|BURLINGTON PiCKLEBALL PRESENTS
— THE 3.5 TIER SYSTEM —
(this is NOT a |DUPR rating system, but a self-assessed global pickleball rating)
We all know the 3.5 level is the Wild West. You’ve got players who dink like surgeons and others who still think the kitchen is where sandwiches live.
Our in-house TIER SYSTEM keeps things fun, balanced, and competitive, making sure everyone gets tighter matchups, better rallies, and way more enjoyment out of every game.
So — boom — THREE TIERS. Clear. Fair. Effective. No More Chaos.
TIER III — (3.25-3.5) PLAYING LEVEL
| DEVELOPING STAGE |
This is where players are building the foundation of what a true 3.5 should look like.
What happens here?
- Understanding where you stand.
- Figuring out shot control so the ball doesn’t look like it’s being launched from a T-shirt cannon.
- Not playing reactive pickleball, but learning control, ball placement, patterns, smart decisions instead of “hit it hard and hope.”
- Absorbing concepts through coaching, explanation, and observation.
THE VIBE: You’re connecting the dots. You’re building awareness. This is your “LEARNING” tier.
TIER II — (3.5-3.75) PLAYING LEVEL
| GROUNDWORK STAGE |
This is the “sweat equity” tier — the part where you grind your skills into muscle memory.
What happens here?
- Repetition. Repetition. Oh, and more repetition.
- Drills that actually challenge you (because comfort = stagnation, Coach Paul will remind you).
- Working on consistency, precision, pace control, shot placement and decision-making under pressure.
- Structured sessions that transform knowledge into execution.
THE VIBE: You’ve learned it — now you’re sharpening it. This is your skills “PUT IT TOGETHER” tier.
TIER I — (3.75-4.0) PLAYING LEVEL
| PERFORMANCE STAGE |
Top-tier 3.5s live here. These players take everything they’ve learned and trained… and they let it rip in real-time play.
What happens here?
- Executing shots with confidence, rhythm, and creativity.
- Less thinking, more doing — because the habits are already baked in.
- Playing in dynamic situations where adaptability matters.
- Showing consistency across rallies, points, and matches.
THE VIBE: It’s performance. It’s applying skills naturally. You’re playing smart, not scrambling for survival. This is your “FLOW MODE/’ONE’ FOOT INTO 4.0” tier.
WHY THIS SYSTEM WORKS — Each TIER is a stepping stone — and every player knows exactly what’s expected to level up!
