Rules and Skills

When there are six or more (6+) paddles in the saddle:

• Paddles of the two (2) winning players are placed on the side with the “W”

• Paddles of the two (2) losing players are placed on the side with the “L”. 

• All paddles are placed at the end of the line. 

• Four (4) new players enter at a time (4-in). 

• First person collects all four paddles at once (do not just grab your paddle and run to the court) – help get your players to the court. 

• Move all remaining paddles forward in the same order.

• Switch the arrow to the other side

If there are not enough paddles in a row for four players to enter, then the paddle(s) are selected starting with the next person/paddle due to go in.  This may include paddles from the other row (starting at the front).  Subsequently begin placing paddles in a single row.

When there are fewer than six (6) paddles in the saddle (5 or less)

• The two winners stay on the court and split with two new players entering. 

• Line them all in one row (2-in). 

• Arrow does not switch.

• New arrivals place their paddle at the end of the line.  If there are two lines for paddles, new arrivals can pick either side to place their paddle. 

DO NOT move paddles, except moving your paddle to the end of the line, without first communicating with affected parties.  Individuals can decide to move their paddle to the end of the line if they want to wait;  the remaining paddles move up in the same order that they were.

Why This Matters

Pickleball is more enjoyable—and far safer—when players match their play to both their skill (what they can do with the paddle) and their mobility (how safely they can move). Most injuries come from falls, sudden movements, and overreaching. Combining skill and mobility helps players choose the right shots, partners, and pace.

The Goal

This system isn’t about restriction—it’s about protecting your body, improving your experience, and keeping you on the court longer. When everyone plays at a level that matches their mobility, the entire community benefits.

How to Self-Assess

Ask yourself:

• How far and how safely can I move

• Can I stop without losing balance

• Can I bend for low balls comfortably

• Can I handle fast volleys at the kitchen

• Do I feel stable when changing direction

Your answers guide you to the level that keeps you confident and injury-free.

The Four Levels

Level 1 – Beginner / Limited Mobility

You may be here if:

• You prefer short, steady steps

• You avoid sudden direction changes

• Bending for low balls is uncomfortable

• You feel safest near the kitchen

Play style that works:

• Soft dinks, controlled volleys, cooperative rallies

Key safety habits:

• No backpedaling

• Eye protection

• Clear “mine/yours” calls

Level 2 – Intermediate / Moderate Mobility

You may be here if:

• You can shuffle 3–4 steps quickly

• You can turn and run for lobs

• You can bend for low balls with control

• You can sustain longer rallies

Play style that works:

• Controlled volleys, resets, smart placement

Key safety habits:

• Warm up before play

• Avoid hard stops on slick floors

• Stop when fatigued

Level 3 – Advanced / High Mobility

You may be here if:

• You move confidently in all directions

• You can accelerate and stop safely

• You can handle fast kitchen exchanges

• You can cover most of your side of the court

Play style that works:

• Hand battles, poaching, coordinated team movement

Key safety habits:

• Efficient footwork

• Avoid overreaching

• Respect joint limits

Level 4 – Competitive / Elite Mobility

You may be here if:

• You have an explosive first step

• You decelerate under control

• You sustain high-intensity rallies

• You transition quickly from defense to offense

Play style that works:

• Precision patterns, aggressive transitions

Key safety habits:

• Recovery days

• Strong warmup and cooldown routines