Levels of Play

Players should self-select their appropriate level of play. (See Skill-Level Ratings below.) If you find you’re winning consistently you should move up. If you’re being outplayed, losing consistently, you should move down. Pickleball is more fun and enjoyable when teams pair off against teams of near-equal abilities. If you want to improve your game against better players, find an experienced partner willing to help you get better through play.

  • Beginner - Never-evers to novice players learning the basics and the rules

  • Intermediate - Recreational, mid-level players hit the ball consistently; know the rules

  • Advanced - Competitive, skilled players looking for a higher level of play; adhere to rules

Check the Schedule for play times by skill level.

Skill-Level Ratings

USA Pickleball/IFP official rating descriptions for levels 1.0 through 5.0 can be found here. But we think The Simple “Yes or No” Way to Figure Out Your Skill Level, courtesy of the Pickleball Guru, is a good filter for identifying your skill level.

Skillsdiagram.jpg

2025 Pickleball Rule Changes

As is stated in the rule change document, “The primary impact of this change for 2025 is that it will no longer be a fault if a player touches the non-volley-zone (NVZ) before hitting the volley.” There's a significant amount of explanation as to why they implemented this rule, probably over-complicating the situation.

USA Pickleball 2025 Rule Change Document

Video Explanation of the major 2025 rule changes

The USA Pickleball Association published the first pickleball rulebook in March 1984. When the USAPA re-established and re-incorporated in 2005, the book was amended to resemble rules used today. Shortly after its formation in 2010, the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) adopted the USA Pickleball rulebook. Adoption of the current “USA Pickleball/IFP Official Tournament Rulebook” ensures consistency in game play and regulations wherever pickleball is played around the world. It also solves a lot of arguments.

2025 USA Pickleball

Rules, Summary, and Examples

For the complete, official rules of pickleball, read USA Pickleball’s 2025 Official Rulebook.

Also be familiar with EPRD and EPC Codes of Conduct.

EPRD Guidelines for Play at Wulf

If you have questions contact Jeff Sweet at 720-880-1221 or jsweet@eprd.co