Playing at IPOP at the Right Level: How to Self-Assess Your Pickleball Rating

Playing at IPOP at the Right Level: How to Self-Assess Your Pickleball Rating

One of the best ways to keep Open Play fun, fair, and competitive at IPOP is to play with others at your skill level, starting with an honest understanding of your own game.

We know, and we get it—self-rating can be tricky. Across North America, it's one of the most debated topics in pickleball, and inaccurate ratings cause controversy.

The fact is, many players overrate themselves by 0.5–0.75 points. And while that may not seem like a lot, it actually is.

Why is this an issue?

Inaccurate player self-rating can disrupt the flow of play, frustrate others, and make the session less enjoyable for everyone. That’s why proper self-assessment is so essential—it's about inclusion, respect, and community.

So, How Should You Rate Yourself?

As a DUPR-powered club, we’ve made our categories as follows (going into effect on CourtReserve on Monday, May 19th 2025):

Novice: 2 - 2.999

Intermediate: 3 - 3.499

Upper Intermediate: 3.5 - 3.999

Advanced: 4.0 - 4.999

Pro: 5.0 and up

There are many players in the 3.0 to 4.0 category, so we’ve broken that up into two categories.

Here’s a quick guide, based on the widely accepted standards from the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA), and where you would fit in IPOPs Open Play rankings:

  • 2.0: Just learning the game. You know the rules and how to keep score — For IPOP, Novice
  • 2.5: You can rally, serve consistently, and understand court positioning. — For IPOP, Novice
  • 3.0: You can sustain rallies, use forehands/backhands, and attempt soft net play (dinks). — For IPOP, Intermediate
  • 3.5: You use drop shots, dinks, and lobs with some control and communicate well with a partner. — For IPOP, start in Intermediate, move to Upper Intermediate when ready.
  • 4.0: You’re confident in all shots, defend aggressively, and use advanced tactics. — For IPOP, start in Upper Intermediate, move to Advanced when ready.
  • 4.5+: You rarely make unforced errors, read opponents well, and consistently win against other high-level players. — For IPOP, Advanced
  • 5.0+: You compete at an elite level—nationally or internationally—and demonstrate full command of every aspect of the game. — For IPOP, Pro

If you believe you’re right on a ranking that could go either way (3.0 for instance), try the lower level first. If you feel you need to move up, see the front desk attendant during your session to change, or simply book a higher level next session.

For full details, visit the IPTPA Rating Guide.

If you've changed your self-rating in the last six months, we ask that you revert to your previous rating unless:

  • You’ve had a professional rating assessment,
  • You’ve earned it through strong performance in a tournament, or
  • You’ve demonstrated consistent skill at that level in DUPR-rated matches.

(Special shoutout to Scott Marenych from the Delta Pickleball Association and his Facebook post on this topic)

Helpful Tips for Self-Rating:

🎥 Record yourself playing to review your consistency, shot selection, and court movement, then compare those points to the ratings above.

🤝 Ask higher-level players for honest feedback—they’ll help you understand where you truly belong.

📈 Track your DUPR: Your Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is one of the best ways to benchmark your level based on actual match outcomes.

We highly encourage all IPOP players to get a DUPR number—it’s free, easy to use, and helps build more balanced play. Learn more in our blog: Why You Should Get Your DUPR Number.

You can even connect your DUPR account directly to your IPOP CourtReserve profile. Plus, you can join one of our upcoming DUPR Sessions, where match results go straight into your DUPR history and give you a more honest and accurate rating.

DUPR Scrambles!

Want to establish your DUPR number or get it more up to date? IPOP is hosting our first DUPR Scramble on Saturday, May 10th from 6:00-8:00PM! It’s only $10!

Come join us, play a bunch of pickleball, and get a better idea of your DUPR number for a better self assessment. Here are the details:

🗓 When: Saturday, 6–8 PM

📍 Where: IPOP facility (book via CourtReserve)

🎯 Who:

  • Novice Division: DUPR 2.0–2.999
  • Intermediate & Up Division: DUPR 3.0+

🏓 What: DUPR Scramble – play multiple games, upload scores to DUPR

📊 Why: Get an accurate DUPR rating, meet compatible players, and level up your game!

💻 How to Register: Book through your IPOP CourtReserve app, log onto your CourtReserve account, or click here. Once logged in, go to the Calendar section, and choose either of the DUPR Scramble sessions (Intermediate or Beginner) at 6:00PM on Saturday May 10th.

Only $10 for a bunch of pickleball games and your DUPR number established/updated!

🔗 Don’t have a DUPR account? Sign up free at DUPR.com and connect it to your IPOP account!

And don’t worry if you miss out on this one because we’ll be having more soon! Stay tuned to our social media channels and/or sign up for our email list to jump on the next one.

Follow for more IPOP action:

 📸 IG - @ipopfun | 🎵 TT - @ipopforfun | 📘 FB - @ipopforfun | 📺 YT - @inclusiveplaceofpickleball

Play Fair, Play Fun, Play IPOP

Self-rating isn’t just about levelling up—it’s about creating the most inclusive, competitive, and community-driven environment possible.

Let’s grow together—on and off the court. 🏓💥

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