ROOKIE 2.0 - 2.5
I’m just starting
I know what a dink is
I know where the kitchen is
I’m working on getting serves IN
I’m not sure where to stand during a rally
SOS Recommends: Pickleball 101, How To Play
View Rookie/Beginner Programs
BEGINNER 2.5 - 3.0
I’ve attended an SOS Pickleball 101 or How To Play
I’ve been introduced to the tech at SOS
I’m getting the hang of scoring
My serves are usually IN
I let the return of serve bounce
I can mostly keep the ball in play
SOS Recommends: Beginner Open Plays, Serve School
View Rookie/Beginner Programs
INTERMEDIATE: LOW 3.0 - 3.5
I have the basic rules down
I’m working on improving serve placement
I’m working on dink placement
I can hit a few dinks in a row
I can usually hit backhand when needed
I’m working on adding power/softness to my game
SOS Recommends: The 3-Hour Six-Pack, 3+ a Pro Clinics, Intermediate Open Plays
View Intermediate Programs
INTERMEDIATE: HIGH 3.5 - 4.0
I know most rules (net rules, net post issues, NVZ)
My serves & returns are almost always deep
I sometimes try to hit a 3rd shot drop
I try to be strategic in where I hit the ball
I have a wide variety of shots in my arsenal
I actively work with my partner to win the point
SOS Recommends: The 3-Hour Six-Pack, 3+ a Pro Clinics, Intermediate Open Plays
View Intermediate Programs
ADVANCED - 4.0 - 4.5
I can often anticipate my opponent’s shot
I often finish the point I’m given an opening
I am consistent with drop shots and dink shots
I almost always play at the non-volley line
With a good partner, I can cover almost any shot
I try to be patient and wait for the opening
SOS Recommends: Advanced Open Plays
View Advanced/Expert Programs
EXPERT - 4.5 - 5.0
I consistently shift a hard shot to a soft shot
I am almost always patient and wait for the opening
I rarely make unforced errors
I consistently use power and finesse to my advantage
I can easily sustain a rally of 40 or more shots
I have competed in or won tournaments at the 4.5 level or higher
SOS Recommends: Advanced Open Plays
View Advanced/Expert Programs
Get Your DUPR Rating at SOS!
Reach out to Jimmy@SOSpickleball.com to set up a session.
Using our tech, DUPR matches can be played and recorded at SOS.
You do not need to be rated to play at SOS.
Official DUPR Ratings are not required at SOS. The guidelines above should be used as a self-assessment prior to joining open plays, tournaments, and clinics at SOS. Some tournaments will require an official DUPR rating. If you would like to be rated at SOS, reach out to SOS Team Member Jimmy to set up an evaluation with one of our DUPR Coaches.
How to Level Up: Before moving up to the next category, you need to accomplish all items in each section. Not quite there? No problem! Our coaches are ready to assist. SOS offers clinics in all areas of pickleball to help you improve your game and level up!
Note About Open Plays: SOS Coached Open Plays are NOT lessons. Coaches are present to help guide game play, assess skill level, and offer some tips, but the goal of an open play is consistent game play throughout the time allotted. If you’d like focused attention and time for detailed questions and drills, sign up for a clinic or private coaching time.
Private Coaching: SOS coaching availability is listed on the SOS app and web portal under “coaching” - choose the day you are free and the available coaches will show up. The price listed will include the hourly rate for coaches AND the court reservation fee.
