Earlier this year, I spoke with a group of pickleball enthusiasts at a local community. They are a new club, having only built their courts about a year ago (and they already have over a thousand members!). One of their questions had to do with how the clubs of which I have been a member handled "ranking" their players into levels for the purpose of playing on ladders, taking part in ranked training, and entering tournaments. It so happened, I'd just seen a post on Facebook that defined skill levels this way:

This list is not far off the mark.

Most clubs judge a player's ability by watching him or her during a game, and the criteria don't vary a lot from one club to another (in fact, if you search online for "pickleball skill level definitions," as I did," you'll see many documents listing the same things). 

I looked at a number of the online documents and compared their lists of required skills for the levels from 1.0 to 5.0. I've posted my compilation of the most common criteria on a separate page (click here). 

Some players don't like skill levels. Certainly, these levels can cause problems when, say, a husband and wife take their first pickleball lesson, hoping to play together, and a short time later, one of them has progressed to a 3.0 level, while the other is still a 2.0. And then there's the argument that the freedom to "play up" helps you increase your skills faster. That's true, but mixed-level play often only benefits the weaker player (not to say you can't have fun playing with anyone, no matter their level). If skill improvement is the goal, it's best for everyone if players are at the same level.

It's hard to assess our own skills, and quite often we think (or hope) we play better than we really do. Having an impartial judge point out the things you need to work on to achieve the next level is helpful for structuring your practice AND it also tells you what you're doing well. It's important to take stock of this, too, as you strive to become a better player.

Taking a skill-level assessment in stride reminds me of what happens when I get a good edit for my writing. I come away with lots of things to work on, at the same time that I know the rest of my work is okay, and I can build on that foundation. 

So take an honest look at my composite of the skill level documents and figure out what you need to work on to get to the next level.

So much of pickleball, like many other sports, is mental.

When you find yourself in a threatening situation, your natural reaction is to tighten all your muscles and hold your breath, and that’s the last thing you want to do. You need to find ways to counteract those natural tendencies. You want to be relaxed and calm. You want to be breathing properly, so you can think clearly and handle whatever comes your way.

While pickleball is hardly life-threatening, our bodies and minds react to conflict with our opponents similarly, If your opponents discover you're the weaker player, you will be their main target. It's hard not to get flustered. Or after a particularly bad run of luck, it's hard not to think you've lost it and won't be able to get it back. But you have to keep your composure to help your team finish the game.

Great pickleball players (like all great athletes) seem to have an innate ability to be relaxed and comfortable in pressure situations. But these are skills that can be learned. Taking lessons from coaches of other sports can be valuable, as the mental game is similar in many of them. 

Many pickleball players are discovering the benefits of yoga and proper breathing techniques (see "Yoga for Pickleball" for more information). Meditation and visualization techniques can also play a huge part in helping the mind relax and overcome the fear that accompanies tension.

Even if you can't practice all of these techniques in depth while you're on the court, you can develop mini-versions of your usual routines that can be done between shots. When you find 

So many sites offer pickleball tips and information now that it’s sometimes hard to find what you need quickly or to locate the best.

My list is not comprehensive, and I’m sure I’ve missed sites that should have been included. But I offer this as a starting point if you are looking for tips, tricks, basic info, and/or strategies.

This list is NOT an endorsement of any site, nor a ranking of any over another. My goal is simply to list what I consider the best of the sites that provide useful information contained in clearly presented and easy-to-navigate online sites.

My List of "Best Sites for 'Text & Graphics' Information"

The United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA.org) is the definitive source for Rules, Places to Play, and a list of upcoming events (click the “Events” tab at the right of the screen). Their “Education and Training” menu contains good information about strategy, skill development, and safety, among a host of other offerings.

Coach Mo’s PickleballCoach.com has a wealth of written information. Coach Mo was a tennis pro who has won numerous pickleball accolades. He markets video lessons, but his new website offers a strategy guide you may read or print, a compilation of monthly tips, and a link to his “Pickleball Coach App” available for Android users.

Anna and David’s PickleballCentral.com is one of the largest retailers of pickleball goods via the Internet, but in addition to equipment of all kinds, they write a blog that has much useful information. Their posts include keywords that allow you to search by topic. Also on their site is the best Paddle Selection Guide I’ve seen anywhere.

Prem Carnot was a table tennis champion who is now a 5.0 pickleball player who teaches clinics. His site, PickleballHelp.com, features an Articles and Strategies blog that has a keyword archive for searching (scroll way down on the right).

Jennifer Lucore’s blog sits atop her sales site AllPickleball.com. Again, she offers blog posts about various topics, categorized by keywords so they are searchable and have an index below right.

Of course, if you're reading this, you've found my pickleball blog at GaleLeach.com. I also publish a Pickleball Tips blog that is searchable by keyword and has a list of topics.

My List of "Best Video Instruction" Sites

For those who prefer to get their information via video, several good sites are available. My only complaint about most of the video sites is that their content isn't tagged with keywords, making it hard to locate the information you want.

PickleballChannel.com’s videos are top-notch, covering diverse aspects of pickleball and “mini clinics” through their “Pickleball 411” segments.

Pickleball Legend Norm Davis has a series of YouTube videos that offer instruction on the basics of just about everything. His videos are clear and easy to follow.

Likewise, Deb Harrison’s YouTube Channel is filled with great information about the basics and many topics not ordinarily covered by others. Worth a look.

My Favorite Pickleball “Radio” Podcast

Pickleball even has its own podcast “radio” station. Chris Allen’s “The Pickleball Show” features interviews with top players and coaches offering strategies, tips, and tricks for playing better pickleball, along with reviews of equipment and notes about upcoming tournaments.

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As I said at the top, I’m sure I’ve missed some good sites. Send me a note or reply to this post so I can include them later. Meanwhile, I hope this list helps you locate good information that will help take your game to the next level.