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In Meridian, Idaho, The Flying Pickle has built more than a pickleball club; it’s created a full ecosystem for players of every level. Between the quality of its facilities, the variety of its programs, and its focus on member experience, it has become a model DUPR Club other facilities are taking note of. 

And now, with their franchise model, they are ready to expand nationwide

Adding Value With DUPR+

When The Flying Pickle  decided to integrate DUPR+ into its Pro Membership package, it wasn’t about raising prices or chasing revenue. As Club Director Tristan Belue explains, it was about one thing: adding value for their most dedicated players.

“Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for everything pickleball. DUPR+ is just another way we can give more to our members,” said Tristan Belue, Club Director at The Flying Pickle. 

The Flying Pickle’s Pro Members already enjoy perks like earlier schedule visibility, more concurrent reservations, and access to DUPR Verified Events. Adding DUPR+ simply made the membership “that much more valuable” and set the club apart from local competitors.

Every detail is designed to make the club a place people want to spend time, not just a place to play a match.

Programming That Keeps Courts Full

The Flying Pickle’s success is built on variety and consistency:

• Clinics & Drills: From “Learn to Play” for newcomers to skill-specific drills for advanced players.
  
• Open Plays & King of the Courts: Popular across multiple levels, with 3.5 Open Plays being the most in-demand.
  
• Leagues: Always packed, always logged to DUPR.
  
• Major Events: Including the Flying Pickle Open, which draws over 350 participants from across the country.
  

Belue’s approach for other directors: “Test and fail until you find what your members love and then keep doing it.”

Why Other Clubs Are Watching

The success of The Flying Pickle’s Meridian location has sparked plans for franchising the model. While expansion details are still being finalized, the approach of combining high-quality facilities, strong community programming, and integrated player tools like DUPR has proven effective in attracting and retaining members.

Interested in franchising with them? Learn more here.

For players, it’s a one-stop shop for everything pickleball. For club directors, it’s a case study in how thoughtful facility design and programming can build lasting engagement.

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Interested in bringing the same value to your members? Fill out this form to see if you qualify to become a DUPR+ Club.

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If you’re serious about improving your pickleball game, whether you’re chasing a higher DUPR rating or just looking to win more rec games, strength training isn’t optional. It’s the secret weapon that helps you move faster, hit harder, and play longer without breaking down.

And with DUPR’s new partnership with GRAVL, you can now get personalized, pickleball-specific workouts that make training as smart as your strategy on the court.

Why Strength Training Matters for Pickleball Players

Pickleball might look low-impact to the casual observer, but competitive players know the truth: it’s an explosive, quick-change-of-direction sport that demands power, agility, balance, and endurance.

Here’s how strength training helps:

1. More Power in Your Shots
Stronger legs and core help you hold position and transfer energy into the ball with less effort.

2. Faster Court Coverage
Leg strength and stability training translate to quicker first steps, faster lateral movement, and the ability to recover between points.

3. Injury Prevention
Building muscle strength and improving joint stability reduces strain on knees, shoulders, and elbows, which are three of the most common pickleball injury zones.

4. Better Endurance
Strength work supports cardiovascular fitness and keeps you feeling fresh deep into long rallies and multi-match days.

How GRAVL Fits In

DUPR has teamed up with GRAVL to help players train smarter, not harder. GRAVL creates AI-powered, personalized workout plans that you can use to improve your physique and overall pickleball performance.

Whether you’re brand new to strength training or already lifting, you can use GRAVL to adjust your plan to match your skill level, fitness goals, and schedule, keeping you accountable along the way.

Here’s what you get with GRAVL:

• Personalized Programs: Every workout is tailored to your needs and updated as you progress.
  
• Coach Support: Message in-app anytime for training or app guidance.
  
• Performance Tracking: See your progress and how it impacts your game.
  
  

Exclusive for DUPR Players: Your First Month Free

We’re giving all DUPR players one month free using the code: DUPR.

And if you have DUPR Verified Events, you get 2 months free!

📲 Get the GRAVL app and start building the strength, balance, and endurance you need to dominate the court, now and for years to come.

You’ve been dinking back and forth, patiently waiting for the perfect ball. Then boom.. you flick it past your opponent before they even know what hit them. That’s the magic of the flick shot in pickleball.

It’s fast.
It’s sneaky.
And when you hit it right, it can completely flip a rally in your favor.

Whether you’re chasing a higher DUPR rating or just want to add some spice to your game, the flick is one of those “must-have” shots for competitive and rec play alike.

Let’s break it down.

What’s a Flick in Pickleball?

Think of a flick as a surprise attack from right up at the kitchen line. You’re in a soft dink rally, looking all calm and controlled… then suddenly, with a quick low-to-high wrist snap, you send the ball speeding past your opponent.

It works because they’re expecting another soft shot, not a sudden burst of pace. Even better, you can use it to attack balls below net height (something most players won’t see coming).

When to Use the Flick Shot

The flick isn’t something you blast out every other ball. It works best when it’s unexpected. Here’s when to pull it out:

• You’re locked in a slow dink rally at the net and want to change gears.
  
• Your opponent is creeping in and getting a little too comfortable.
  
• You see an open space and want to catch them flat-footed.
  

Pro tip: The more patient you are before you flick, the more likely you are to land the point.

How to Hit a Flick in Pickleball - Tips by Pro Player Bobbi Oshiro

1. Start in a strong, balanced stance

Stay low, knees bent, paddle out front, feet wide. This keeps you ready for anything, flick or dink.

2. Use a continental grip

Same grip you’d use for a backhand; it keeps your shot looking identical to a dink until the last second.‍

3. Go low-to-high

Keep your paddle down, elbow up, and lift through the ball. This motion sets up your speed and spin.‍

4. Snap the wrist at the last moment

This is the secret sauce. That quick snap is what makes the ball jump off your paddle faster than your opponent expects. Think of the motion as throwing a frisbee. 

Common Flick Fails (and How to Avoid Them)

• Bad timing: Don’t flick every ball. Wait for one that’s attackable and when you’ve got space to hit into.
  
• Too much heat : Yes, it’s tempting to rip it, but if you overhit, you’ll send it long or straight into the net.
  
• Kitchen foot faults: No volleying stepping into the kitchen. Rules are rules.

• Too much follow-through or overextending after the shot: Players tend to follow through too much after hitting the shot. Keep the swing quick and short so you are ready for the counter by your opponents.
  

Think you know the pickleball rules? Read this article and see if you’re one of the 90% of players getting these wrong.

Why You Should Add It to Your Game

The flick isn’t just a “cool trick shot.” It’s a legit strategy tool that:

• Forces errors from your opponents.
  

• Makes you unpredictable in dink rallies.
  

• Helps you take control of a point on your terms.

• Takes time away from your opponents by hitting the ball early and out of the air.
  

So whether you’re grinding for a higher pickleball rating, chasing your next tournament win, or just looking to dominate those tight net battles, the flick is worth the reps.

Next time you’re on the court, set up some dink rallies with a buddy and practice sneaking in that flick. Use it sparingly, disguise it well, and watch your opponents start questioning every shot you take.

Want more ways to sharpen your game? Check out Bobbi Oshiro’s singles drills blog for inspiration.

Improve Your Return: Tips By World #1 Federico Staksrud

In pickleball, the double bounce rule gives returners a built-in advantage. The serving team must let your return bounce, which means you have a perfect opportunity to set the tone for the rally.

Pros have shared serving tips to minimize that edge, but when you are returning, choosing where and how you place the ball can make all the difference. A smart return can put you or your team on offense immediately.

Why Depth Beats Speed

Many players think a hard, low return is best, but that’s not always the case. Because the serving team must wait for the bounce, your priority should be pushing them back. A deep return:

• Gives you more time to get to the kitchen line.
  
• Forces opponents to hit their third shot from farther back.
  
• Reduces their ability to hit sharp angles.
  

In short: depth over speed.

Staksrud’s Pro Perspective

Here’s how World #1 Federico Staksrud approaches his returns:

“For the return, I focus on depth and pace, usually targeting the middle to limit angles and set up my next shot.”

By aiming deep to the middle, you:

• Force opponents into awkward positioning.
  
• Take away the sidelines and angles.
  
• Give your partner time to move forward with you.

How to Hit Deep, Effective Returns

Hitting deep consistently takes more than just swinging harder. Here are a few tips:

1. Loosen Your Grip: A softer grip helps control depth without overhitting.

2. Aim Higher Over the Net: More clearance ensures the ball lands deep instead of into the net.

3. Use Your Legs: Bend and push through the shot for added lift and control.

4. Target the Middle: Limits angles and forces confusion between opponents.

5. Follow Your Shot In: Use the extra time you’ve created to get to the kitchen line.

The Takeaway

Depth + smart placement = control of the rally.
By focusing on deep returns to the middle, you limit your opponents’ options and set up your team for success. As former collegiate pickleball player David Bieger.said after beating Tyson McGuffin at the PPA Event, “make them beat you, don’t give them freebies.”

Curious how Bieber took down McGuffin? Read this article to find out.

To stay up to date on pickleball tips to improve your game and pickleball ratings, follow @duprpb on Instagram!

Bristol,TN, August 6, 2025, – In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, #59 seed David Bieger (DUPR 6.025) shocked the crowd by defeating Tyson McGuffin in pro singles on center court at the PPA Bristol Open, just miles from where Bieger grew up.

At just 22 years old, Bieger is no stranger to big moments. As a collegiate pickleball player at the University of Virginia, Bieger helped lead his team to a national title at the 2023 DUPR Collegiate National Championship, securing the $15,000 prize and marking what commentator and former Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel called “the greatest upset in collegiate pickleball history.”

But few could have predicted what came next.

Just a year and a half ago, Bieger entered the first DUPR Collegiate National Championship with a provisional rating of 3.92. Now, he's taken down one of the most recognizable names in pickleball on the pro stage.

“I was just trying to stick to my game,” Bieger said in a post-match interview with the PPA.“Go for my serves, even though I missed a few, it’s important to stay aggressive and keep the targets big. Not aiming too close to the line. Not giving him any freebies. Making him earn every point.”

It was a surreal moment for Bieger, who had friends, family, and local supporters cheering him on in the stands.

“Oh, it’s incredibly special,” he said. “I’m grateful to the PPA for putting me on center court and having my friends and family here. For a small town like Bristol to host a PPA event, it’s truly an honor.”

From College Champ to Pro Player

David Bieger’s rise is a strong example of how DUPR is creating a path from college to pro pickleball. At UVA, he studied Computer Science and Physics and finished second in both singles and mixed doubles (with Lauralei Singsank) at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate Individual National Championships.

Now competing on the pro stage, his rapid rise underscores the legitimacy of collegiate pickleball as a feeder system for the highest levels of the game.

• From 3.92 to 6.025 DUPR.
• From college champ to pro threat.
• From #59 seed to Tyson McGuffin upset.

David Bieger. Remember the name. Because this is just the beginning.

To discover more rising stars in college pickleball, follow our Collegiate News Channel on Instagram here.

The wait is over. Registration for the 2025 MiLP National Championship is officially open! 

Dream Ticket teams can now lock in their spot to battle for a massive $100,000 prize purse. Plus, the first wave of National Leaderboard qualifiers (top players nationwide) will start receiving invitations by mid-August to form their championship teams.

And this year, it’s bigger than ever. Every skill level from DUPR 12 to DUPR 22, plus all ages from Open to 50+ divisions, will be competing for prize money. Even v3 teams have a chance to grab a piece of the prize pool.

Who Can Register and When?

Here’s how registration breaks down:

• Dream Ticket Earners: Registration opens August 8th (private link provided to winners).
  
• DUPR 22 & DUPR 20 50+ Teams:  Registration opens August 8th. Register here.
  
• National Leaderboard Qualifiers: The first wave of invitations goes out around August 20th following leaderboard updates.
  
• v3 Teams: Eligible players can register starting August 20th (for those who have competed in a v3 or v4 MiLP event).
  
• MLP Teams: Can officially register their MiLP teams starting August 8th.
  

How the National Leaderboard Qualification Works

We use a rolling registration system to give rising talent a shot at Nationals:

• Wave 1: Top leaderboard players in August receive invites first.
  
• Wave 2: Top leaderboard players in September receive invites next.
  
• Wave 3:Top leaderboard players in October receive invites next.
  
• Wave 4: Top leaderboard players in November receive the final wave to Nationals.
  

This system ensures new talent who climb the leaderboard can still secure a spot while registration remains open.

Want to Guarantee Your Team Spot at Nationals? Earn a Dream Ticket!

The easiest way to lock in your place at Nationals is to win your division at one of these events:

• State Championships – Winners earn a Dream Ticket + points toward the National Leaderboard.
  
• Regional Showdowns – Winners earn a Dream Ticket +  DOUBLE points towards the National Leaderboard.
  

Uniform & Costume Contests

Uniform Contest

Earn $1,000 for winning the uniform contest at Nationals, which celebrates professionalism, team cohesion, and adherence to a unified standard, much like what you’d see from professional sports teams. Judges will evaluate based on uniformity, polish, and overall professional team look.

Costume Contest

Earn $1,000 for winning the costume contest at Nationals. Creativity and personality take center stage. Whether it’s bold colors, quirky accessories, or full-on themed looks, this is your chance to stand out and show team spirit. Matching pieces are optional, but team creativity is a must.

Everything You Need to Know

For even more details, including FAQs, visit our National Championship Extended FAQ.

Your Shot at $100K Starts Now

Registration is live. The leaderboard is moving. The Dream Ticket events are still in play. This is your moment. Make it count.

Pickleball may be America’s fastest-growing sport today, but its beginnings were far more humble, and we’ve got the story straight from someone who witnessed it. In an exclusive interview with DUPR, Ruth Rosenquist, board member of the Global Pickleball Federation and longtime friend of Barney McCallum (one of the sport’s original creators), shared how it all began.

The sport wasn’t born in stadiums or clubs, but on a simple driveway in Bainbridge Island, Washington. In 1965, three dads named Joel Pritchard, Bob Bell, and Barney McCallum were trying to do what so many parents did before them:  keep their kids entertained. They grabbed some equipment, marked up a court on their driveway, and made up a new game on the spot. What began as a quick backyard activity would eventually become a global phenomenon.

Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?

For decades, the story circulated that the game was named after the Pritchard family dog, “Pickles.” While fun, that story isn’t quite true. Pickles the dog wasn’t even born when the game was invented. 

"The actual inspiration came from the term ‘pickle boat,’ which is a rowing crew made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats," Ruth explained. "One of the inventors’ wives said the sport was similar, pulling pieces from other games like tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and combining them into something new. And just like that, pickleball was born."

Building the Game, One Paddle at a Time

Barney McCallum, one of the original trio, was a builder at heart. He went into his woodshop and built the first pickleball paddle by hand, helping the sport establish its unique playing style from day one. McCallum even created key features of the game we still use today, like the no-volley zone (the “kitchen”), ensuring rallies stayed fun and accessible for players of all ages.

From Driveway Hobby to National Obsession

For decades, pickleball grew quietly, mostly spread by word-of-mouth among friends and neighbors. Players built their own courts and found whatever paddles they could get their hands on. In the early 1990s, people like Ruth were traveling 30 miles just to find a place to play.

By 2013, Ruth was pushing hard to get the sport into the national spotlight. One of her early wins was convincing NBC Nightly News to run its first-ever pickleball story, coining the now-famous label: “America’s Fastest Growing Sport.”

A Moment of Laughter and a Glimpse of the Future

Ruth recalled a conversation with Barney McCallum, who laughed for five minutes straight when she suggested pickleball could one day make money. At the time, it was hard to imagine pickleball being anything more than a niche backyard pastime. But today, it’s an industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with professional tours, major brand sponsorships, and global reach. 

A new report from Market.us (April 2025) projects the global pickleball market to reach USD 9.1 billion by 2034, up from USD 2.2 billion in 2024. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% from 2025 to 2034, underscoring the sport’s accelerating popularity and expanding economic impact worldwide.

60 Years Later: A Global Sport

What started with three dads, some bored kids, and a handmade paddle is now a worldwide movement made up of both amateur and professional players. There are DUPR players in over 160 countries, with pickleball being on track to seek recognition by the International Olympic Committee. Pickleball is breaking barriers, connecting people of all ages, and, as Ruth says, “bringing joy to people’s lives everywhere it goes.”

This year marks Pickleball’s 60th anniversary, a milestone worth celebrating, not just for how far it’s come, but for the spirit in which it started: simple, inclusive, and focused on fun.

Interested in learning more about the sport and how to raise your pickleball ratings? Don’t miss our blog on the pickleball rules 90% of players get wrong; it might change how you play.

The 2025-26 collegiate pickleball season is here, and it’s bigger than ever. DUPR and the UPA are proud to kick off the fifth year of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour with our biggest announcement yet: Adidas has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour, marking a major milestone in the sport’s evolution on campuses across the country.

Keep reading to explore the full 2025-26 season lineup, including key dates, host locations, Adidas’s involvement as Presenting Sponsor, additional sponsors, and everything you need to get your team ready to compete at the highest level.

Fall Semester Events

Utah Super Regional at The Picklr Kaysville

September 27th-28th

Pennsylvania Super Regional at Dill Dinkers Hatboro

October 11th-12th

North Carolina Super Regional at City of Wilson Pickleball Facility

October 18th-19th

Collegiate World Championship at Brookhaven Country Club

October 31st-November 2nd

Arizona Super Regional at Arizona Athletic Grounds

November 22nd-23rd

Spring Semester Events

Virginia Super Regional at Performance Pickleball RVA

February 14th-15th

Indiana Super Regional at The Picklr Noblesville

February 21st-22nd

California Super Regional at The Hub Silicon Valley

March 7th-8th

Georgia Super Regional at Atlanta National Pickleball Club

March 28th-29th

2026 Collegiate National Championship

TBD

Adidas – The Official Sponsor of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour

Our Partnership with adidas brings one of the most iconic brands in the sport to the heart of collegiate pickleball. As presenting sponsor of the tour, adidas will play a central role in elevating the athlete experience across all events. With a focus on performance, innovation, and community, adidas will activate on-site and support players with best-in-class products.  

Vulcan –  The Official Ball of DUPR

This new partnership sets a standard across the sport with Vulcan’s V-PRO FLIGHT technology regarded as best-in-class, delivering elite performance, durability, and accuracy. The Vulcan V-PRO FLIGHT ball will be used across all Collegiate Pickleball Tour events. 

If you are a college club - use this link to purchase Vulcan balls.

Osaka –  The Official Apparel Sponsor of Collegiate Pickleball

Osaka delivers designs that elevate both a player's game and lifestyle. Globally recognized for its impact in padel and field hockey, the brand entered the pickleball sphere with apparel built for versatility, functionality, and durability, crafted for performance and everyday wear. 

Six Zero –  Official Partner Of Collegiate Pickleball

Six Zero brings elite paddle technology to the nation’s Collegiate Pickleball Tour. Known for pushing the boundaries of performance and design, Six Zero will provide collegiate athletes with access to high-quality paddles engineered for speed, precision, and control. Their commitment to innovation makes them the perfect partner.

Reign Storm –  The Official Energy Partner of DUPR and Collegiate Pickleball

Reign Storm offers clean, plant-based energy to players and fans at every stop of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour. Designed to support high-performance lifestyles, Reign Storm is a natural fit for collegiate pickleball’s fast-paced and competitive environment. With on-site activations, product sampling, and fan engagement throughout the season, Reign Storm is here to fuel the next generation of college athletes, on and off the court.

Scholarship Money

To date, the Collegiate Pickleball Tour has given out over $300,000 at all of our past events, and we look forward to continuing that tradition in the 2025-26 season.

• 2026 Collegiate National Championship - $42,500+ given out
• Collegiate World Championship - $10,000+ given out
• Super Regionals - $6,000+ given out at each
• Total - $100,000+ given out in the 2025-26 season

Bids

There will be 64 bids given out for the 2026 Collegiate National Championship. A bid allows your school to bring a team to compete for the championship in the 1st Team Bracket at Nationals, as well as bring another team for the 2nd Team Bracket. Only 1 bid per school. If your school does not have a bid, you can still compete in the Challenger Brackets at Nationals and the 3rd Team Bracket. Here are how the bids will be distributed:

• Collegiate World Championship - 6 bids for the best USA teams
• Super Regionals - 3 bids each (24 bids total)
• Campus Regionals - 1 bid each (30 bids total)
• Dual Matches - 2 bids awarded to the teams with the most Dual Match wins
• Wildcard Bids - 2 bids for teams selected by the CPT committee

Eligibility Changes

Starting in the 2025–26 season, we’re adjusting the credit hour requirements for undergraduate players to better reflect the evolving level of competition. Our goal is to ensure student-athletes are maintaining academic commitments while still representing their schools with pride. These credit hours must be taken in the same semester as the collegiate tournament you are playing in. Here are the requirements:

• Undergraduate Students - 9 credit hours (¾ full time)
• Graduate Students - 6 credit hours (½ full time)
• Graduating Seniors - Below minimums allowed for the final semester

As always, you must be partnered with other players from your same school for Collegiate Pickleball Tour events.

Campus Regionals

Campus Regionals continue to be a critical part of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour, helping new and returning schools compete for a shot at Nationals. In 2024, we hosted 16 Regionals, and in 2025 we hosted 14 - even with a shortened season.

In 2025–26, we’re dedicating 30 of the 64 total Nationals bids to Campus Regionals - aiming for 15 Campus Regionals each semester! These tournaments will follow the Collegiate Pickleball Tour Format, creating a clear and unified path to the Collegiate National Championship.

Want to host a Campus Regional? Click here to learn more.

Collegiate Council

We want to make sure that we continue to foster open communication and collaboration with our player base, and so we organize a Collegiate Council that is made up of leaders and players from each region of collegiate pickleball. The Collegiate Council and the Collegiate Pickleball Tour Team will meet regularly to discuss feedback on previous events, the steps that CPT is taking to grow the sport, and your input on what we can do to increase each player’s experience. If you are interested in lending your experience to help us grow collegiate pickleball, you may apply here for the 2025 fall semester group.

Be the first to know : Join our College Pickleball News channel on Instagram for the latest Collegiate Pickleball Tour updates, results, and behind-the-scenes action.