SKILL-BASED CLASSIFICATION
BEGINNER
Can hit the ball over the net; learning the "Double Bounce Rule" and how to keep score.
NOVICE
Can sustain a 3–4 shot rally; lands serves 50%+ of the time; knows Kitchen boundaries.
LOW INTERMEDIATE
Can hit backhands and volleys; moves to the net after returning; starting to "dink."
HIGH INTERMEDIATE
Consistent Third Shot Drops; can "reset" fast balls into soft dinks; rare unforced errors.
ADVANCED
Exceptional footwork; uses spin/power as weapons; mastery of ATPs, Ernies, and offensive lobs.