Pickleball! Can You Quickly Determine These Player's Skill Level? Learn By Watching Others!

When playing players you have never played against before, you have a very short window of opportunity to determine their strengths and weaknesses and what their overall skill level is. Here's how I do it.
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[@rjsophia3712]

I am a mostly self-taught 4.0-4.5 player. KZbin has the best training videos available to everyone for free!!! Why don't more people avail themselves to the litany of knowledge the internet provides.🤦🏻‍♀️ I recommend this channel to everyone!!! Also, John Cincola, Briones Pickleball, Enhance Pickleball, Tanner Pickleball and Pickle Burner.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Good question? Thanks for recommending my channel. Those others are all good recommendations. I like Enhance Pickleball the best.

[@StewsReplay]

no clue.....no reason why everyone isn't 3.7 or more

[@Feb69Judge]

Solid analysis, the video also highlights how important the 3rd shot is and the need to set your feet before striking the pickleball.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for your nice compliment and thanks for watching.

[@dmills7375]

I thought they were 3.5 players. They knew what to do, just were inconsistent in their shots. To me, that’s what distinguishes a 3.0 player from a 3.5 player. The 3.0 has no (or very limited) concept of strategy and is just trying to power through every point. The 3.5 player realizes there is more to the game, just may not be as skilled in the execution yet.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Good point! Thanks for watching.

[@929mmr]

I used to agree with you but my eyes were opened up this last summer. We had a guy from Arizona that is part of the testing and ranking group for their pb community. They test for the skills and then watch them during play over a period of time to come up with rankings and your 2nd sentence kind of sums it up. Consistency. As Rory was continually pointing out the quality of each individual play it was the consistency that was lacking which is what keeps them from 3.5, at least in this game. Every genuine 3.5 player has flashes or even days where they play like 3.0 or 4.0, so they all make some of the mistakes Rory was pointing out but consistency is the key and these guys weren't showing it. 3.25 at best, imo, on this day.

[@iasbi8512]

When you have a mix of 3.0 stuff and 4.0 stuff, it's clear they are 3.5.

[@929mmr]

@@iasbi8512 I disagree. Consistency is what gets you to that level. I didn't count but I am guessing Rory said 3.0 4 times for every one time he said 3.5 or 4.0. 3.0 players can make 4.0 plays every once in a while just like 4.0 players can make 3.0 plays. Too many unforced errors. Just my opinion. Maybe they are better than what I saw. Maybe we have different standards of what makes a 3.5. Mine have changed.

[@iasbi8512]

@@929mmr Back when 5.0 was considered pro, I would agree with you, but now that 6.0+ is pro, the variance between what a 3.0 is what a 4.0 is, is stretched.

[@rdconte83]

I’d be interested in seeing more videos like this, but maybe have multiple matches in a video that show multiple rating levels

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Good suggestion. I might have to give it a shot.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Good suggestion. I might have to give it a shot.

[@kimduncan3402]

These videos have help me remember to move up to the kitchen line when appropriate and stay after a serve. I’ve also improved my 3rd shot drop plus understood that better. It’s frustrating to play with someone who bangs that 3rd shot drive almost constantly and hits it out. At my gym hardly anyone dinks. They are all about attacking which most the time goes out. 😫 I’m 3.0 but with your videos I’m confident I’ll keep improving. Thank you!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

That's awesome! I'm glad they're helping. If you can master the third shot drop and your oppenents can't hit one, you'll have the advantage.

[@ftbutler]

Yes I would agree on the 3.0 assessment, you pointed out lots of examples why

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for watching.

[@rickspicklegarden]

Rory, I think you are spot-on with your assessments. Please keep your videos coming. Thanks, Rick

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Nice of you to say that. I appreciate you watching. I'm getting one ready right now to post tomorrow.

[@robbydridesemtb4428]

Hi Rory. Imo, they have some higher level shots (3.5-3.75), but all are 3-3.25's at best. They lack the bending at the knees allowing the paddle to go from low to hi creating more top spin. No splitsteps, no patience at NVZ, no strong serves/returns. Mr. Selkirk is given an easy ATP opportunity at 14:37, and his smiley face opponent doesn't know to cover the sideline, so lack of patience and court awareness/knowledge of both players, imo. They lack drilling or training or have never taken lessons? Higher level players, say above 3.75 should notice an easy ATP available. With a few lessons and more drill sessions I could see all of them enjoying 3.5-3.75 play, just not yet. Your analysis is great, and soon I'll upload some video of my matches so you can pick apart our videos. 😊

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

That would be great. Just send a link to your KZbin channel. Thanks for watching.

[@duanestclair]

Your assessment of 3.0 is accurate. Very nice breakdown of the play. I want to mention just two of your very good observations. First, you have to set yourself and not be moving when you hit the ball. Too often players rush to try to take balls below the top of the net out of the air and hit into the net or pop it up. They need to learn to set themselves and take those balls off the bounce with a soft shot. Second, when hitting a ball set your feet with a split step so that your body is aligned correctly to accurately hit your shot. When your feet are planted parallel to the net a player tends to spray the ball all over the court.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Excellent points! Thanks!

[@LenoreS430]

I especially liked the part where you mentioned if you see the opponent switching hands-hit to their backhand-likely weak. I would love more pointers like that. And, just poking your opponents to see where their strengths and weaknesses are-. Not just figuring out their dupr but seeing what you can figure out quickly.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Yep. You've got to attack their weaknesses. If you see their backhand is weak, go for it. Thanks for watching.

[@LenoreS430]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 I played with a woman who did everything to avoid a backhand. Guess where I aimed for? 😉

[@jimrogers6138]

Just because a player switches hands doesn't mean he/she has a weak backhand, sometimes there is just no way to reach the ball without switching hands. I do it successfully often.

[@keithchasteen8593]

I think you are right on with your assessment!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@marvinainsworth1208]

Hi Rory. 3.0 for sure, but with strong potential to move to 3.5 with proper instruction and with multiple drills / practice sessions.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Do you think they're going to drill and take lessons? Most players do not. Thanks for watching.

[@marvinainsworth1208]

Ha Ha, you're right about that Rory!@@pickleballpick-apart9787

[@mountaintop0616]

Good comments Rory. I think 3.0 would be my thoughts. However, they did show from time to time good shots to be a 3.5 but not just enough. If they make a few corrections then 3.5 is not far away.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for the compliment. And thanks for watching.

[@garyjohnson1199]

Great video. Definitely 3.0. Need weekly drills

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for the nice compliment and thanks for watching.

[@kimswansonlinner6889]

You are correct on eval...ty.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@tomwharton9800]

i agree with your assessments Rory. None of these players are better than 3.0 on this showing.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your opinion.

[@peted6812]

Agree. They may be a little better than 3.0...sometimes., on some shots but not consistently........but certainly not 3.5. Thanks for posting.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You're welcome. Thanks for your opinion.

[@MrBrad777c]

3.0 only because they did apply dinking to some extent but some of them closer to 2.5 imo. When you struggle to return easy serves, do not come to the net when needed, and dont even have much of a third shot driving ability its hard to be legit 3.0

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@willman110]

Rory! I watch all your videos! What is your personal rating? Just curious. Keep up the good work!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for watching. Right below 4.0. Next tournament I play in, I will play at 4.0.

[@CharlesLoudermilk-o5w]

I think you’re correct 3.0 I try to encourage players at this level to keep trying the 3rd shot drop Win at the kitchen

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

That's always a good idea.

[@PickleballJoy]

At 7:38 you talked (accurately) about Selkirk's poor movement. Backwards employed an Erne to win the point. That surprised me. I think I'd say 3.75 for Backwards, who is clearly the best player on the court. At 13:00 Smiley Paddle tries to play a "mind game" on Selkirk's serve. He's having fun, but no 3.5+ player would be phased by it. (The very next point Smiley wins with an Erne. What the heck???) Then at 15:10 Smiley attempted an ATP backhand off Selkirk's angled dink. (It didn't work, but he was clearly trying it.) I suspect Backwards is Selkirk's son. (They have the same noses.) I think Backwards was enjoying a fun day with his dad and Dad's friends. Lefty is the weakest player on the court. I'll bet Backwards is a true 3.75. If he were playing a more competitive game his skills would be a plus. I would rate Selkirk and Smiley at 3.25. Lefty is a "solid" 2.75. - Vic

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for your comments. You might be right and your assessment.

[@brianlane9534]

I am relatively new to the game. I have 4 months playing time stretched out over a year - spent too much time on the IR from a calf muscle tear a week after I discovered the game last year, and a sciatica problem 6 weeks after I started playing again last August (65 years old). I use an off brand paddle I purchased from Amuzon for $99. I am destroying people who use $250 paddle and who have all the appropriate fashion to go along with it. I would guess I am a strong 3.5 - I have no clue. I'm probably a 4.0 - as soon as I perfect the backhand flick. I didn't want to spend money without knowing much about the sport. However, I just ordered another 99 dollar paddle as it works very well for me. It's called Xspac XS I think. Don't judge by appearances.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for watching. Never heard of it. I pulled my calf muscle two weeks after I started playing. If you have time, travel to another city and play against people you've never played against before. You're only as good as the people you're playing against. So, if the people you continually crush are not very good, the question is, how good are you?

[@donaldlenardson6291]

I guess , with some instruction , they might be able to be 3.5 . Right now , they are barely 3.0 . All athletic, but very inconsistent . I get the feeling that when they did make a good shot , most of the time it was by accident, not by intention .

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Maybe so! Thanks for watching.

[@jimmansi9046]

I don’t think you were too critical at all. In fact, I learned a lot from watching their play and your commentary. Maybe these guys are beginners and just learning, all of their volleys were extremely short, no long ones at all they were impatient, and sometimes in the wrong position, lots of mistakes here, but I hope they keep playing and improve their game

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I hope they do as well. Thanks for watching.

[@StewsReplay]

Honestly most 4.0-5.0 videos don’t show much difference. Faster volleys, but the same shots are missed …most don’t drop ever effectively

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I think once it gets higher level you'll see a lot more dinking. Thanks for watching.

[@garrett5532]

I think they're better than they're playing. Most of their shots have ok mechanics, but their footwork seemed lazy and body wasn't low enough for some of the attempted hits. They clearly understand the game and can hit most shots required of a 3.5. Game sense and consistency, positioning are all better than a 3.0 for sure. Are they lower 3.5 players? Sure. Is the selkirk player weaker than the others? Yes.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

How about 3.25? Thanks for watching.

[@rjsophia3712]

Selkirk guy uses too much elbow and wrist, not enough shoulder.

[@Momo_8k]

Pickleball Pirates would rate them at 4.25, winning several 3.5 tournaments along the way 🤣 I still enjoy their content though...

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Haha. Thanks for watching.

[@frankcrenshaw2880]

I play at 4.0 ish play and I agree they are more less 3.0 players. However, sometimes a player rarely 3rd shot drops, but is very successful because they have a wicked good 3rd shot drive. Bangers style? So even though they play with limited shots, they can be very successful at 3.5 and even higher because they can consistently hit very good drives thst most people have trouble handling. 😂 They can be managed with a soft game, but they are always a dangerous opponent if you give them any shot they can drive or speed up. So I wouldn't say you have to reset/drop to be a 3.5 player, but unless you've got great driving skills and a formidable power game you're a 3.0 player if hitting limited shots like these guys are. I do know a few "bangers" who easily play 4.0 are very successful. But they also dink well. But they will usually drive rather than drop because they have such a formidable drive, its just as effective, if not moreso than a decent drop. I definitely do not think of them as 3.0 players inspite of a lack of dropping. Hard to explain, but once you see one in action you know they are going to be a handful.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I do understand the game is changing. Third shot drives are being used now more than they once were.

[@thedad1]

3.0. Very inconsistent and very few significant rallies. Premature speedups. Poor decisions not hitting to deep player or player moving. Poor service returns. Some good points but not enough to elevate to 3.5.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for your comment.

[@nilkamals]

These gys were super novice, you were kind with the 3.0 rating

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Well, I don't think there were any worse. Thanks for watching.

[@raymondhaddad5262]

It is not always easy for us older players to reach to kitchen fast …

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Well, to get there a player has to hit a shot that allows them to move up.

[@mra2424]

3.0's at best who need to drill

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

That's one of the biggest problems. A lot of players don't drill. They just play. Thanks for watching.

[@littles64]

3.0 all day long. No consistency at all and not knowing opponents position on court.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@Cecil381]

Too many unforced errors for 3.0 rating. I am a 2.5 player and make fewer error's than these guys..

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I'm not sure there as low as 2.5. Thanks for watching.

[@justinsossa2957]

This guy is going to crush it psych...😂

[@justinsossa2957]

And if these guys are 3 o's I feel like i'm must be 4.5 🎉 I guess i'm hard on myself My drops are delightful my drives are Deliberate My backhand is coming around My double handed background is Coming around even faster I'm thinking when i'm dinking And grooving when i'm moving My hands are fast And my feet usually don't let me down. In two weeks I will been playing for a year. I have not been rated or duped. I regularly play with 4.5 4.0 And have no problems at all In fact I love being unrated and able to compete Those guys.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Nice job getting to where you are within a year. If you really want to test your skill and haven't yet, play in a tournament at the 4.5 level and see how you do. Thanks for watching.