Every player is assigned a colour based on skill level. It isn’t a ranking — it’s a quick reference so you know who you’ll likely be playing with before you commit to a court.
Use the skill guide below and choose the colour that matches where you are right now. The system only works if the colours reflect real skill levels. If you’re between two colours, pick the lower one — you can move up.
When you place your name tag on a group card, check the colours already there. If you’re Green and the card has three Red names, that game will likely be fast and hard-hitting — a card with more Green or Blue players is a better match. The goal is competitive, enjoyable games, not sitting out a lopsided match.
Adam, Ruth and Greg will watch play and may change your colour if it doesn’t match what we see on court. That’s normal, not a penalty — self-assessing accurately before you’ve played with the group is hard. If your colour changes we’ll tell you directly, and if you disagree, speak to any committee member in person or on WhatsApp and we’ll talk it through.
Your colour isn’t permanent
As you improve — or if we all agree you started too low or too high — it gets updated.
Gauge where you are across each area of the game. You don’t need to be a 4 across the board — most players are a mix of levels. Pick the colour that reflects your overall game.
| Skill | 1 — Green | 2 — Blue | 3 — Yellow | 4 — Red |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footwork | Reactive, slow recovery, often out of position | Basic split-step, recovers most of the time | Efficient movement, anticipates shots | Fast, economical, rarely caught flat-footed |
| Net play | Net shots inconsistent, often pops up | Can execute basic net shots | Tight net play, occasional net kills | Deceptive, controls net exchanges |
| Serve | Inconsistent low serve, no variation | Reliable low serve, basic flick | Varied serve, good receive | Deceptive serve, exploits weak receives |
| Clears / lifts | Short or inconsistent depth | Reaches baseline reliably | Deep, controlled under pressure | Weaponised lift placement, rarely attackable |
| Smash | Weak or inconsistent | Decent power, limited placement | Good power and placement | Power, placement and deception combined |
| Drop shots | Rarely used, telegraphed | Basic drop, inconsistent tightness | Tight, some deception | Highly deceptive, varied pace |
| Doubles tactics | Little awareness of rotation | Understands basic front–back | Rotates well, reads partner | Anticipates and covers proactively |
| Consistency | Frequent unforced errors | Sustains short rallies | Sustains long rallies | Rarely breaks down under pressure |
Scroll the table sideways on a small screen.
Average roughly where you land across these eight areas to pick your colour.
Not sure? Ask a committee member — we’re happy to help you calibrate.