Moving from 3.0 to 3.5 in pickleball is all about consistency and confidence. Becoming a 3.5 pickleball player was the toughest leap for me during my personal pickleball development. This was the time when I started getting serious about my game.
The 3.5 pickleball skill level is a big transition for many because the gap in ability can be a pretty big range – those who are just getting to 3.5 and those who are closing in on 4.0. The “almost” 4.0 skill level players are great to challenge and play with because they will expose your weaknesses, and many are willing to help you improve.
How do you know if you are a 3.5 and tips on how to become a 3.5 pickleball player can be found in this article. Let’s go!
On the court, you need to be aware of court positioning, your opponents strengths and be prepared for a variety of shots (drives, groundstrokes, backhands, third shot drops, third shot lobs, forehand dinks, cross court dinks, slice returns, etc.).
3.5 Pickleball Skill Level Overview
- Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the pickleball rules of the game
- Gets a high majority of serves in deep & returns serve deep
- Often hits to the weak side of opponent
- Demonstrates strategies of playing during games
- Actively works with partners in communicating, covering court, moving to net
- With varying consistency executes: lobs, forehand/backhand ground strokes, overheads, net volleys, and sustained dinking
- Some use of drop shots to get to the net
- Specifically places shots rather than just hitting shots anywhere
- Selective mixing up soft shots with power shots to create an advantage
- Hits fewer balls out of bounds or in the net
- Has a moderate # of unforced errors per game
- Demonstrates ability to intentionally play in offensive mode
- Self-correcting after play is over
- Demonstrates extended periods of multi-dimensional play
For 2.0, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.0 pickleball skill level criteria, see our Blog article titled: Pickleball Skill Levels
Pickleball 3.5 Videos
5 Key Areas to Work On
- Become more consistent with your shots (and confident)
- Slow the game down using third shot drops and resets
- Pick times to speed the ball up and attack when your opponent makes a mistake
- Start recognizing the paddle position of your opponent (especially at the net)
- Play 30% of your matches against 4.0 skill level players to challenge yourself
For Pickleball 3.5 videos and articles, visit our dedicated webpage.