Pickleball “levels” are supposed to make games fair, safe and fun. These skills and abilities should represent your typical play day, not your strongest one. While everyone has days when they are really great or not so great, this should reflect your consistent performance. Your skill level is based solely on knowledge and proficiencies that highlight your ability to consistently execute various shots and apply game strategy, enabling you to develop skills, play with confidence, and make the most of every match. The number of years playing does not determine your skill level. Everyone progresses at a different rate, and friends and spouses may differ in skills and/or mobility. 
The Silveridge Pickleball Club may review all members and make changes if needed to ensure competitive and fun play for each level.

• The Court: Learning court positioning and the layout of the court.
• Paddle & Ball: Getting familiar with the paddle and ball.
• Forehand/Backhand: Basic strokes are developing, but inconsistent.
• Serve/Serve Return: Some success (40-50% of the time); learning.
• 3rd Shot/Volley: Trying and learning the purpose and feel of these shots.
• Strategy: Learning rules and scoring and beginning simple positioning and movement.
• Mobility: Limited or showing adequate mobility (safe and balance).
• Lots of trial and error and that’s perfectly okay!

• The Court: Knows where to stand. Demonstrates ready position at the kitchen (NVZ) line.
• Forehand: Prefers. Basic directional groundstrokes; consistency still developing.
• Backhand: Limited success; building confidence and control. 
• Serve/Return: Very basic serve. 50% of serves and returns are usually in bounds.
• Dink: Basics developing; can sustain short rallies with players of similar ability.
• 3rd Shot: Making minimal attempts at the drop shot.
• Volley: Able to hold a brief rally. Developing a simple punch volley.
• Strategy: Limited experience and consistency; knows basic rules and how to keep score.
• Mobility: Shows good mobility. Moves in a safe manner. Hand-eye coordination. 

• Requirements: Meets all 2.5 rating level requirements.
• Forehand/Backhand: Ability to hit a medium paced shot at the non-volley zone (NVZ) with direction and control regarding height & depth.
• Serve/Return: 75% of serves and returns are in.  Able to hit a medium paced shot.
• Moves to NVZ after the return of serve and not retreat during play.
• Dink: Occasionally engage in with limited control with speed and positioning.
• 3rd Shot: Starting to use 3rd drop shot inconsistently and not in control.
• Volley: Able to hit a medium paced shot. Maintains at least a 5+ shot rally.
• Strategy: Understands basic rules and being aware of where to position self on each point. 
• Mobility: Has moderate quickness.

• Requirements: Must meet all the 3.0 rating level requirements.
• Serve/Return: Serves and returns are consistently in.
• Dink: Attempts and executes dink rally 50% of the time.
• 3rd Shot: Attempts and executes 3rd shot drops 50% of the time.
• Strategy: Aware of unforced errors and is working and drilling to minimize them.

• Requirements: Able to meet all the 3.25 rating level requirements.
• Serve/Return: Deep and reliable serves and returns.
• 3rd/5th Shot: Successfully drops from baseline to get to the NVZ at least 60% of the time.
• Dink: Initiates dinking and can maintain a controlled dink rally.
• Volley: Successfully puts balls away using overheads and volleys. Has less than 8 unforced errors in one game.
• Accumulating a range of shots, both quick and slow, in your arsenal.
• Strategy: Possesses a broader understanding of the regulations than just the fundamentals (including net rules, net post problems, NVZ, etc.).
• Growing more accurate with shots and beginning to apply this in your strategies.
• Starting to plan and collaborate with your partner to build the point.

• Requirements: Able to meet all the 3.5 rating level requirements.
• 3rd/5th/7th Shot: 
• Must be successful in dropping and driving from the baseline. 
• Dink: Recognizes the balls in a dink rally that can be attacked and those that cannot.
• Volley: Unforced errors less than 6 in one game. 
• Transition Zone: Attempts and executes resetting from the transition zone with 50% accuracy.
• Strategy: Demonstrates understanding of which balls are attackable and which are not.
• Understanding proper court positioning and how to work with a partner.

• Requirements: Able to meet all the 3.75 rating level requirements.
• Serves/Returns: Significant number of serves and returns are placed with variable depth, speed precision, and variety of spins.
• Transition Zone: Reset from the transition zone and when forced back to baseline. 
• 3rd Drop/Drive Shot: Apply both 3rd drops and drives as the conditions dictate (90% success rate).
• Working on consistently carrying out 3rd shot strategies, both drive and drop, that are not easily returned for advantage.
• Volley: Low unforced errors, 5 or less during a single game.
• Developing a reliable reset and block to return fast, hard volleys.
• Lobbing: Only from the NVZ and not using lob as a reset or panic.
• Dinks: Able to maintain long dink rallies at different shot heights and depths, with variety and precision with an offensive intent.
• Pace: Able to switch between soft and power shots to gain the upper hand.
• Able to place shots with consistent changing paces and touch anywhere on the court.
• Strategy: Totally understands the importance of court positioning in collaboration with a partner.
• Able to recognize an opponent’s flaws and devise a plan to exploit them.
• Able to stack and know how/when to use it.

RETURNING MEMBERS: For the 2026/2027 season, we created a 3.75 group to assist in dividing the number of players in the 3.25 and 3.5 groups into 3 groups (3.25, 3.5, 3.75), which will help reduce the number of byes during a round robin and provide the opportunity for players in a group to have better matched skills and games. 

To assist us in dividing the number of players in each group, we ask returning members from the 2025/2026 season to:

If you were in the 3.5 group for both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons, we hope you join the 3.75 or you can remain in the 3.5 group. 

If you were in the 3.25 group for both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 season, we hope you join the 3.5 group or you can remain in the 3.25 group.

All other returning players will return to the group they ended up in last season or they can join a lower level if appropriate. If they wish to move up a level, they will use the  Level Up - Player Movement Steps procedure when they begin playing in Silveridge.

For more information about the above mentioned, you can read more by going to the Silveridge Pickleball Club Website.  Based on the above, please choose your skill level.

Silveridge Pickleball Club is an all-volunteer organization, and WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please consider volunteering for one or more of the volunteer opportunities described below. Visit our Club Volunteers page on our website for more information.

If you have questions about any of these opportunities, please contact a member of the executive committee for further clarification.

Select Your Volunteer Opportunity

Ball Machine Coach: Set up a ball machine with the purpose of coaching other members on specific skills, i.e., blocking, 3d shot drop, deep returns. Jack Hall, 1st VP will contact you to confirm dates that fit your schedule.

Ball Machine Coordinator: Set up and operate the ball machine for players during designated days and times. Training will be provided. Click here for more information on our website. Jack Hall, 1st VP will contact you to confirm dates that fit your schedule.

Ball Machine Scheduler: Maintain list of trained ball machine coaches and coordinators. Assures that that a coach or coordinator is assigned for each of the scheduled Ball Machine times on the current weekly court schedule. Jack Hall, 1st VP will contact you to confirm dates that fit your schedule.

Communications Officer (CO): We are looking to fill this vacant position on the Executive Committee (EC) as soon as possible. This key position gathers information and ensures it is added on the website, Facebook or in newsletters with the assistance of the Social Media Coordinator, SignUpGenius (SUG) Coordinator, and Web Coordinator. Monitors the club email, adds new members to SUG and sends out the welcome to the club email. If you have good computer skills and have a willingness to learn, consider trying this position. Estimated time commitment is about 30 - 60 minutes each day during the winter season and attends the EC monthly meetings. Training and support will be provided. The term for this position will be until March 2028.  More information about this position or the EC can be found on the “Volunteers” page of our website.  Donna Stensrud, President will contact you.

Court Maintenance Volunteer: Work 1 day a week for 1 hour a day from 7 AM to 8 AM, Monday to Friday unless there is a tournament. Primary duties include blowing debris off the courts and surrounding areas, keeping ball dispensers full and empty trash containers when needed. Work shifts will be coordinated based on your requests and accommodate flexibility. Tom Carli, Court & Equipment Maintenance Coordinator will contact you.

Join the Executive Committee (EC): Are you interested in joining the EC? Up for election in March 2027 are the President, 2nd VP, and Secretary positions. More information about the EC can be found on the “Volunteers” page of our website. Donna Stensrud, President will contact you.

Merchandise Volunteer: Help display and sell club merchandise during the 4 club social events (Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb). Training will be provided. Time commitment is approx. 2 hours per event (could assist with picking up and delivering orders - about 2.5 hours per event). Use SUG to volunteer for a date that fits your schedule.

Round Robin Captain (RRC): Organize play during round-robin sessions for your skill level. Attend RRC meetings a few times per season. Jim Eschliman, 2nd VP will contact you.

Skills and Development Coach(s) (2.0 Group): Deliver an established skills and development curriculum to new players, confirming rules of play and court positioning. Assist in evaluation of the 2.0 players' skills, physical abilities, and general knowledge of the game. Communicate evaluations to members with recommendations that players either remain in the development group or advance to the 2.5 group. Training and curriculum will be provided. May also be asked to assist with New-to-Pickleball sessions. Time commitment is approx. 60 - 90 minutes per session. Jack Hall, 1st VP will contact you to confirm sessions that fit your schedule.

Social Committee Volunteers: We currently have 4 volunteers and looking for 2 more to join the Social Committee. The committee of 6 plans and organizes the fun social activities for our club, which includes a monthly Fun Pickleball Play event, Christmas Social dinner and Annual General Meeting meal. The Social Event Volunteers assist the committee with the events. Julie Nosko, Treasurer will contact you.

Social Event Volunteer: Help the Social Committee set up, prepare and serve out food, and clean up during the 2 social events on December 12th Holiday Dinner and March 6th Annual General Meeting dinner. The Social Committee will contact you.

SignUpGenius (SUG) Coordinator: Will create sign-ups and manage the content in SUG. Training will be provided. Time commitment is approx. 15-30 minutes per day. Click here for more information on our website. Donna Stensrud, President will contact you.

Tournament Volunteer: Helps run a tournament. Use the SUG sign-up to volunteer for a tournament that fits your schedule.

Web Coordinator: Will edit the content on the club’s website. Training will be provided. Time commitment is approx. 30 minutes to 1 hour per month. Click here for more information on our website. Donna Stensrud, President will contact you.

Workshop Coaches: As part of the Group of Coaches, you will lead or assist with a workshop for our different group levels. Use SUG to volunteer for a workshop that fits your schedule.

I understand that participation in Silveridge Pickleball Club activities is voluntary and that, as a member, I share responsibility for maintaining a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for all participants.

By signing this agreement, I agree to:

• Abide by Club Bylaws and Policies
  Read, understand, and comply with all Silveridge Pickleball Club bylaws, policies, guidelines, rules, and procedures, including any updates approved by the Executive Committee (EC).

• Demonstrate Proper Court Etiquette
  Treat all players, volunteers, and guests with courtesy and respect.
  Display good sportsmanship at all times, regardless of skill level or game outcome.
  Follow established player rotation and court-use procedures.
  Use respectful language and avoid disruptive, abusive, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
  Help foster an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all participants.

• Follow Safety Guidelines
  Play safely and responsibly and exercise reasonable care to avoid injury to myself and others.
  Wear appropriate footwear, eye protection, and attire for pickleball activities.
  Follow all rules and directions from the Executive Committee (EC), Round Robin Captains (RRC), Court Hosts, and Club organizers regarding court safety and play.
  Promptly report unsafe conditions, injuries, or incidents to a RRC or EC.

• Accept Personal Responsibility
  Recognize that participation in pickleball involves physical activity and carries inherent risks, including the possibility of injury.
  Participate only when physically able and assume responsibility for my own health and well-being while participating in Club activities.

I understand that failure to comply with this agreement, the Club bylaws, rules, and guidelines may result in corrective action, including suspension or revocation of my membership, as determined by the Silveridge Pickleball Club Executive Committee. 

YOUR DIGITAL SIGNATURE BELOW INDICATES YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO THE ABOVE. 

Once you submit this membership form a "Welcome to the Club" email will be sent to you with further instructions and information.

If you have difficulty with submitting the payment or membership form, please contact Julie Nosko at 503-437-3220. 

Short Term Membership: $15 if less than 30 consecutive days beginning on the first day of play.

Regular Membership: $25 for more than 30 days, including repeat visits (repeat visits example: visiting for 1 week in November and returns for another visit in February and plays pickleball both times)

If Paying by Check or Cash: 

1. Make checks payable to Silveridge Pickleball Club.
2. Put your check in an envelope along with a note indicating the name(s) you are paying for and your lot number.
3. Address the envelope to "Silveridge Pickleball Club Box 692"
4. Drop it into the "In Park Mail" slot at the mail boxes.
5. IMPORTANT: YOU ARE NOT DONE YET! Please scroll down to the very bottom of this form and click the green SUBMIT button to finish registering your membership.