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A Strategic Guide to Take Control From the First Shot

The serve kicks off every point; but it’s not just about getting the ball in. Where you place your serve can shape how the rest of the rally unfolds.

Because of the double bounce rule, returners have a built-in edge. They get to take the kitchen right away, while the serving team has to wait for the return to bounce at least once before approaching it. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck playing defense.

A well-placed serve (within the serving rules) can buy you time, throw off your opponent’s rhythm, and set you up to take control of the point, right from the start. 

So let’s break down where the best pro players in the world serve, why they do it, and how you can use those same strategies to level up your game.

Serving Isn’t Just “Getting the Ball In”

Too many players treat the serve as a neutral start. Pros don’t. They treat it as a setup; one that can create gaps, short returns, or lock opponents into awkward positions. Where you place your serve should depend on your strengths, your opponent’s weaknesses, and what you want to do next.

Where to Serve and What It Sets Up

 1. Wide Serve (Angle to the Sideline)

• Goal: Pull the returner off the court.
  
• Why it works: Creates space in the middle of the court. If the net player shifts over to cover the gap, it leaves the down-the-line shot wide open.
  
• Bonus tip: The wider you stand on the baseline, the sharper angle you’ll get.

When you serve out wide, you force the returner off the court; but what happens next depends on their partner at the net. If the net player shifts to cover the middle (which is the smart move), it leaves the down-the-line shot open for you to attack. But if they stay hugging the sideline to protect against that shot, they give up a huge space in the middle. 

Either way, you create a gap. You just need to recognize where it is and be ready to exploit it on your third shot.

Bobbi Oshiro (DUPR 5.9) shares:

“The wide out serve is a tough target to hit so not many returners anticipate it.” Bobbi said. “It puts the returner out of position for the next shot when trying to make it up to the kitchen and it gives me an easier third shot to their feet.” 

Check out Bobbi’s article on how to become a pro pickleball player, where she includes her schedule, training plan and more valuable tips. 

2. Down the T

• Goal: Pin the returner deep in the middle or stretch their reach across their body.
  
• Why it works: Keeps the returner more central, which means their crosscourt angles are limited. Sets you up to control the next ball with a third shot drop.
  
• Pro combo: If you're comfortable dropping wide or want your partner to attack with an Erne, this is the perfect setup.

Bobbi Oshiro adds:

“On the left side of the court, I love hitting big down the T. It gets them moving and opens up their backhand side for my third shot drop.”

3. Body or Middle Serve

• Goal: Jam your opponent and reduce their options.
  
• Why it works: When you hit deep and at the body, your opponent has a harder time stepping into the shot. They’re forced to take a step back and return more defensively, buying you time to move forward.
  
• Result: Slower, shorter returns that you can jump on with an aggressive third shot.
  

Pro Serving Tips

Noe Khliff (DUPR 6.588)

“Wide serves are my go-to. They open up the court so I can use angles more effectively on the third shot.”

Bobbi Oshiro (DUPR 5.909) 

“From the right side, I love serving sharp out wide. It’s unexpected and gets the returner moving out of position, which sets up an easier third shot. From the left, I like going big down the T. Both can draw short returns and give you the edge early.”

Madalina Grigoriu (DUPR 5.522)

“Serve wide when teams are stacking and switching. It disrupts their timing and forces them into bad returns.”

Where Does The #1 Pickleball Player in the World Prefer to Serve?

Federico Staksrud (DUPR 7.076) – World #1

“I hit a deep topspin serve to the backhand. It pushes players back and often results in a weak return.”

Serving deep, especially to the backhand, is one of the simplest ways to force errors and buy yourself time to control the next shot. If it’s good enough for the world’s best, it’s worth it for you to try it out in your next pickleball tournament.

Start serving with purpose, and you’ll start every rally one step ahead.

One Global Sport. One Global Rating.

In a historic move for international pickleball, the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), world governing body for pickleball, has officially named DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) its official rating system.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the history of pickleball’s global development, uniting GPF’s four continental federations, member nations and GPF owned and operated events for the first time, under one trusted and universally adopted rating system.

A Shared Vision for Global Pickleball Growth

The GPF serves as the international federation for the Continental Federation of Africa (CAP), Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA), Oceania Pickleball Federation (OPF), Asia Pickleball Association (APA) as well as twelve European member countries and growing. DUPR is the preferred rating for the GPF, solidifying a truly global framework for fair and consistent competition. 

The GPF’s non-profit board of directors is led by active stewards of our sport, deeply invested in the future. The founders and leaders of pickleball in Australia, Canada, Chile, Ghana, India,  Ireland, Mexico, The Philippines, Poland and the United States serve as legacy members on the GPF board. 

 Players, coaches, and organizers will benefit from:

•  One Standardized Rating:
  DUPR’s trusted 2.000–8.000 scale brings clarity and consistency to all levels of play, from amateur matches to elite competition.

• Smarter Player Development:
  Whether you're a recreational player or a national team prospect, DUPR provides real-time, match-based ratings that reflect actual performance; not just wins and losses.

•  Simplified Event Organization:
  Federations and clubs worldwide can now use DUPR to accurately seed brackets, set divisions, and streamline tournament play. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with DUPR as we work to elevate and unify pickleball worldwide,” said GPF President Javier Regalado. “Having a single, trusted rating system in place across continents is a positive step toward unifying pickleball, eliminating some of the confusion and fragmentation that inhibits growth.” 

A Step Closer to Olympic Recognition

This alignment also supports GPF’s long-term mission to instill best practices and standards, ultimately achieving International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition for pickleball and future inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Last month, a GPF delegation officially entered its application for IOC recognition in Lausanne, Switzerland. 

“Under GPF and DUPR’s historic alignment, international players of all ages, gender and location are united under one technology platform to grow the great sport of pickleball.” added DUPR CEO Tito Machado. 

ABOUT GLOBAL PICKLEBALL FEDERATION (GPF)

The GPF is the world governing body for pickleball, serving as a not-for-profit organization focused on the integrity and development of pickleball globally – from grassroots to recreational and high-performance levels. GPF’s unifying function, structure, and board are aligned with pickleball’s established continental federations and a valued volunteer network engaged in growing the sport worldwide. The GPF’s ethical framework and by-laws will ultimately lead the sport of pickleball to International Olympic Committee recognition and inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The constant interplay between the GPF with its respective continental and national federations ensures uniform rules, regulations, standards, and the ability to swiftly implement best practices. For more info, visit https://globalpickleballfederation.org/ 

ABOUT DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, and National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

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Thinking about starting a pickleball club at your university? You’re not alone. With over 300 colleges in the U.S. already on board, the sport is booming, and your school could be next. Whether you're looking to play for fun, build a competitive team, or just grow the pickleball community on campus, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make it happen.

Step 1: Check Your School’s Club Requirements

Every college has its own process for approving new student organizations, so your first move is to find out what your school requires. 

A quick search like “[Your School Name] how to start a club” will usually point you in the right direction.

Key things to look for:

• Registration deadlines
  
• Required leadership roles
  
• Minimum number of members
  
• Whether you need a faculty or staff advisor
  

Quick Note: Most colleges distinguish between “student organizations” and “club sports.” You’ll usually need to register as a student organization  before applying for club sport status, so start there to save time. 

Once you’ve submitted everything and your application is approved, congrats! You’ve got an official pickleball club on campus. Now it’s time to build it.

Step 2: Recruit Consistent Members

In the early stages, it’s all about momentum. Use whatever equipment and space you have access to and get creative with recruiting.

Here are some great ways to find players:

• Visit pickleball classes on campus and invite students
  
• Show up at intramural tournaments and talk to participants
  

• Participate in your school’s club fair

• Build a simple website or social media presence so people can find you online. Choose a username or domain clearly linked to your school and pickleball club.

• Post flyers and add a QR code linking to the social media account or talk to players at local pickleball courts

• Reserve tennis/pickleball courts on campus or ask local facilities for discounted court time
  

Create a group chat or email list to keep everyone connected and informed. Be proactive: if someone shows interest, invite them personally. Make new players feel welcome by pairing them with others at their level and offering to teach the basics. This is what builds community and keeps them coming back.

Step 3: Grow Your Club

Once you have a core group, it’s time to scale.

• Set Weekly Practice Times: Establish consistent meetups to create structure. It also gives you a clear answer when someone asks, “When can I join?”
  
• Build Your Equipment Supply: Start collecting paddles, balls, portable nets, and hoppers. Ask experienced players or alumni if they can donate gear. You can also contact local businesses for sponsorships or fundraising support.
  

💡 Special Tip: Create a DUPR Digital Club to manage your members and track match results. It gives your club a professional presence and makes it easier to organize games, display your location, and help players improve with accurate ratings. 

Start your Digital Club for FREE  here.

Step 4: Compete with Other Schools

Once you have enough players and equipment, take things to the next level: college competition.

• Connect with nearby schools that have clubs
  
• Use social media or the DUPR club directory to find opponents
  
• Organize scrimmages or join round robins and tournaments
  
• Start incorporating drills to strengthen your team’s skills
  
• Invite local coaches or high-level players to run clinics
  

Starting a pickleball club at your school is one of the most rewarding ways to make an impact, meet new people, and grow the game. It doesn’t take much to get started. All you need is a few players, some paddles, and a little passion.

Check out the Collegiate Pickleball Tournament (CPT) calendar to find upcoming events. CPT matches are co-ed and formatted for teams of 2 men and 2 women. Schools can bring multiple teams, and top performers may even earn scholarships or bids to the Collegiate National Championship in April.

Want even more help? Download our 24-page Collegiate Pickleball Club Guide, written by past and present club presidents. It’s full of detailed strategies, sample meeting templates, fundraising ideas, and practice plans that worked at real schools.

📩 Have questions? We’ve got answers. Email us at college@mydupr.com

Let’s get your school on the map. 🏓

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The serve starts every point, and it sets the tone for the entire rally. While it’s not about overpowering your opponent like in tennis, a well-placed serve in pickleball can throw them off balance and give you the upper hand in any pickleball tournament. It’s all about precision, consistency, and control.

Still, serving can be confusing, especially for newer players. Can you serve underhand or sidearm? Can you throw the ball up on a volley serve?? What about drop serves, time limits, or serving into the kitchen? And does pickleball even have a “let” rule?

We break it all down in this guide, answering the most common questions and clearing up the gray areas.

Let’s settle it once and for all: What are the serving rules in pickleball?

Official Pickleball Serve Rules (2025 Update)

1. Volley Serves 

A volley serve is when you hit the ball before it bounces, and you can throw the ball up for a volley serve. When you hit the ball, your arm must be in an upward arc, contact can't be made above the waist, and the paddle head must stay below the wrist.

2. One Foot Behind the Baseline

At least one foot must remain behind the baseline and on the ground until the ball is struck. The other foot can't be on the ground outside the service area.  Stepping on the line during the serve is a fault. 

3. Diagonal Placement

The serve must land in the opposite diagonal service box. If it lands outside the lines or on the kitchen line or in the kitchen (non-volley zone), it’s a fault.

4. Drop Serve Is Legal

The drop serve is still legal.. Yep, you heard that right!

Without applying any force to the ball, you can simply let it drop and hit it after it bounces—offering a more flexible and strategic serving option. Your feet must remain in the same position as for a volley serve, but you can drop the ball anywhere, and none of the three volley serve requirements apply.

5. Single Attempt Only

Unlike in tennis, there are no second chances. If you commit a single fault on your serve, you lose the rally. 

6. No Spin Allowed

You can’t spin the ball with your hand or paddle before hitting it.   Only a natural rotation is accepted on the release but, when you hit the ball, put all the spin you want on it! 

Serve Rules for Singles vs Doubles

• In singles, the server switches sides after each point scored, always serving from the right when the score is even and from the left when it's odd. Only the serving person can score points. 

• In doubles, only the serving team can score points. Each player on the team gets a turn to serve, except at the start of the game,  when only one player serves for the first team.

Service Sequence in Doubles

Let’s break it down with an example:

• Team I: Player A and Player B
  
• Team II: Player C and Player D

Players A and C are the starting servers for their teams. When their team's score is even, they will serve from the right side of their court.

1. Game starts with Player A serving from the right side of the court.
   
2. Each time Team I scores a point, they switch sides (right to left, left to right) and Player A continues serving.
   
3. When Team I makes a fault, they lose the serve.
   

Since it's the start of the game, only Player A serves for Team I. Then it’s a side out.

4. Player C (Team II) now serves from the right side.
   
5. Just like before, if Team II scores, the players switch sides and Player C keeps serving until they commit a fault.
   
6. After Player C faults, their partner, Player D, gets to serve.
   
7. Player D serves from the appropriate side based on the score (not necessarily the right side).
   
8. Once both players on Team II lose their serves, it’s a side out, and Team I regains serve; this time, starting on the right, with whichever player matches their score (if their score is even it will be Player A, odd will be Player B), and now both partners will get to serve in that turn.
   

This rotation continues throughout the match, with each player on a team getting a chance to serve—except for the first team to serve, where only one player serves before the side out.

Common Pickleball Serving Faults

Avoid these errors to stay legal:

• Hitting the ball above waist level
  
• Serving into the kitchen or on the kitchen line
  
• Stepping on  the baseline when you make contact with the ball.
  
• Missing the cross-court service court!
  

Being aware of these serving faults helps prevent easy point losses, especially when your pickleball rating and performance in pickleball tournaments are on the line.

👉 90% of players get these pickleball rules wrong. Don’t be one of them. 

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When Tommy Welch first picked up a pickleball paddle during the pandemic, he had no idea it would lead to a complete career shift. As a former college baseball player and coach, Tommy was used to the dugout and batting cages. But just a couple of weeks after giving pickleball a try, he was all in, coaching players, and eventually helping grow one of the fastest-growing pickleball clubs in the country: Pickleball Kingdom.

From 0 to 400 Members in Just 2 Months

Charleston’s Pickleball Kingdom only has nine courts, which are enough for 36 players at a time; so managing court access efficiently is key. According to Tommy, the club hit 400 members just two months after opening, and he’s already rated over 150 of them as a certified DUPR Coach.

Since DUPR ratings are required to join skill-based open play sessions at the biggest pickleball clubs, unrated players are encouraged to either play in a tournament or download the MyDUPRCoach app to book an in-person or virtual rating session.

“With this many members, you’ve got to be organized and efficient,” Tommy said. “DUPR helps make sure players are matched by skill, so the games stay fun and competitive, and everyone gets the most out of their time on court.

Players Crave Structure

According to Tommy, players don’t just want to play, they want to know what’s happening and when. 

“Everyone wants structure,” he said. “They want to know the schedule for open play, what levels are playing when, and what to expect when they show up.”

That structure doesn’t just help the players, it helps the coaches too. If you’re running clinics, coaching sessions, or even tournaments, having an organized system makes it easier to plan and coach effectively. 

Unfortunately, Tommy has noticed that not every club is run by people who really understand pickleball. 

“There are clubs where the people in charge don’t even know how to play. It makes everything harder,” he said. 

Managing a pickleball club isn’t like running other sports programs.

Success comes down to understanding your players and offering the right kind of programming. When you register as a DUPR Club (which is totally free), you’ll be paired with a dedicated account manager who can help you design programs that actually fit your club’s needs and player base.

From Baseball Coach to Pickleball Coach

For Tommy, coaching is coaching, no matter the sport.

“I love seeing people progress. That’s what I loved about baseball, and that’s what I love about pickleball too,” he said.

He now spends several days a week running DUPR rating sessions, evaluating four players every 30 minutes. It’s not just about the numbers, either. He watches how players move, how they respond under pressure, and what they can improve on.

“A lot of people overestimate their DUPR,” Tommy admitted. “But that’s what the rating system is for. It’s not meant to be a trophy, it’s meant to help you find better matches and improve.”

‍A Success Story That Hits Home

One of Tommy’s favorite stories is about Noah Winningham. Noah was a baseball player too, and under Tommy’s coaching, he went from unrated to a 5.0 DUPR in just about two years. That kind of improvement is what gets Tommy fired up. 

“If you’ve got good hand-eye coordination and the right mindset, you can go far in pickleball,” he said.

What to Do When Your Students Surpass Your Rating?

Coaching isn’t about ego. It’s about insight, structure, and being able to explain things in a way that sticks.

For Coach Tommy, coaching is about helping others improve. And sometimes, that means watching your students pass you on the rating ladder.

Tommy still coaches players who are rated above him, and he’s proud of it. To him, it’s proof that his coaching works. Helping a player grow to a 5.0 or beyond is the real win.

So, if you’re a coach watching your students climb the ratings faster than you, don’t take it personally. Take it as a sign you’re doing something right.

More Than Just Ratings

Tommy sees DUPR ratings as a tool, not a goal.

 “When you get rated by a DUPR Coach, you’re not just getting a number. You’re getting feedback, you’re learning, and you’re building confidence,” he said.

For many players, it’s less intimidating than jumping into a tournament and helps them understand where they really stand.

Tommy's advice to those thinking about making a career in coaching pickleball:

“Passion comes first. If you love helping people improve, this is for you.”

Tommy rated over 150 players in just 60 days, proof that the demand for DUPR ratings is real. Want to know how much you could earn by giving official ratings? Use this tool to find out.

Ready to become a certified DUPR Coach? Click here to get started.

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Learn about the updated DUPR algorithm: ratings now adjust based on a player’s performance compared to the expected score. You can read the full update details here. 

We’ve received a lot of good and thoughtful feedback along with some great questions and concerns. Below, we’re addressing some of the most common comments to help explain the thinking behind the update and what it means for you.

“It doesn’t make sense to go down with a win.”

We know it’s never enjoyable to see your rating drop — especially after a win. 

Our goal as a rating system is to most accurately measure skill and predict future performance. DUPR is not a reward system, it’s a rating system.

So while a win may earn you a trophy, a better seed, or advancement in a tournament, it doesn’t always mean your rating should go up. If you scored fewer points than expected, that’s a signal you underperformed relative to your current rating, and we adjust accordingly. The reverse is also true: if you lose but overperform, your rating can rise.

In all cases, your DUPR reflects performance, not just outcomes, because that’s what makes the system more accurate for everyone.

“It makes sense to go up for overperforming in a loss — but not down with a win.”

That sounds nice in theory, but it doesn’t work in practice.

Each player’s rating exists within a larger ecosystem. While we aim to assign the most accurate rating to every individual, we also have to maintain the balance of the overall rating system.

If neither team goes down after a match, the entire distribution would drift upward over time. To keep the system stable and meaningful, one team’s rating goes up and the other’s goes down, based on how each performed relative to expectations, not just the result.

“Elements like net cords, wind, or fatigue make point-level granularity unfair.”

We get it — not every match is played in perfect conditions. Sometimes the wind, net cords, or fatigue work against you. But here’s the reality: those same factors can just as easily work for you in other matches.

Your DUPR is built from the full body of your results, not any single match. One unlucky day won’t define your rating, especially if it’s already well-established. There will always be some natural swings, but over time, your rating will reflect your true level as long as your performance does too.

“This hurts high-rated players — there’s no reason for them to play.”

In each match, both teams have the chance to move up or down based on how they perform compared to expectations.

Our goal as a rating system is to most accurately rate players according to their performance in match results, which is a consistent approach to all levels of players.

“Isn’t this just the old DUPR algorithm?”

It might feel familiar, and that’s intentional. This update reintroduces the idea of performance vs. expectation, which was part of a previous version of DUPR. But it’s not a return to the old system.

DUPR has evolved over time, with updates focused on transparency, user experience, and rating accuracy. Since that earlier version, we’ve added features like near-instant rating updates and more visibility into how each match affects your rating.

This change builds on those improvements, not by going backward, but by combining proven ideas with the features players now expect. We’re committed to continually refining DUPR to best reflect player performance and the evolving game of pickleball.

For more information, check out our How It Works page.

We’ve made an important update to the DUPR rating algorithm. Starting today, your rating will move based on how you’re actually performing—not whether you win or lose. 

What’s Changed?

Your rating now moves based on performance vs. expectation.

Every match has an expected score, calculated from the ratings of the players involved.

‍If you score more than expected, your DUPR rating will go up - even if you lose. If you score less, it will go down - even if you win.

Whereas before, the winning team would always go up and the losing team would go down.

Doubles Example:

If a team is expected to win 11–3 but wins 11–8, their DUPR rating will go down.
The losing team, which was expected to score fewer points, will go up.

Singles Example:

If you’re a 3.5 playing against a 4.0, we expect the score to be 5-11. If you instead lose 9-11, you’ve overperformed expectations, so you will see your rating go up. 

What this recent update solves for

✅ Performance-based

Your rating now reflects how you perform relative to expectations — not whether you win or lose. Every point matters.

✅ More accurate

By going deeper into point-level performance, DUPR delivers a more precise measure of your current skill level.

✅ Fair for everyone

Every player has a chance to improve their rating by overperforming — whether you're the favorite or the underdog.

Bottom line: every point counts. Whether you’re the underdog or the favorite, the algorithm rewards players who perform above expectations. Even if you lose, proving you can compete at a higher level will improve your DUPR rating.

As the rating of the sport, we are committed to constantly improving rating accuracy and player experience — this update shows our continued focus on delivering that commitment.

Have questions? Check out this blog, where we answer the most frequently asked questions regarding the algorithm update.

Thanks for being part of the DUPR community!

👉 Find out more about how the DUPR algorithm is calculated.

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Road to Pro Guide - by Bobbi Oshiro

Just like in any professional sport, going pro in pickleball requires immense time, dedication, and discipline. You have to treat it like a full-time job—balancing a traditional 9-to-5 alongside a serious pickleball career is no longer realistic. 

A look at the Top 20 DUPR Rankings in both Men’s and Women’s Doubles shows nearly every athlete has left conventional office work to fully commit to the sport (with the amazing exception of the Kawamoto twins, who still work full-time for the NCAA while competing at the highest level!).

Many professional players also build financial stability through pickleball by creating educational content, becoming influencers, launching podcasts, and teaching camps or clinics.

But hey, if life has taught us anything, it’s that anything is possible with enough passion…and maybe a really good third-shot drop.

Thinking About Going Pro? Here’s How to Get Started

Training & Practices

• Dedicate 20+ hours per week to on-court and off-court work.
  
• A typical Monday to Friday includes 3 - 4 hours of training per day, split into drills and match play.
  
• Saturdays and Sundays are often tournament days - if you’re not competing, take at least one day to rest and recover.
  
• Don’t forget your off-court fitness and recovery - they’re just as important as practicing.
  

Here’s what a sample week might look like:

Equipment

Be sure to check out what the pros are using. The most trusted paddle brands tend to be the ones that are fully invested in pickleball, not just repurposing tennis tech. Companies like JOOLA, Paddletek, Proton, Franklin and Selkirk focus on the sport and support their pro players, leading the way in innovation and performance.

Competitive Tournament Pathway

A perfect training schedule must go hand in hand with a tailored tournament plan. Choosing the right tournaments is essential to raising your pickleball ratings and gaining valuable experience. If you’re serious about going pro, start targeting these key events:

• Collegiate Pickleball
  
• Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) DUPR 20 & 22
  
• PPA Challenger and Tour

•  Major League Pickleball (MLP)
  
• APP Tour
  
• International Tours: Global Sports, PPA Asia, Vietnam Tour

Build a Personal Brand

• Establish a strong social media presence on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.
  
• Decide how you want to portray yourself to fans, brands, and the community.
  
• Network with other pro players, influencers, and industry insiders. Relationships are key.
  

Track your Progress

If you want to go pro, you need to set clear goals and track your progress. Focus on your plan and trust the process. Identify areas for improvement using the DUPR app, and make film study part of your routine, where you watch top players to analyze patterns, strategies, and shot selections.

With dedication, smart planning, and the right resources, you can set yourself on the path to becoming a professional pickleball player, and maybe one day see your name climbing the DUPR rankings.