (NVZ) when the opportunity presents itself. Recognizes the difference between hard and soft play and begins to vary his/her own game in recreational and tournament settings. Can sustain short rallies. Learns proper court placement. Basic knowledge of stacking and understands in what situations it can be effective.
FORWARD
Strikes consistently with depth and control. Still perfecting stroke selection and timing.
BACKHAND
Has improved his hitting mechanics and has moderate success hitting the backhand consistently.
IMPACT/REBOUND
Places a large majority of serves/returns with varying depth and speed.
DINK
Increased consistency with moderate ability to control height/depth. May end rally too early due to lack of patience. Begins to understand the difference between attackable and non-attackable balls.
THIRD SHOT
Selectively mixes soft balls with power balls to gain an advantage, with inconsistent results.
VOLLEY
Is able to hit a variety of balls at different speeds. Develops consistency and control. Begins to understand the block/re-set volley.
STRATEGY
Is aware of his partner's position on the court and can move as a team. Demonstrates the ability to change direction offensively. 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 to use it in the match. Begins to recognize opponent's weaknesses and attempts to formulate a game plan to attack the weaknesses. Begins to seek a more competitive game.
FOREHAND
High level of consistency. Uses pace and depth to tempt the opponent into mistakes or prepare the next shot.
BACKHAND
Can effectively guide the ball with varying depth and speed with good consistency.
SERVE/RETURN
Serves with power, accuracy and depth and can also vary the speed and spin of the serve.
DINK
Ability to place the ball with great success on alternating shots, playing both consistently and with offensive intent. Recognizes attackable dinks and attempts to hit them.
THIRD SHOT
Consistently executes effective 3rd shot strategies that are not easily returned for advantage. Is able to place the ball intentionally and consistently.
VOLLEY
Can block hard volleys aimed at him and consistently play them into the NVZ. Comfortable hitting swinging volleys. Consistently hits overhead balls, often as putaways.
STRATEGY
Has good footwork and moves well laterally, backward and forward. Uses weight shifting for more efficient footwork. Can change direction with ease. Feels very comfortable in the non-volley zone. Communicates and moves well with partner - stacks court positions easily. Understands strategy and can adjust style of play and game plan to opponent's strengths and weaknesses and court position. Limited number of unforced errors.
FOREHAND | BACKHAND | SERVE / RETURN
Hits all types of shots at a high level from both forehand and backhand sides including: touch, spin and pace with control to create offensive situations. Has developed a good touch from all court positions. Has developed a very high level of variety, depth and pace of serves.
DINK
Has mastered the dink and drop shots. Is able to move the opponent with placed shots. Demonstrates patience during rallies and the ability to create an attacking opportunity with the dink. Increased ability to strategically change the pace of dinks.
THIRD SHOT
Proficient in 3rd shot selection and strategies to create opportunities to win points. Can launch and hit the ball from both forehand and backhand sides with high consistency.
VOLLEY
Is able to block hard volleys and play them consistently into the NVZ. Places overhead balls with ease for winners. Is able to consistently play volley balls towards the feet of the opponent. Can swing the volley well, both initiating and returning or neutralizing the return.
STRATEGY
Is proficient in pickleball strategies and can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive or tournament games. Is successful at converting defensive shots into offensive shots. Efficient footwork and effective weight shifting to increase quickness on the court. Adapts his style of play and game plan easily and quickly to the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent and position on the court. Rarely makes unforced errors.
This player is a top candidate. Performance and tournament wins speak for this player's ability to consistently play at a high level.