MLP Midseason Check-In, Standings Breakdown & Playoff Predictions

We’re nearly halfway through the 2025 MLP season, and the pressure is building. Daytona (June 5–8) marks the fifth event on the calendar, with five more stops still to come before the postseason begins.

With pickleball ratings and team performance shaping the playoff picture, let’s break down where teams stand after Phoenix—and who’s in (and out) of contention.

Current Standings (Post-Phoenix)

The Battle for the Final Playoff Spots

It’s shaping up to be a three-team race for the final two playoff spots. The Utah Black Diamonds, Miami Pickleball Club, and Chicago Slice are all within striking distance heading into the second half of the season.

Shoutout to Chicago, who had to completely redraft their roster after last season and still managed to stay in the hunt. With five events left, momentum swings, injuries, burnouts and a sense of urgency could shake things up quickly. And if sports have taught us anything—it’s that passion and grit can go a long way!

Lack of Parity: A Growing Concern?

A recent stat shared by Matty Pickles (and featured in The Dink newsletter) highlighted something striking: 

The top 8 teams are a combined 42–0 against the bottom 8. 

Yep—undefeated. That’s a huge gap.

All four teams that moved up from last season’s Challenger division currently sit in the bottom 8, showing just how tough it is to draft well when depth in the MLP talent pool is still developing. Many of these teams had to take chances on new talent, which often takes time to pay off.

That said, if any bottom-8 team is going to pull off an upset, my bet’s on Miami. Any team going against them must be mentally present to fight. They’ve got fire and fight—two things you can’t coach.

Newbies vs. Veterans

Back in March, I published a blog on the MLP roster updates following the Premier and Challenger Drafts held on March 2–3. I highlighted the wave of new talent entering the league this season — and now that we’re halfway through, let’s take a look at how those players have performed so far.

At the time, I noted 34 new players had been drafted across both Premier and Challenger divisions—none of whom had played an MLP match in 2024. Most were picked in the 5th or 6th round, so many haven’t seen any court time yet.

Those who have broken into the starting lineups include:
Victoria Di Muzio, Liz Truluck, Max Freeman, Mya Bui, Alex Walker, and, yes—¾ of the NY Hustlers. 

From that group, Victoria, Max, Mya, and the Hustlers trio have consistently started matches for their teams. Mya Bui stands out as the strongest performer so far, though all five are currently ranked outside the Top 50 in the player standings.

It’s worth remembering: most veteran players have been competing at a high level for years. These newcomers are still adjusting to the pace and pressure of top-tier play. With time, mentorship, and experience, several of them could absolutely become key contributors in future seasons.

🏆 Semifinal Predictions: Early Call

You can prove me wrong later, but I’m seeing a repeat of last season’s semifinals. 

Right now, my top four picks heading into August are:

• St. Louis Shock
  
• New Jersey 5s
  
• Dallas Flash
  
• Texas Ranchers
  

These teams have shown the most consistency and depth so far this season.

As for the final? I’d put my money on a Dallas Flash vs. St. Louis Shock matchup. Two strong, well-balanced rosters that know how to close.

Let’s see how it plays out.

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Ever lost a point after a killer volley—only to hear “momentum fault”?

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It’s one of the most frustrating ways to lose a point in pickleball. You hit a winning shot near the kitchen line, but your foot—or even your paddle—ends up in the non-volley zone. The point? Gone.

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If you're aiming to improve your pickleball ratings,, don’t just learn the lesser-known  pickleball rules—apply them.

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What Is a Momentum Fault in Pickleball?

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A momentum fault happens when a player's motion—such as their follow-through after a volley—causes them or anything they’re wearing to touch the non-volley zone or “kitchen.” It’s a fault because the player’s momentum wasn’t fully stopped before making contact with the NVZ. 

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Momentum isn’t considered complete until you’ve regained control and balance—enough to safely step away from the NVZ. There’s no time limit: if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley at any point, it’s still a fault.

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This includes:

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• Your foot or any body part touching the kitchen line or floor after a volley.
  
  
• Your paddle, hat, or any part of your body or gear touching the kitchen—even after the ball is “dead.”

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👉 Rule of thumb: If your body or gear ends up in the kitchen because of momentum after a volley, it’s a fault.

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What’s the Non-Volley Zone (AKA The Kitchen)?

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The non-volley zone, or "kitchen," is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net marked by a line. You cannot volley the ball while standing in—or stepping into—this zone, including the line itself.

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Note: You can stand in the kitchen, just not while volleying.

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Common Examples of Momentum Faults

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Here’s how momentum faults sneak up on even experienced players:

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1. Singles Match

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You are playing a pickleball tournament and you stretch to volley a ball near the kitchen. The shot lands—clean—but your toe lands on the line a split second later. Fault.

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2. Doubles Play

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Your partner finishes a great volley at the net, but they stumble forward into the kitchen. Momentum fault, even if the ball was unreachable.

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3. Equipment Drop

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Your paddle drops into the kitchen after a volley—still a momentum fault.

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How to Avoid Momentum Faults

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Improving your footwork and body control near the kitchen line can help you avoid losing points.

Try these tips:

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• Stay balanced after every volley—don’t overreach.
  
  
• Avoid lunging unless you’re sure you can stop safely.
  
  
• Drill footwork near the kitchen so it becomes second nature.
  
  
• Practice “freeze” drills to control forward movement after contact.
  
  
• Watch for “line creep”—inching forward during fast-paced points leads to accidental faults.

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Momentum faults are avoidable—but only if you know what to watch for.

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Whether you're training for a local pickleball tournament or playing socially, minimizing avoidable faults is key to progress as a player and start boosting your pickleball ratings.

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Next time you’re chasing that perfect volley, don’t let your momentum turn a winning shot into a kitchen disaster.

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A Regional Showdown is a team-format tournament for amateur players, played under the The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) structure. These events bring together four-player teams (2 women and 2 men) to compete using the fast-paced and inclusive MLPlay™ format.

Minor League Pickleball is an innovative team competition with unique twists on traditional matchups, scoring, and tiebreakers. In each match, teams compete in four games:

1. Women’s Doubles
2. Men’s Doubles
3. Mixed Doubles
4. Mixed Doubles

Each game is played to 21 points, win by 2. If the match is tied 2–2 after four games, it goes to a Dreambreaker™ where one person from each team plays singles against the other team’s player, switching players every four rallies until someone gets to 21 and wins by two points.

Who can play? 

Anyone with a DUPR account can participate! Teams are broken into divisions based on their combined DUPR rating of all 4 players.

Why Regional Showdowns Matter?

Regional Showdowns are a key part of the path to The Dink MiLP Championships. Here’s why:

• They are official Minor League Pickleball team tournaments open to amateur players of all ages and skill levels
• Every match helps build your DUPR match history and increase your reliability score
• You earn valuable points toward the National MiLP Leaderboard, which helps determine who qualifies for the National Championship. 

But most importantly: Winning your division at a Regional Showdown earns your team a Dream Ticket — an automatic invitation to compete at The Dink Minor League Pickleball Championships!

So even if you don't win it all, playing gives you more matches, more data, and more chances to scale up your DUPR pickleball ratings. It’s a win-win.

What is the Championship?

The MiLP Championship, previously called the National Championship, is the pinnacle of the amateur team season. It brings together Dream Ticket winners, top leaderboard teams, and invited State Pro League and MLP-affiliated teams from around the world to compete for national glory and $100,000 in prize money.

With divisions for every DUPR level, the event is designed to reward teamwork, performance, and progress over the course of the season. And it all starts with your region.

2026 Regional Showdowns

• May 22-25: MiLP at MLP Regional Showdown - Dallas, TX
• May 29-31: MiLP at MLP Regional Showdown - Columbus, OH
• June 12-14: MiLP at MLP Regional Showdown - Austin, TX
• June 26-28: MiLP at MLP Regional Showdown - New York, NY
• July 17-19: MiLP at MLP Regional Showdown - San Diego, CA
• July 24-26: MiLP at MLP Regional Showdown - Chicago, IL
• July 26: Midwest Regional Showdown - Kansas City, MO
• August 14-16: MiLP at MLP Regional Showdown - Newport Beach, CA
• August 15-16: Southeast Regional Showdown - Orange Park, FL
• November 13-15: Northwest Regional Showdown - Lynnwood, WA

Why You Should Sign Up

If you’re looking to:

• Rise in the MiLP Rankings Leaderboard
• Build your DUPR reliability score
• Improve your pickleball ratings
• Earn a Dream Ticket to the Championships
• Or just compete with your friends

… then a Regional Showdown is a no-brainer.

Spots go fast. Check the schedule, grab your team, and take your shot.

See you on the court.

If you’ve played pickleball tournaments, you know that tempo matters. One small—but important—rule that helps keep things moving is the 10-second rule.

So, what is it?

The 10-Second Rule in Pickleball consists of the following: Once the score is called, the server has 10 seconds to start the serve. That’s it. No long pauses, no endless bouncing the ball—just call it and go. The rule exists to keep the game fair and flowing, especially in competitive settings.

Why does it matter?

This isn’t just a nitpicky rule. In high-level play—or any match that counts toward your pickleball ratings—those little delays can break rhythm and shift momentum. Pickleball rules keep things clean and consistent.

Here’s what it helps with:

• ✅ Keeps the pace up – Nobody likes standing around.
  
• ✅ Stops mind games – No stalling to throw off your opponent.
  
• ✅ Makes it fair – Everyone follows the same countdown.
  

What if you take too long?

If you wait more than 10 seconds after the score is called, it’s a fault. You lose the point.  And in a tight match? That can hurt—especially when your DUPR rating is on the line.

How to avoid a violation:

• Have a go-to pre-serve routine. Keep it short and repeatable.
  
• Stay tuned in—listen for the score to be called.
  
• No official clock, so get a feel for 10 seconds and stay within it.

It might seem like a small detail, but respecting the 10-second rule shows discipline—and it can make a real difference in how your match unfolds. Whether you’re trying to improve your pickleball ratings or just play better pickleball, sticking to this rule is part of showing up like a serious competitor.

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Heading into the 5th season of collegiate pickleball, we couldn’t be more proud of the growth and momentum this community has built. From just a handful of schools to a nationwide tour with dozens of events, collegiate pickleball is thriving.

Each year, we make key updates to support players, improve event structure, and elevate the sport. Whether you're chasing higher pickleball ratings or building team chemistry, the 2025–26 season is packed with new opportunities to grow and compete.

Below, we break down the changes in eligibility rules, regional tournament structure, and how your team can earn a spot at Nationals.

Let’s dive into what’s new this season 👇

Credit Hour Requirement Update

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.

This change promotes a level playing field while staying true to the mission of collegiate pickleball: competition and academic excellence.

Campus Regionals Expansion

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.

Season Format Breakdown

In the 25-26 season, we're planning 20 official collegiate pickleball tournaments per semester, each offering bids to Nationals. 

More details to come as we continue to lock down tournament dates and locations. 

Interested in hosting a collegiate event? Learn more here!

Here’s how the season is shaping up:

Fall 2025 — Bid Breakdown

• Collegiate World Championship (Dallas, TX at UPA Worlds): 6 bids
  
• 4 Super Regionals: 3 bids each (12 total)
  
• 15 Campus Regionals: 1 bid each (15 total)
  

Spring 2026 — Bid Breakdown

• Collegiate National Championship: 64 total team spots
  
• 4 Super Regionals: 3 bids each (12 total)
  
• 15 Campus Regionals: 1 bid each (15 total)
  

Other Bid Opportunities

• 2 bids awarded to teams with the most Dual Match wins
  
• 2 wildcard bids selected by the CPT committee
  
  

Why These Changes Matter

As more universities invest in club pickleball programs, we’re seeing the competition level rise across the board. These updates to eligibility rules, Campus Regionals, and bid distribution are designed to:

• Support student-athletes on and off the court
  
• Provide more clear and fair access to Nationals
  
• Streamline the road to the Collegiate Pickleball National Championship
  

If you are a college pickleball player trying to boost your pickleball ratings through competitive play—this season is full of opportunities.

Stay Updated

Follow @collegiatepickleball on Instagram and bookmark our site for event announcements, registration deadlines, and more updates as we lock in tournament dates and locations.

Want to host a campus regional? Apply here.

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Just the name itself can stir up quite some chaos on the pickleball court. A Nasty Nelson is the kind of shot that can flip the momentum of a game, leaving opponents flustered and teammates grinning at the well-executed disruption. But what exactly is a Nasty Nelson, and why does it carry such a mischievous reputation?

Just ask Mariana Paredes, who famously pulled off a Nasty Nelson at 10-4 match point to clinch a gold medal at the US Open. In her post-match interview with The Dink, she said, “I saw an opportunity and took it. Nothing wrong with that!” Bold? Definitely. Controversial? Maybe. But moments like that are exactly why the Nasty Nelson continues to spark debate on pickleball courts everywhere.

The rudest shot in pickleball?

In pickleball, the serve is your first chance to set the tone, control the pace, and occasionally catch your opponents off guard. A Nasty Nelson does exactly that—it’s a serve aimed intentionally at the non-receiving partner, trying to hit them before the ball bounces. If it hits the non-receiver player, it results in an immediate fault on the receiving team—one of the few ways to score outright off a serve. 

It’s not illegal under the official pickleball rules, but it’s definitely unconventional—and depending on who you ask, maybe even a little unsportsmanlike. If you’re chasing better pickleball ratings, a well-timed Nasty Nelson might score you a point… but it could also cost you a friend.

When to execute a Nasty Nelson?

Some players use the Nasty Nelson strategically, especially in official pickleball tournaments where every point counts. If the opposing partner isn’t paying attention or stands too close to the kitchen, they’re a prime target. Others argue that it goes against the spirit of the game, preferring serves that challenge the receiver through placement and spin rather than deception.

Why is it called Nasty Nelson? 

Tim “The Puppet Master” Nelson is the guy behind the shot everyone loves to argue about—the Nasty Nelson. He’s a top-level pickleball player known for his bold (and sometimes sneaky) style of play. The shot was named after him for a reason—he used it often, and with zero shame. He’s also famous for doing a little puppeteer hand motion after pulling it off, just to rub it in a bit more.

Should you use it?

Like any shot in pickleball—whether it’s a third shot drop, ATP, or Erne—the Nasty Nelson is a tool. Whether you use it or avoid it depends on your style of play.

One thing’s for sure: if you're serious about climbing the pickleball ratings ladder or competing in Minor League Pickleball events, understanding shots like this gives you an edge—even if it’s just to defend yourself against the opponent trying to pull one over on you.

So next time you’re on the court, stay alert during the serve. You never know when a little bit of “nasty” might be headed your way.

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If you’ve been competing in The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) or planning your path to The Championships (formerly called National Championship), you’ve probably heard the term “Dream Ticket.” But what exactly does it mean?

Let’s break it down.

🎯 What Is a Dream Ticket?

A Dream Ticket is an automatic invitation to compete at The Championships (formerly called National Championship). It’s awarded only to gold medalist teams—those who win their division at a State Championship or Regional Showdown.

Earning a Dream Ticket means your team doesn’t need to rely on national leaderboard points or wild card bids. You’ve punched your ticket to Nationals, no questions asked.

 Who Qualifies as a Dream Ticket Team?

To qualify as a Dream Ticket Team:

• Your team must win 1st place (Gold) in your division at an official State Championship or Regional Showdown.
  
• Only one Dream Ticket is awarded per division. That means only the gold medalist team qualifies. Teams cannot split or form multiple entries; just one ticket, one team, one shot at Nationals.
  
• A Dream Ticket team must include at least two original players from the team that won at the qualifying event.

Can You Substitute Players?

Yes—but with restrictions.

Dream Ticket teams may replace up to two players if necessary (e.g., due to injury or scheduling conflicts). However:

• Your team’s DUPR aggregate rating at registration will determine which division you compete in at Nationals.
  
• If your full original team attends Nationals, you’ll compete in the same division in which you earned your Dream Ticket.
  
• Substitutions can affect your division eligibility—so choose replacements wisely.

Why Dream Tickets Matter

Dream Tickets are a recognition of top-tier amateur play and one of the most direct ways to secure your shot at $100,000+ in prize money and national recognition.

They’re also one of the few guaranteed pathways to The Championships:

• Dream Ticket winners
  
• Top players on the National Leaderboard
• Invited State Pro League and MLP-affiliated teams
  

Ready to qualify? Find your next State Championship or Regional Showdown and start building your team. 

Find your event here and register!

World Team Pickleball (WTP), DUPR, and DUPR Coach are joining forces to deliver an unparalleled, tech-driven player development experience designed to elevate the sport to new heights. This collaboration combines the precision of the DUPR pickleball ratings system, the impact of Coach-Assigned DUPRs, and the WTP Combine, an extended session that gives players a more reliable DUPR rating while immersing them in WTP’s distinctive competition format. Together, the accuracy of DUPR and the depth of the WTP Combine form the industry’s first all-encompassing player assessment pathway, all hosted at two TTC Clubs in Newport Beach. As an official DUPR Assessment Center in California, TTC Clubs are uniquely positioned to offer this cutting-edge experience to players of all levels seeking meaningful growth, measurable progress, and a more accurate DUPR rating.

Get ready for an event unlike any other. The WTP x DUPR Coach Combine will be held at two top-tier TTC Club locations in Newport Beach, California, offering a one-of-a-kind dual assessment experience that blends precise skill evaluations with high-energy competition. As an official DUPR Assessment Center, TTC Clubs deliver verified DUPR matches, expert coaching, and a pathway to improvement rooted in both data and gameplay. Combined with the WTP Combine’s signature format, this event promises a true pickletainment experience that’s as fun as it is impactful!

Event Details:

Friday, June 20th

Location: TTC Newport Beach, The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach

11 Clubhouse Drive, Newport Beach CA 92660

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Dress Code: Pickleball & Tennis attire

Fee: (Free to TTC members) 

Non-Members Standard: DUPR Coach Session: 45 minutes   $35.00 

Non-Members Premier: DUPR Coach Session + WTP COMBINE: 90 minutes total   $65.00

• DUPR Coach Session will result in a Coach-Assigned DUPR rating. 
• The DUPR Coach + WTP Combine session offers the best of both worlds, providing players with a reliable DUPR rating and a completed WTP Combine profile. This unique session evaluates key skill sets, includes DUPR-recorded games to 11 points, and creates new opportunities for players of all levels to be scouted, drafted, and even earn money by competing in WTP events.

The Friday night social features live music, open play, and Challenge Courts. No cover charge with this offer, and full bar and buffet available at additional charge.

👉 Sign Up for the Newport Beach Event here

Saturday, June 21st

Location: The Newporter Club, sister club of TTC Newport Beach

1111 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach CA 92660

Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Dress Code: Pickleball & Tennis attire

Fee: (Free to TTC members)

Non-Member Standard: DUPR Coach Session: 45 minutes $35.00 

Non-Member Premier: DUPR Coach Session + WTP Combine: 90 minutes total    $65.00

• DUPR Coach Session will result in a Coach-Assigned DUPR rating. 
• The DUPR Coach + WTP Combine session offers the best of both worlds, providing players with a reliable DUPR rating and a completed WTP Combine profile. This unique session evaluates key skill sets, includes DUPR-recorded games to 11 points, and creates new opportunities for players of all levels to be scouted, drafted, and even earn money by competing in WTP events.

👉 Sign Up for the Newporter Club Event here

"This is one of the best movements to grow the future of pickleball, making the game more interactive and enhancing the player experience, while supporting full service clubs that offer food and beverage. For the first time, we're blending data-driven coaching with the thrill of competitive play, all under one roof. It's not just a COMBINE, it's a launchpad for every level player, beginners to more serious players."  Sean Bollettieri, Commissioner of World Team Pickleball and TTC Clubs’ founder. 

About World Team Pickleball (WTP)

World Team Pickleball (WTP) is redefining pickleball with its high-energy, team-based events designed to bring players together for a unique, pickletainment experience. WTP enables every player to get drafted and earn money. WTP model is driving to elevate the player experience and boost the club’s events department, by implementing food, beverage, and entertainment. WTP’s mission is to increase participation in Pickleball and to elevate the player experience, all while getting awarded and cheered on. Learn more at www.worldteampickleball.com.

About WTP Combine

Discover the groundbreaking WTP Combine. The most efficient way to earn your DUPR rating. This innovative experience seamlessly blends skill set evaluations with recorded match play to deliver an accurate, trusted rating. But it’s more than just a score. It’s your gateway to the World Team Pickleball (WTP) platform, where players of all levels have the chance to get drafted, compete, and earn real money. Whether you’re a rising star or a seasoned competitor, the WTP Combine is your launchpad to the next level.

About TTC Clubs

The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach, TTC Newport Beach was the first private Pickleball Club in the world. The venue has hosted all the major events from APP, PPA, MLP, APS, CAPA, and WTP events. Most importantly, it has built one of the largest Pickleball communities in the country and expanded in Southern California to two premier pickleball venues in Newport Beach, newest one being The Newporter Club in Newport Beach with 22 pickleball courts and a Social Golf course, along with another beautiful private club in south Orange county, TTC Coto de Caza Pickleball & Tennis Club.  With nearly 100 regulation private courts in Orange County, the amenities facilities, and programming, TTC is at the forefront of community engagement. As an official DUPR Assessment Center in California, and WTP Combine center, TTC Clubs provide players with the opportunity to receive accurate, data-driven DUPR ratings. Learn more at www.newportbeachttc.com.

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players worldwide. The dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location, accurately evaluating players on a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. With the ability to generate Provisional DUPR Ratings through DUPR Coach, players and coaches alike can access more accurate ratings and insights, unlocking new levels of player development and competition. Learn more at www.dupr.com.

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach empowers pickleball coaches to assign Coach-Assigned DUPR Ratings for players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches deliver accurate skill assessments, track player progress, and unlock new revenue streams. This innovative tool is transforming the way coaches, clubs, and players approach player development. To learn more or become a DUPR Coach, visit www.duprcoach.com/coach-cert.

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