Pickleball

Beginner (2.0)

Players are new to the sport, have limited knowledge of the game and want to learn in a fun environment. Staff are there to guide as needed with rules, etiquette and gameplay.

Novice (2.5)

Novice players are starting to understand the basics of pickleball. They are learning:

• where to stand at the beginning of each point
• serve in the proper "in" location
• the two-bounce rule on returns
• keep score without mistakes
• keep the ball in play for a few hits
• aware of a dink shot and working toward this fundamental skill

Intermediate (3.0)

• know basic rules but may not be aware of higher-level rules
• position themselves well on the court relative to other players and action some of the time
• working on consistent serves and returns but may lack depth, power and speed
• understand why shallow dinks are necessary and are working on consistent execution
• able to rally 4 dinks in a row with a player of equal ability
• execute backhand shots
• add more power or softness to the game as needed

Intermediate plus (3.5)

The intermediate plus player understands everything in beginner, novice and intermediate levels, and:

• knows most of the rules and how they affect the game (including net rules, net post issues, kitchen lines, non-volley zone, etc.)
• knows more scenarios and positions themselves well on the court relative to other players
• move quickly to the net
• sustain rallies easily with strategic hits that may miss the mark
• serves and returns are almost always deep
• successfully hits third-shot drops some of the time
• understand not to pop up dinks but can't execute consistently
• understand hard and soft game and varies shots appropriately
• work with their partner to win a point

Advanced (4.0)

Advanced players know the rules and how to play. They also apply strategy well and expect opponents' shots. This player can do the following:

• hit forehand and backhand with varying speed and control
• can often finish the point when their opponents give them an opening
• moderate consistency with drop shots and dink shots
• starting to understand balls that are attackable and those that should be reset
• sustain rallies of 20-30 hits without much difficulty
• almost always plays at the non-volley line and gets there quickly
• can handle lobs and reset position
• move as a team with their partner and can cover most of the court
• be patient and wait for an opening while selectively placing shots

Open

All skill levels are welcome. We recommend you understand the rules, etiquette and the basics of how to play. An adult must accompany children under 14 years of age.

Family

This program is for multigenerational and family play. All skill levels are welcome. We recommend you understand the rules, etiquette and the basics of how to play. An adult must accompany children under 14 years of age.

Fees

This chart outlines single admission costs and multiple visit costs using our FitPass. FitPasses can be purchased online using ActiveWaterloo.