A common question I hear is, “ How do I know what my pickleball level is? ”  It’s a tricky question because skill level isn’t always straightforward. In my pickleball journey, I’ve realized that performance can vary depending on the style of play , the athleticism of opponents , and even the format of the match . The Complexity of Skill Levels Skill level in pickleball isn’t just about mastering techniques or strategies—it’s also about consistency and adaptability. For instance, some players may lack advanced skills but possess exceptional athleticism and consistency. These players can return nearly every shot, wearing down even the most technically skilled opponents. Conversely, highly skilled players who lack consistency may struggle to convert their knowledge into winning results. The Role of Stamina Another crucial factor is stamina . In a tournament setting or after hours of play, some players cannot maintain the same intensity or accuracy as they could earlier. This decline in performance can drastically affect match outcomes, especially in longer games or extended tournaments. Stamina often separates evenly matched players, as endurance can tip the scales in favor of those who can sustain their level of play. Why It’s Hard to Pinpoint Your Level Your skill level is not static; it fluctuates based on various factors. The style of your opponents, your ability to adapt, and even your physical endurance all play a role. That’s why assessing your level isn’t as simple as looking at wins and losses—it requires an honest evaluation of your strengths, weaknesses, and consistency under different conditions. Understanding your pickleball skill level is about more than just the score. It’s about recognizing the factors that influence your performance and continuously working to improve them. Author: Jeremiah (Doylestown Pickleball) Determining your pickleball skill level can be challenging, but tools are available to help. Below are some public rating scales, surveys, and quizzes designed to assist you in identifying where you stand in the game: 1. Rating Systems in Pickleball Several systems evaluate pickleball skills, each with unique standards and criteria. Here’s an overview of the most common ones: USA Pickleball Tournament Player Ratings (UTPR) UTPR is a widely recognized rating system by USA Pickleball for competitive play. Players earn ratings based on tournament results, updated regularly through an official software platform.  The UTPR assigns two-digit and four-digit ratings to players, primarily used for tournament seeding. While UTPR is often seen as more accurate than self-assessment, it’s limited to results from sanctioned USA Pickleball tournaments, excluding recreational games​. Dynamic Universal Pickleball Ratings (DUPR) DUPR is a newer, versatile rating system developed by Major League Pickleball. This system accounts for match type, opponent level, score, and game location, thus offering a broader scope than UTPR.  DUPR continuously updates ratings and includes results from both recreational and competitive play. This inclusive approach makes DUPR more adaptable and accessible, providing an evolving, real-time reflection of a player’s skill level​. Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) Originally for tennis, UTR has recently extended to pickleball. Although still in its early stages within the pickleball community, UTR’s reputation in tennis suggests a future as a potential standard in pickleball ratings.  UTR rates players across both sports, using performance metrics to evaluate skill comprehensively​. UTR Self Rating Quiz by USA PICKLEBALL - https://ajwjwe2ue4t.typeform.com/to/KBwPmVUV?typeform-source=www.pickleheads.com 2. Self-Assessment for Pickleball Skill Levels If you don’t play in tournaments or use an official rating system, self-assessment can be an excellent way to evaluate your skills. The USA Pickleball skill ratings provide a basis for judging yourself based on observable aspects of your game, like shot control, strategy, and consistency. Here is a detailed breakdown of pickleball skill levels as defined by USA Pickleball. Each level highlights the core competencies and skills a player needs to progress. 2.0 Skill Level Serve/Return : Can hit the ball over the net but lacks consistency. Strokes : Struggles with basic forehand and backhand shots; limited control and placement. Game Knowledge : Limited understanding of rules and court positioning. Movement : Inconsistent footwork; tends to stay in one spot. Dinking : Rarely attempts soft shots at the net. 2.5 Skill Level Serve/Return : More consistent serves but lacks depth and placement. Strokes : Beginning to control forehand shots; backhands still weak. Game Knowledge : A better grasp of rules and scoring but struggles with strategies. Movement : Improved footwork but struggles to recover to optimal positions. Dinking : Occasionally attempts dinks but struggles with consistency. 3.0 Skill Level Serve/Return : Serves are more consistent, with some effort to place the ball strategically. Strokes : Can sustain short rallies and control both forehand and backhand shots moderately. Dinking : Developing dinking technique but struggles under pressure. Third Shot : Attempts third-shot drops but lacks consistency. Volleys : Basic volleying skills with limited control. Movement : Begins to understand court positioning, though sometimes out of place. 3.5 Skill Level Serve/Return : Serves and returns are consistent with reasonable depth and placement. Strokes : Good control over forehands and backhands; improved placement of shots. Dinking : Comfortable at the kitchen line with dinks; occasional precision errors. Third Shot : Successfully executes third-shot drops in some situations. Volleys : More consistent in volleys and capable of handling faster-paced shots. Strategy : Understands and applies basic doubles strategies, including stacking (in doubles). 4.0 Skill Level Serve/Return : Consistently accurate serves and returns with strategic placement. Strokes : Strong forehand and backhand with good power, spin, and control. Dinking : Regularly dinks with precision and patience, effectively resetting the rally. Third Shot : Executes third-shot drops effectively to neutralize opponents. Volleys : Comfortable with fast-paced volleys and counterattacks. Lobs : Uses offensive and defensive lobs effectively. Strategy : Understand advanced strategies, such as controlling the pace of play and anticipating opponents’ moves. 4.5 Skill Level Serve/Return : Consistently serves with depth, power, and spin. Returns are deep and strategically placed. Strokes : Accurate, powerful, and varied shots, including topspin and slice. Dinking : Reliable dinks under pressure; can outlast opponents in dinking rallies. Third Shot : Executes third-shot drops and drives precisely, adapting to opponents’ positioning. Volleys : Exceptional control and power during fast exchanges at the net. Movement : Excellent court positioning, recovery, and anticipation. Strategy : High-level understanding of game tactics; uses deception and teamwork effectively in doubles. 5.0 Skill Level Serve/Return : Serves with excellent accuracy, spin, and variety. Returns neutralize aggressive serves. Strokes : Mastery of all strokes with exceptional control, consistency, and variety. Dinking : Perfectly controlled dinks that force errors or openings from opponents. Third Shot : Consistently executes flawless third-shot drops or drives based on strategy. Volleys : Handles all types of volleys with precision and power. Movement : Fast, agile, and always in the optimal position for both offense and defense. Strategy : Expert tactical decisions, including anticipating and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. 5.5+ (Pro Level) Serve/Return : Near-perfect serves and returns that dominate opponents. Strokes : Elite-level shot-making with impeccable precision, power, and placement. Dinking : Supreme control in extended dinking rallies, using angles and spin effectively. Third Shot : Adapts third shots perfectly to any situation, neutralizing even aggressive opponents. Volleys : Handles all net exchanges with perfect timing and reflexes. Strategy : Flawless execution of advanced strategies, including misdirection, stacking, and exploiting patterns.

Pickleball rules can be tricky to grasp, whether you’re new to the game or have been playing for years. When is it okay to step into the kitchen? What does the momentum rule mean? How do you know if the ball is in or out? And when is it appropriate to call for a redo? Here are 10 common pickleball rules that often leave beginners scratching their heads. 0:00  - Confusing Pickleball Rules 0:14  - Rule #1: You Can Step into the Pickleball Kitchen Zone 0:40  - Rule #2: Pickleball Momentum Rule 1:17  - Rule #3: Momentum From the Serve 1:40  - Rule #4: Pickleball Service Lines (What Is “In” And What is “Out”?) 2:15  - Rule #5: Pickleball Let Rules 2:45  - Rule #6: Redos in Pickleball 3:10  - Rule #7: Pickleball Serving Redo Rules 3:24  - Rule #8: Can Your Pickleball Paddle Touch the Net? 4:03  - Rule #9: Pickleball Two-Bounce Rule 4:14  - Rule #10: Calling Pickleball Scoring

How to Regrip Your Pickleball Paddle: A Step-by-Step Guide Your pickleball paddle’s grip is one of the most critical components of your game. Over time, grips wear out, becoming slippery or uncomfortable, which can affect your performance. Regripping your paddle is a simple and cost-effective way to maintain control and comfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to regrip your paddle like a pro. Link to watch - https://youtu.be/W9rYBQXJYzQ?si=J6TyZo9wjQu0HCs-

PHOTOS <- Left Side: SELKIRK PADDLE SHAPES -> Right Side.: SLK PADDLE SHAPES SHAPE COMPARISONS EPIC & MAX are the same length and shape . XL & INVIKTA are the same lengths , but Invikta has a longer face because the face tapers out faster from the handle. S2 SHAPE LARGE FACE / SMALLER HANDLE: CONTROL, FAST HANDS, BIG SWEETSPOT VANGUARD CONTROL : S2 Average Midweight: 8.0 - 8.3 oz | Height: 15.7” | Width: 8.2” | Thickness: 16mm POWER: 5 CONTROL: 9 SPIN: 9 SWEETSPOT: 8 TOTAL: 31 LUXX CONTROL AIR : S2 Midweight Range: 8.1 - 8.5 oz | Handle Length: 4.5" | Paddle Length: 15.7" | Paddle Width: 8.25" | Core Thickness: 20mm POWER: 6 CONTROL: 10 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 10 TOTAL: 36 POWER AIR : S2 Midweight Range: 7.7 – 8.1 oz. | Handle Length: 4 3/8" | Paddle Length: 15 3/4 | Paddle Width: 8" | Core Thickness: 13mm POWER: 9 CONTROL: 7 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 7 TOTAL: 33 EPIC SHAPE TRADITIONAL SHAPE / BLEND OF CONTROL & POWER VANGUARD PRO: EPIC Average Weight: 7.8 - 8.2 oz | Paddle Height: 16” | Paddle Width: 7.8” | Core Thickness: 16mm POWER: 6 CONTROL: 8 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 9 TOTAL: 33 VANGUARD CONTROL : EPIC Average Midweight: 7.7 - 8.1 oz | Height: 16” | Width: 7.8” | Thickness: 16mm POWER: 5 CONTROL: 9 SPIN: 9 SWEETSPOT: 8 TOTAL: 31 AMPED PRO AIR: EPIC Average Midweight: 7.8-8.2 oz | Paddle Height: 16.5” | Paddle Width: 7.45” | Core Thickness: 16mm | Grip Length: 5.25” POWER: 7 CONTROL: 7 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 8 TOTAL: 32 POWER AIR: EPIC Midweight Range : 7.7-8.1oz | Paddle Length : 15.5" | Paddle Width: 8" | Handle Length: 5.25" POWER: 9 CONTROL: 7 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 7 TOTAL: 33 LUXX CONTROL AIR: EPIC Midweight Range: 7.9 - 8.3 oz | Handle Length: 5.25" | Paddle Length: 16 | Paddle Width: 7.9” | Core Thickness: 20mm POWER: 6 CONTROL: 10 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 10 TOTAL: 36 INVIKTA SHAPE LONGER SHAPE / MORE REACH / MORE POWER VANGUARD PRO: INVIKTA Average Weight: 7.8 - 8.2 oz | Paddle Height: 16.45” | Paddle Width: 7.45” | Core Thickness: 16mm POWER: 7 CONTROL: 7 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 8 TOTAL: 32 VANGUARD CONTROL: INVIKTA Average Midweight: 7.7 - 8.1 oz  | Height: 16.45” | Width: 7.44” | Thickness: 16mm | Grip Length: 5.5”  POWER: 6 CONTROL: 8 SPIN: 9 SWEETSPOT: 8 TOTAL: 31 AMPED PRO AIR: INVIKTA Average Midweight: 7.8 - 8.2 | Paddle Height: 15.75” | Paddle Width: 8” | Core Thickness: 16mm | Grip Length: 5.25” POWER: 5 CONTROL: 9 SPIN: 9 SWEETSPOT: 8 TOTAL: 31 LUXX CONTROL AIR : INVIKTA Midweight Range: 7.8 - 8.1 oz | Handle Length: 5.35'' | Paddle Length: 16.45" | Paddle Width: 7.5''| Core Thickness: 20mm POWER: 7 CONTROL: 9 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 9 TOTAL: 35 POWER AIR: INVIKTA Midweight Range: 7.7 – 8.1 oz. | Handle Length: 5 1/4" | Paddle Length: 16 1/2" | Paddle Width: 7.375" | Core Thickness: 13mm POWER : 10 CONTROL: 6 SPIN: 10 SWEETSPOT: 6 TOTAL: 32 MAX SHAPE TRADITIONAL SHAPE / BLEND OF CONTROL & POWER SLK HALO PRO: MAX Midweight Range:7.7-8.2oz | Handle Length: 4.85'' | Paddle Length: 16" | Paddle Width: 7.85''| Core Thickness: 14mm POWER: 7 CONTROL: 9 SPIN: 8 SWEETSPOT: 7 TOTAL: 31 SLK HALO Power: MAX Midweight Range:7.7-8.0oz | Handle Length: 4.85'' | Paddle Length: 16" | Paddle Width: 7.85''| Core Thickness: 13mm POWER: 8 CONTROL: 6 SPIN: 8 SWEETSPOT: 6 TOTAL: 28 SLK HALO Control: MAX Midweight Range:7.7-8.2oz | Handle Length: 4.85'' | Paddle Length: 16" | Paddle Width: 7.85''| Core Thickness: 16mm POWER: 6 CONTROL: 9 SPIN: 8 SWEETSPOT: 9 TOTAL: 32 XL SHAPE LONGER SHAPE / MORE REACH / MORE POWER SLK HALO PRO: XL Midweight Range:7.7-8.2oz | Handle Length: 5.75'' | Paddle Length: 16.4" | Paddle Width: 7.4''| Core Thickness: 14mm POWER: 8 CONTROL: 6 SPIN: 8 SWEETSPOT: 6 TOTAL: 28 SLK HALO Power: XL Midweight Range:7.7-8.2oz | Handle Length: 5.75'' | Paddle Length: 16.4" | Paddle Width: 7.4''| Core Thickness: 13mm POWER: 9 CONTROL: 5 SPIN: 8 SWEETSPOT: 5 TOTAL: 27 SLK HALO Control: XL Midweight Range:7.7-8.2oz | Handle Length: 5.75'' | Paddle Length: 16.4" | Paddle Width: 7.4''| Core Thickness: 16mm POWER: 6 CONTROL: 8 SPIN: 8 SWEETSPOT: 8 TOTAL: 30 GRIPS LONGER SHAPE / MORE REACH / MORE POWER

Skill Level: Novice to Low Intermediate Duration: Six weeks (no game day 02/06/25) First game day: Thursday 01/16/25 at 1:00 PM Member registration opens: 01/06/25

Due to popular demand, we have added a second women's group play event. These events are available on Mondays and Thursdays at 3:00 PM. The Monday event is already up and running. The Thursday event kicks off fully 12/12/24, but there is a scaled down event available 12/05/24 only.

BUNDLES PADDLES ON SALE BAGS ON SALE

Struggling to find the perfect  gift for your friends, family, or significant other? Skip the guesswork and give them something they’ll LOVE: ✨ The Gift of Pickleball ✨ Here’s why an e-Gift Card  is the ideal choice: • It’s thoughtful. • It’s flexible. • It’s perfect for anyone—from newbies to pickleball pros! 📩 How It Works When you gift an e-Gift Card, the lucky recipient gets to choose how they want to use it. 👉 Here are their options: 1️⃣ Add credits to their CourtReserve Account : Perfect for renting courts, joining playgroups, or participating in leagues. 2️⃣ Shop for Pickleball Gear : In-store or online, they can snag the latest paddles, apparel, or accessories at www.doylestownpickleball.com . 🎯 No more last-minute stress or guessing games.  Just pure pickleball joy! 🛒 Ready to make someone’s day?  Purchase an e-Gift Card now: Click Here This holiday (or special occasion), give them more than a gift—give them the chance to play, connect, and have FUN! 🏓💚

Q: What locations can I drop off a toy? View Map of Local Toy Drop-Off Sites Doylestown Pickleball - Our "Donation Bin" is i n the store. Q: When is the donation due? December 12, 2024 Q: What types of toys or donations can I give? We’ve found that toys for infants (ages 0-2)  and older children (ages 10 and up)  are consistently the most challenging to collect and distribute. If you’re unsure what to donate, check out the suggestions below based on years of experience sorting and distributing items. Key Guidelines: Avoid plush animals:  While appreciated, they’re often overabundant and difficult to distribute due to allergy concerns. New and unwrapped only:  This ensures the items are safe and ready for gifting. Batteries included?  If your donation requires batteries, securely tape the appropriate size and quantity to the outside of the box as an extra thoughtful touch. Suggested Donations by Age Group: Ages 0-2 (Infants): • Educational toys:  Items that encourage motor skill development. • Physical development toys:  Toys promoting crawling, walking, or sitting skills. • Brands like Disney , Sesame Street , Playskool , Fisher-Price , and Little Tikes  are great options. • Hardcover books. Ages 3-5 (Boys and Girls): • Books. • Baby dolls. • Tonka trucks  and other vehicles. • Board games. • Models and Legos . • Barbie dolls and accessories. • Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars and sets. • Art sets. Ages 6-11 (Boys and Girls): • Science kits  and microscopes. • Barbie dolls and accessories. • Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars and sets. • Family games and board games marked 6+ . • Models and Legos. • Bikes, scooters, skateboards. • Sporting equipment. • Remote control cars . • Art kits. • Telescopes. Ages 12-15 (Boys and Girls): • MP3 players  or handheld video games. • Appropriate movies (see note below). • Make-up kits, personal hygiene sets, hair dryers, and curling irons. • Family games and board games marked 8+ . • Cameras . • Watches  or wallet sets. • Electric razors or bath sets . • 1,000-piece puzzles. • Bluetooth speakers , headphones , and earbuds . Notes on Media and Movies: • Any donated media will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. • Movies with explicit content or rated PG-13 and higher will not be distributed. For more information, visit HERE

Don’t have enough player for doubles? Give Skinny Singles a try. Skinny singles is the BEST game-like drill for pickleball. In fact, many top pros swear by this format! It’s a great option if you have only 2 players, but don’t want to utilize the entire pickleball court during your match. Skinny singles pickleball is similar to regular pickleball singles — but with a few dramatic differences: Each player will use only one side of the court (left or right) in pickleball skinny singles, but that side will be continually changing, all based on your current score (and whether you are the server or receiver). Learn the rules of skinny singles, player positioning, court dimensions, and how to score your game.

⚾️ Plumstead Baseball (Non-Profit) • Dine & Donate Night at PJ Whelihan’s Event Details 📍 PJ Whelihan’s : 4379 W Swamp Rd., Doylestown, PA 18902 📅 Date : Thursday, December 19, 2024 ⏰ Time : 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM How It Works PJ Whelihan’s will generously donate 15% of total sales  during the event to Plumstead Baseball! To make your order count: Mention you’re there for the “Dine & Donate” event when ordering. (Note: Third-party delivery orders do not qualify.) This is the perfect chance to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of cooking while supporting our league! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors, and let’s turn this into an amazing community gathering. Why Your Support Matters Funds raised from this event will help offset operating expenses for Plumstead Baseball across the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Your contributions ensure our league continues to grow and thrive. Next Steps • Check out the attached flyer for more details. • Spread the word to your network!