The biggest team event in amateur pickleball is back. The 2025 Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) National Championship is officially set for December 3-7. 

Thousands of amateur players across the United States and around the world compete all year long for a chance to qualify. The best of the best will descend upon Pickler Universe in Dallas to fight for national glory and a piece of the $100,000 prize pool. 

 A Global Stage for Amateur Pickleball Talent

This isn’t just a national event — it’s a global stage. Players from over a dozen countries are battling through their own national pathways for the chance to represent their country. It’s a truly international showcase, powered by DUPR ratings and driven by talent, teamwork, and ambition.

The Path to Nationals: Leaderboards, Dream Tickets & More

The 2025 Season runs from October 15, 2024, through October 20, 2025. During this time, players of all ages and skill levels compete in official MiLP tournaments to earn leaderboard points and Dream Tickets by performing well at events such as:

• State Championships across Oklahoma, Arizona, Illinois, Colorado, and more
• Regional Showdowns in Texas, New Jersey, Florida, California, and beyond

Anyone with a DUPR account can compete in State Championships and Regional Showdowns. But at Nationals, it's invite-only. 

Who Can Play at Nationals?

• Dream Ticket teams: Teams that win gold at a State Championship or Regional Showdown earn a Dream Ticket — an automatic invitation to Nationals. Each team must include at least two original players from the qualifying event and will compete in the same division they qualified in (unless player substitutions affect their DUPR aggregate).
• Top-ranked players from the 2025 National DUPR Leaderboard will receive an invitation to assemble their teams
• State Pro League and MLP-affiliated teams via Wild Card bids

Confirmed State Pro Leagues include:

• All Florida Pro League
• Michigan Pickleball League
• Oklahoma Premier Pickleball League
• Wichita Premier Pickleball League

MLP Teams competing at Nationals:

Logos of major league pickleball teams competing at MILP National Championships 2025, part of DUPR’s Minor League Pickleball

• Atlanta Bouncers
• Brooklyn Pickleball Team
• Columbus Sliders
• Dallas Flash
• DC Pickleball Team
• Phoenix Flames
• St. Louis Shock
• Texas Ranchers

Note: Any player who competes in an official Minor League Pickleball event during the 2025 season is eligible to play at Nationals, as long as they join a team that receives an invitation.

With registration opening in August 2025, there's still plenty of time to play, earn points, and climb the National DUPR Leaderboard. Those who qualify will receive an official invitation to register and compete for a shot at the national title.

From Rec Play to Pro 

Many of today’s top professional players — including Jack Munro, Connor Garnett, and Kate Fahey — got their start in Minor League Pickleball. With divisions spanning from DUPR 12 to DUPR 22, Nationals is where rising talent proves they’re ready for the next level.

New for 2025:

• Gendered 3v3 Divisions for men’s and women’s teams
• An Open Division with no rating cap  — anyone can compete regardless of their  DUPR
• Adjusted team aggregate caps exclusively for Nationals to maintain fair, competitive play

MiLP DUPR Divisions for the 2025 National Championship

Divisions include:

The division aggregate maximum ending in .900 only applies for Nationals. The regular aggregate maximum ending in .300 will stay in effect for all other Minor League Pickleball events.

MiLP v3 National Championship Divisions

The Dink MiLP v3 National Championship is open to any player who competes in official v3 and/or v4 tournaments during the 2025 season. All players from 2025 MiLP National Championship 4-person mixed teams — whether open age or 50+ — are eligible to participate. Registration for the v3 Championship will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Schedule for the 2025 National Championship: 

Wednesday, December 3rd:

• 50+ Divisions Round Robin (12, 14, 16, 18, 20)
• DUPR Coach

Thursday, December 4th:

• 50+ Divisions Playoffs (12, 14, 16, 18, 20)
• DUPR Coach

Friday, December 5th:

• v3 Tournament (Round Robin and Playoffs)

Saturday, December 6th:

• Open Age Divisions Round Robin (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22)

Sunday, December 7th:

• Open Age Divisions Playoffs (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22)

Points & Prize Money 

MiLP rewards more than just winning — it rewards consistency. Players earn leaderboard points at every event, with 1st place teams receiving 1,000 points (or 2,000 points at Regionals). Points are awarded through 16th place and updated monthly on the National DUPR Leaderboard.

When it comes to prize money at Nationals, there's a lot on the line:

• 4-person mixed teams (MiLP): Prize money will be awarded to the top three teams in each division.
  
• MiLP v3 divisions: Only first-place teams will receive prize money.
  

💡 Exact prize amounts for each division and placement will be announced closer to the event.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the 2025 National Championship — including division details, registration instructions, and prize breakdowns. In the meantime, make sure to review the official rules and guidelines before signing up to ensure you’re fully prepared to compete.

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If you've watched high-level pickleball or scrolled through highlight reels, you've probably seen a player leap toward the sideline, slam a volley near the net, and land dramatically outside the court. That move? It's called an Erne.

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What Is an Erne?

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An Erne is a legal volley hit near the net, outside the non-volley zone (kitchen). It’s typically executed by jumping over or running around the NVZ. A player can even run through the NVZ—as long as the player doesn’t strike the ball until both feet have landed completely outside the zone. You can even volley the ball while in the air, as long as you never touch the NVZ or its lines. This aggressive move allows players to take the ball early and close to the net while staying fully within the rules.

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This aggressive shot is named after Erne Perry, a pickleball player who frequently used the move in tournament play.

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Why Is the Erne Legal?

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According to official pickleball rules, you can't volley a ball while standing inside the non-volley zone (NVZ)  However, you can legally enter the NVZ—as long as both feet make contact with the ground outside the zone before hitting a volley.

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There are a few ways to legally execute an Erne:

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• Jump over the sideline and land outside the NVZ
  
  
• Run through the NVZ and land with both feet outside before making contact
  
  
• Stay airborne and strike the ball before landing, as long as you never touch the NVZ or its lines

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✅ The key: if you’ve touched the NVZ then you cannot volley the ball until both feet make contact fully outside the NVZ.

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How Does an Erne Work Strategically?

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The Erne is a high-risk, high-reward shot. Here’s why it’s effective:

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• Surprises opponents by taking time away
• Cuts off dinks or slow cross-court shots near the sideline
• Forces weak returns or outright winners

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However, if timed wrong, it leaves you out of position and vulnerable. That’s why it’s usually used by advanced players rated 4.0 and above. 

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How to Practice an Erne?

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1. Anticipate the shot: Look for predictable cross-court dinks or pop-ups near the sideline
2. Position early: Get to the edge of the NVZ before the ball crosses the net
3. Time your move: Lunge or jump to hit the ball at its peak

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Stay legal: If you’ve touched the NVZ, avoid volleying the ball until both feet make contact outside the NVZ.

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The Erne is one of the most exciting and bold moves in pickleball. It’s not easy to pull off, but when done right, it adds pressure, flair, and momentum to your game. Whether you're aiming to climb your DUPR rating or just shake things up in rec play, the Erne is a move worth learning.

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World Team Pickleball (WTP) has announced a strategic partnership with DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), establishing DUPR as the exclusive rating system for all WTP events. This collaboration will streamline player evaluations and ensure consistency across all WTP divisions, including Amateur (DUPR 3.0-3.49), Semi-Pro (DUPR 3.5-4.49), and Pro (DUPR 4.5+).

As part of the new rating system, players without current DUPR pickleball ratings can attend a DUPR Coach Session and/or a WTP Combine, held at official WTP & DUPR assessment centers including TTC Newport Beach, TTC Newporter, and TTC Coto de Caza. The 40-minute DUPR Coach Session provides an initial skill rating from a credentialed coach, while the 60-minute WTP Combine offers a comprehensive evaluation through skill drills, match play, and performance testing — all recorded to DUPR for a more accurate rating.

“Partnering with DUPR aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the sport by providing a reliable and universal rating system for players at every level,” said Sean Bollettieri, President at World Team Pickleball. “This partnership not only standardizes competition across our divisions, but also gives players a powerful tool to showcase their skills and track their progress.”

Once evaluated, players will receive a WTP Player Profile, featuring their official DUPR rating, match results, social media reach, and highlight footage.

“DUPR’s mission has always been to bring transparency and consistency to the sport of pickleball,” said Tito Machado, CEO at DUPR. “By partnering with World Team Pickleball, we’re excited to extend our reach and provide players with a comprehensive profile that serves as both a competitive measure and a personal marketing tool.”

For more information on World Team Pickleball and to register for an upcoming WTP Combine or DUPR Coach Session, visit www.worldteampickleball.com.

About World Team Pickleball

World Team Pickleball is a premier pickleball league offering structured competition across multiple divisions for players of all skill levels. With a focus on team-based play and skill development, WTP is committed to growing the sport and providing a competitive platform for all players.

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, 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.

As pickleball continues to grow, so does the need for smarter ways to manage clubs, players, and tournaments. Whether you're running a physical pickleball club or leading a local group of weekend warriors in a recreational park, DUPR Clubs can now organize events, track player performance, and boost participation quickly, easily and efficiently. 

So, What Is a DUPR Digital Club?

A DUPR Digital Club is an online hub within the DUPR platform that lets you organize, rate, and run pickleball events for your community. It’s built for club directors, coaches, tournament organizers, and even casual players who want to run local leagues.

No facility? No problem. You don’t need to own a physical club to launch a digital one. You can rent courts, collaborate with local rec centers, or run your group entirely online. 

Why Start a DUPR Digital Club?

Here’s what you unlock when you create a DUPR Club:

✅ Organize Competitive Events

Host DUPR-verified tournaments, leagues, rating sessions and more. 

✅ Connect to the Global Rating System

Every match you host feeds directly into the DUPR rating system — giving your players real-time updates and motivation to keep competing.

✅ Host Events with Ease

Gain access to DUPR marketing tools and API partners  making it easier to promote your tournaments and fill your courts fast.

✅ Run Minor League 

Digital Clubs can host Minor League Pickleball events, unlocking unique formats and monetization options.

✅ Run Rating Sessions

DUPR Clubs unlock exclusive discounts and benefits for coaches looking to become certified DUPR Coaches — opening up new revenue opportunities for both the individual coach and the club as a whole.

🎾 Who Can Start a DUPR Club?

Anyone. Literally.

• A coach running lessons and looking to track player ratings
  
• A rec league director managing local brackets
  
• A facility looking to boost tournament visibility
  
• A group of friends organizing competitive meetups
  

You can all start a DUPR Digital Club — whether you have a facility or not.

How It Works:

🔹 Invite Players

Use DUPR Clubs’ built-in tools to invite players one by one or upload a CSV to invite everyone at once.

🔹 Add Matches 

As a club organizer, you can add scores for any match within your club — no player validation needed. DUPR automatically validates your results.

🔹 Track Club Progress

From match history to overall improvement, see how your players are progressing — and what events are driving performance.

Whether you’re a coach, facility owner, or just someone passionate about organizing events, a DUPR Digital Club gives you everything you need to build, grow, and manage your community.

 👉 Create Your DUPR Digital Club Today

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Let’s discuss one of the most misunderstood (and most broken) pickleball rules. If you want to play smarter and raise your pickleball ratings — this one’s for you.

The Double Bounce Rule is one of the core regulations in pickleball. It states that both teams must allow the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys (hitting the ball in the air without a bounce) are permitted:

• The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning the ball.
• The serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting their next shot.

Why Does the Double Bounce Rule Matter?

This rule is crucial for keeping pickleball balanced and strategic. Here’s why:

• Prevents unfair advantage—The serving team doesn’t immediately dominate by rushing the net.
• Encourages longer rallies—Since players must play from deeper positions initially, points last longer and are more engaging.
• Supports controlled play—Beginners and advanced players alike must approach each rally with strategy, rather than sheer power.

How to Use the Double Bounce Rule to Your Advantage

While the rule might seem like a simple requirement, smart players use it strategically to control the game. Here are some pro tips:

• Aim deep returns—A well-placed return that pushes opponents back makes their next shot harder.
• Anticipate the bounce—Knowing exactly where the ball will land allows for quicker reaction time.
• Set up for strong volleys—After the initial two bounces, be ready to move up and take control with fast-paced shots.

Common Mistakes Players Make

Even experienced players occasionally slip up on the Double Bounce Rule. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Hitting the return before it bounces—Remember, you must let the serve bounce before playing your shot.
• Rushing the net too soon—Stay patient! Moving in before the second bounce can leave you out of position.
• Misjudging the bounce—Failing to read the ball’s trajectory can lead to weak returns.

The Double Bounce Rule isn’t just a technical requirement—it shapes the pace, fairness, and strategy of pickleball. Whether you’re competing in pickleball tournaments, aiming to improve your pickleball ratings, or just enjoying the sport, mastering this rule will give you an edge.

Want to elevate your game? Find a tournament near you and start practicing how to use the Double Bounce Rule to control rallies and win more points!

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're like most of us, you’ve probably Googled “best plans to do for Mother’s Day” at least once. Flowers and brunch are classics—but what if this year, you gave your mom the one thing she really wants: your time?

That’s right. Studies (and let’s be honest, your mom’s hints) make it clear: the best Mother’s Day gifts are the ones that let you spend quality time together.

And what better way to do that than by stepping onto the pickleball court for a doubles match with your mum?

Why Pickleball? It’s All About Fun + Bonding

Pickleball is the perfect mix of fun, fitness, and connection. Whether your mom is already a fan of the game or brand new to the sport, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly—and a fantastic way to share laughs, get moving, and create memories.

Plus, pickleball is one of the few sports that bridges generations. It’s not uncommon to see families—kids, parents, and even grandparents—sharing the same court.

No Experience? No Problem!

If you or your mom are new to pickleball, don’t stress. Most pickleball tournaments offer divisions for every DUPR rating and skill level. Whether you’re total beginners or seasoned players, there’s a spot for you.

The best part? These tournaments aren’t just about competition—they’re about community and fun. You’ll meet other players, soak up great vibes, and share something special with your mom that goes way beyond a store-bought gift.

How to Find a Pickleball Tournament Near You

Ready to take your Mother’s Day plan to the next level? Download the DUPR App and check out local clubs and pickleball organizations near you. Many host pickleball tournaments throughout May, and you can easily find events that match your DUPR pickleball rating.

Not sure where to start? Head over to DUPR to explore upcoming tournaments, get rated, and track your progress. The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system makes it easy to find events that fit your level—whether you’re just starting out or aiming for gold.

The Ultimate Gift: Time Together

At the end of the day, it’s not about winning (although hey, a medal would be nice 😄). It’s about giving your mom the one thing she’ll treasure most: your time and attention.

So this year, skip the crowded brunch spot. Lace up your court shoes, grab a paddle, and team up with your mom for a Mother’s Day you’ll both remember forever.

P.S. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your pickleball adventure and tag us at @duprpb —we’d love to see your Mother’s Day doubles squad in action!

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Ellie Douglas had no plans—zero—to ever play a pickleball tournament. Coming from an elite tennis background, she admits,

“I said I would never play a pickleball tournament in my life coming from tennis.”

But fast forward to the DUPR Collegiate National Championship (CNC), and there she was: a finalist at her very first pickleball tournament, turning heads and surprising even herself.

A Star on the Tennis Court

For those unfamiliar with Ellie’s background, she’s no stranger to competition. A standout at Texas Christian University (TCU), Ellie racked up accolades early:

• 2019 Big 12 Freshman of the Year
  
• All-Big 12 Singles First Team
  
• Ranked as high as No. 16 in ITF junior world rankings
  
• Competed at the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon as a junior
  
• Multiple ITF titles and a blue-chip recruit
  

With such an impressive tennis résumé, you'd expect a smooth transition to pickleball. But as Ellie quickly learned, this sport has its own rhythm—and its own unique culture.

“Pickleball Is a Lot More Vocal”

Jumping into her first DUPR pickleball tournament, Ellie noticed the difference right away.

“Pickleball is a lot more vocal than tennis. Everyone is fired up; way more energy than tennis. Tennis is more quiet, polite—here it’s all noise, energy, and getting into it.”

It wasn’t just the noise that caught her attention; it was the pace and intensity. Despite relying heavily on her tennis instincts, Ellie realized pickleball required a different tactical approach—especially in singles.

“I probably should have practiced singles more,” she admitted. “But I leaned on my tennis background and made it work.”

A Cinderella Run to the Finals

Ellie’s CNC run was nothing short of inspiring. Competing in a national pickleball tournament for the first time—and without prior experience in DUPR-rated events—she and her team powered through the brackets to land in the finals.

Even though the championship match ended in a tight loss, Ellie was proud of her performance and her team’s resilience:

The CNC event was more than just a tournament—it was a gateway into collegiate pickleball culture. Ellie met fellow athletes, absorbed the sport’s grassroots energy, and began to rethink her relationship with pickleball.

What's Next for Ellie Douglas?

So, is Ellie ready to make the full leap to professional pickleball?

“I’m not sure yet,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of interesting people at the CNC, and who knows? We’ll see.”

Like many high-level tennis players before her, Ellie is discovering that pickleball tournaments aren’t just a passing trend—they’re a legitimate, competitive arena that rewards both strategy and stamina. And with her DUPR pickleball ratings now officially on the board, the door is wide open.

Why This Story Matters

Ellie Douglas’s journey is a perfect example of how DUPR pickleball tournaments are drawing elite athletes from other sports—especially tennis—into the pickleball fold. Her quick rise from newcomer to CNC finalist shows how the DUPR rating system creates a clear path for players to track their progress and compete on a national stage.

As collegiate pickleball continues to grow, stories like Ellie’s highlight the sport’s evolving landscape and its ability to bridge gaps between disciplines.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

Whether you're a tennis convert or brand new to the game, DUPR pickleball tournaments are your chance to earn a rating, improve your game, and join a global community. Sign up today and track your journey with the world’s most accurate pickleball rating system.

Mesa, AZ – May 8, 2025 – Arizona Athletic Grounds is proud to announce its designation as the first official DUPR Assessment Center in Arizona. This milestone is a significant development for the local pickleball community, empowering players at every level, from recreational to competitive, with the ability to receive official DUPR ratings. As the first of its kind in the region, Arizona Athletic Grounds is setting the stage for a stronger, more connected pickleball community through skill parity, common language, and a deeper focus on player development.

The integration of DUPR ratings for all players, from recreational enthusiasts to competitive athletes, is an essential step in the continued growth and evolution of pickleball. DUPR, the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating, serves as the gold standard and a universally recognized benchmark for assessing skill levels across the sport. With this new designation as a DUPR Assessment Center, Arizona Athletic Grounds is leading the way by ensuring that every player can understand their abilities and connect with others at the right skill level.

Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings are a transformative tool for recreational and community-level players, ensuring that skill parity is maintained across the board. These ratings, assigned by credentialed DUPR Coaches, provide a clear and consistent measure of a player’s abilities, enabling them to find appropriate competition and avoid mismatched games. This system creates a common language that can be used across clubs, leagues, and tournaments, fostering community growth and player development.

“We’re excited to announce Arizona Athletic Grounds as a DUPR Assessment Center and to bring Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings to Arizona,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Having a rating system for all players, from beginners to advanced, ensures that every game played is as enjoyable and competitive as possible. Our rating system is more than just numbers; it’s about creating a universally understood framework for the sport. Arizona Athletic Grounds is now in the unique position to offer this tool to the entire region, making pickleball more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”

Arizona Athletic Grounds is now home to a team of credentialed DUPR Coaches who are responsible for assessing and assigning ratings to players. With the ability to rate non-rated players, these coaches will play a pivotal role in the development of the local pickleball scene. This initiative brings every player into the same community, whether or not they’ve logged a match, and helps establish a shared language of skill levels. Players will know where they belong on the court and where they should play to have the most fun.

“DUPR stands as the gold standard in pickleball, creating a unified system that helps players find the right matchups and drives the sport forward,” said Katie Nimitz, President of My Journey Pickleball. “Arizona Athletic Grounds is home to one of the most active and passionate pickleball communities of Mesa, AZ and across the country. With this designation and the leadership of credentialed DUPR Coaches, they are uniquely positioned to bring non-rated players into the fold, strengthen connections on the court, and help keep the sport we love thriving for years to come.”

“We’re excited to be leading the charge in growing pickleball in Arizona,” said Ben Worley, Director of Pickleball at Arizona Athletic Grounds. “With DUPR ratings now available for all players, we’re empowering individuals to track their progress and find the right competition for their skill level. This will not only enhance the enjoyment and competitiveness of the game but also ensure that pickleball remains inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of where they’re starting.”

About Arizona Athletic Grounds

AAG is one of the largest youth-oriented sports and entertainment facilities in North America. The Mesa, Ariz., facility serves millions of visitors per year, providing athletic and special events programming. The website, www.azgrounds.com, and social media, @azgrounds.com, are the landing pages for information. For additional information on rentals, sponsorships, or event programming, please reach out to the AAG team at info@azgrounds.com.

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, 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.

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach is a program designed to empower pickleball coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches provide valuable insights into players' skill levels and supports the growth of pickleball through more competitive, enjoyable play. To learn more about the DUPR Coach program, visit www.duprcoach.com/coach-cert.

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