The complete guide to reaching the 5.0 skill level in pickleball
Last Edited
Sep 30 2025
Category
Instruction
Reaching a 5.0 rating in pickleball is no easy task. This is the goal of many players, but few ever achieve it.
5.0 players excel in almost all areas of the game, and once you reach this point, the game becomes a lot more about strategy than it does your skills.
So let’s dive into what skills a 5.0 possesses and what you need to do to get there.
Forehands & backhands
At the 5.0 level, players have the ability to hit a wide array of shots with both their forehand and backhand with a high level of accuracy and near perfect success (meaning the ball doesn’t go into the net or out of bounds).
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They are able to apply spin and touch when necessary while also countering their opponents spin. These players can utilize both the backhand and forehand to generate offense while also having a high level of consistency in a defensive position.
Serves & returns
We’ve moved well past making sure the ball stays in on these two shots, now it’s about hitting the ball with pace and depth.
Once players reach the 5.0 level, they are able to mix up the types of serves and returns they hit with the intent of keeping their opponent guessing. They look to switch up hitting the ball to both the forehand and backhand side while also keeping the ball low and adding spin.
Third shots & dinks
5.0 players dink in an aggressive fashion. This aspect of their game is not just used to keep the point alive, but used to create opportunities. They are able to move opponents around, hit balls with varying degrees of pace and spin, and work to get their opponent out of position.
One of the key characteristics is their patience at the kitchen. At the 5.0 level, you will notice extended dink rallies rather than the consistent speed ups you notice at lower levels. Players use dinking to create winning opportunities more often than forcing a shot that is not there.
As for the third shot, 5.0 players have the ability to drop and drive with an extremely high level of consistency and use this shot strategically to work their way to the kitchen.
It's more rare to see a 5.0 player try to hit a winner on a third shot, because their focus is to apply pressure to their opponents so they can get to the kitchen or set up their partner for an offensive opportunity.
Their third shot can be hit from the forehand or backhand side with a great deal of success.
Speedups & volleys
5.0 players use both speedups and volleys in a variety of ways. They will volley the ball to either counter an opponent's attack or to try and neutralize it.
When this shot is hit back with pace, it is done so at their opponents' feet or to an unattackable location. If a 5.0 hits a volley with less pace, it is typically in an effort to slow down the game and stop an attack.
As for the speedups, this is a signature trait of a 5.0. They are able to speed the ball up off the bounce or out of the air with a high rate of success. 5.0 level players use speedups to catch their opponents off guard and to create offense.
Speedups at this level are also well hidden, meaning an opponent does not always know a speed up is coming, which creates an even greater advantage.
Strategy
This is arguably the most defining factor of a 5.0 level player.
The strategy in pickleball can be overlooked at most levels, but this is what higher level players use to their advantage. They are able to strategically place the ball around the court and work to get their opponents out of position.
They are able to turn defense into offense at the drop of a hat, all while setting themselves up for the next shot.
5.0 players also have incredible footwork, allowing them to be in the optimal position on the court to hit nearly any shot that is required.
Their ability of misdirection and counter-attacks creates advantages for them in almost any spot on the court.
In addition to that, 5.0 players can adapt quickly to other play styles and adjust strategies based on both the opponent and their partner's strengths/weaknesses.
Above 5.0
Just getting to a 5.0 rating in pickleball is a massive accomplishment. Anyone that gets serious about this sport is on that journey, but believe it or not there is an entire world above this.
Once you get above a 5.0, you’re inching toward the pro level. These are people who are giving everything to the sport and working tirelessly both on and off the court to become the next elite pickleballer.
There are some skills that matter to make the next jump, but it’s largely a mindset shift. It’s about putting yourself in high-pressure situations on the court over and over again until you feel more comfortable in that spot.
Summary
The 5.0 level in pickleball is a true showing of skill, strategy and athleticism. These players have moved past the consistency piece of the game and have started focusing on the strategy.
They are playing chess while the rest are still figuring out what the pieces do.
At this level your skills will only take you so far, it’s about how you use those skills to your advantage that makes the difference.
Frank Hines loves the game of pickleball and sharing that passion with as many people as possible. He found the game over two years ago and hasn't let up since. Follow Frank on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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