Well, I got word late yesterday from the USAPA* that I am now a 4.0 pickleball player!
Here’s the email I received (along with a few other new 4.0’s):
Rankings range from 1.0 (newbies) to 5.0 (highly skilled).
I’ve been working towards this for over two years, so I’m thrilled!
And here are the skills that accompany 4.0-level play:
- Consistent and dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand shots.
- Reliable serves, lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys and can use spin shots with some success.
- Occasionally can force errors when serving.
- Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
- Uses the dink shot and drop shots to slow down or change the pace of the game.
- Demonstrates 3rd shot strategies – drop shots, lobs, and fast-paced ground strokes.
- Aggressive net play and teamwork in doubles is evident.
- Fully understands the rules of the game and can play by them.
The most important thing I need to work on is impatience. Strangely, patience is one of the most important skills in pickleball, and it’s not my strong suit.
So I’m off the courts again to work on it some more. 🙂
*United States of America Pickleball Association
I enjoyed playing Pickle Ball with you in Yuma. I thought you were a 4.0 or higher then!
A very Huge Congratulations Kathy!! That is such an awesome ranking!!! I was at a thrift store today and a lady was looking for a pickle ball racquet. I asked if she knew you. She didn’t. She wanted to tell me all about pickle ball!! I told her I was on my way to get a cortisone shot in my knee.
Hooray! Congratulations.
Getting to a 4.0. Is there an app for that?
Congrats and well deserved!