Graded Play & The Pickleball Core Skills Play Test
Graded Play
Graded Play sessions were introduced into the club programme to ensure members would be able to play in ability-appropriate groups, particularly for newer players to gain the required core skills competency and for more experienced players to develop their skills through faster, more competitive game play. Members are allocated a default grading and have the opportunity to have their grade re-assessed through a coach-facilitated Pickleball Core Skills Play Test. Our club ethos is based on offering equitable inclusion access to sessions and we have developed our Player Development Pathway with the aim of supporting everyone to have fun and gain skills as they progress at whatever pace suits them. Our club coaches are available to assist with training at regular clinics, and we offer a fully coach-facilitated weekly Pickleball for Wellbeing session (Thursday 4pm) where players can practice their core skills in co-operative drills.
​
Grades and Grade Badges
Club members are allocated a default colour-coded Grade Badge when they join (the grades progress from New Player (NP) upwards to an A grade). Each player can view their badge in their club membership profile on the website or App. Members are then able to book into appropriate Graded Play sessions within our weekly programme - but we also encourage players to attend Mixed Ability Recreational Sessions and Pickleball for Wellbeing, where there are opportunities for all-ability game play and sociable interactions, these sessions are suitable for all grades.
​
In most cases, the default grade allocated to a member is just a starting point, and a grade can be adjusted according to evidence of skills development via a Play Test (or evidence of an established DUPR rating). Our Pickleball Core Skills Play Test grading system is calibrated to the unique benchmarks that represent our club's player profile and is calculated through an algorithm which produces an objective skill grade based on timed and scored results from multiple tasks, which means that the test can also be an effective coaching tool for player development.
​
We recognise that many of us are just playing for fun and may not want or need to take a Play Test - no one is required to do so unless they wish to access a Graded Play sessions or competitive activity above their current Grade Badge.
​
The grades are (low to high) New Player (NP), C2, C1, B, and A.
Please note: our club grading system currently has no direct relationship with the Pickleball Scotland ranking system 1.0 – 5.0+.
Pickleball Core Skills Play Test
We have devised a unique Play Test system that will support members on our Player Development Pathway:
​
1. Provide members with a way to assess their own individual skills and abilities.
2. Help members track their progress and skills development over time.
3. Support members in prioritising skills that need to be worked on, improved and developed.
4. Provide an objective grading which can be used by members to book into appropriate club Graded Play sessions.
The 30-minute Play Test is conducted 1-to-1 with our Pickleball Scotland certified coach John Macrae, and is open to any player looking to develop their game and aiming to move up a grade. The test is undertaken in a designated venue out-with normal sessions, and players taking a test will be sent information and detailed guidance about the structure and format of the test in advance. We strongly recommend that players wanting to be tested prepare well in advance with specific core skills training.
After the play test the player will receive a report which will highlight their strengths and areas that they should work on. The overall grade achieved will then be applicable for club sessions and events.
The details of the Play Test score will remain confidential between coach and player.
​
Players can take up to 3 Play Tests per season depending on test availability.
​
Booking a Play Test
We will run regular Play Test sessions, however due to high demand and limited court availability, Play Tests are currently offered to members strictly by invitation only.
Members can request that they be considered for a Play Test by emailing the club.