The energy in St. George is different this week—and for good reason. Utah Tech's pickleball team, the reigning Collegiate National Champions, is gearing up for another shot at glory. As the Trailblazers prepare to defend their title, there’s one thing that’s clear: this squad isn’t just resting on last year’s success—they’re building on it.

Business as Usual—But With a Championship Mindset

Ask any of the players, and they'll tell you the same thing: the foundation of their success hasn’t changed much. "We’re all competitive and goal-driven when it comes to our personal development," one team member shared. "We’re also really close off the court, and that chemistry shows when we’re playing and training together."

That tight-knit bond, paired with relentless work ethic, continues to define Utah Tech’s approach. The team spends countless hours training together, pushing each other, and keeping the standard high—because they know that staying at the top is even harder than getting there.

Fine-Tuning the Formula: Consistency & Composure

Heading into this year’s tournament, the Trailblazers are sharpening their edge. “Consistency is everything,” says the team. One key area of focus has been high-percentage shots—minimizing errors and maximizing scoring opportunities. But it’s not just physical preparation that matters.

“We’ve also been working on the mental side of things. DUPR Nationals get crazy—every school is watching, cheering, sometimes heckling. We’re training ourselves to stay locked in, stay composed, and block out the noise.”

Confidence Meets Pressure

Being the defending champs brings a mix of swagger and scrutiny. “We’re definitely confident—we know what we’re capable of,” a player admitted. “But there’s pressure, too. Everyone wants to see the champs fall. We’re using that as fuel. We want to go back-to-back.”

This mix of high confidence and grounded awareness could be exactly what gives the Trailblazers their edge. They know what it takes to win—and they’re ready to rise to the occasion once again.

Lessons From the Top

Looking back at last year’s championship run, the players credit their victory to a few essential ingredients: rock-solid consistency, excellent coaching, team-first mentality, and focused practice sessions that mimic the intensity and unpredictability of tournament play.

That experience gave them more than just a trophy—it reshaped their mindset. “We’re determined. We know how to win. And we love to have fun doing it. That balance of competitiveness and joy is what makes us great, both as a team and as individual players.”

Eyes on the Prize

As the Trailblazers head into this year’s Collegiate National Championship, one thing is certain: they’re not just defending a title—they’re chasing another one. So whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from afar, get ready. Utah Tech is coming in hot, and they’ve got every intention of blazing the trail all the way to another championship win.

Make sure to follow all the action from Collegiate Nationals on Instagram at @duprpb and @collegiateickleball for the latest scores, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage.

Looking to build more consistency in your shots? Drilling is key—but not just any drilling. Drilling with intention and using realistic setups can elevate your game in ways casual hitting never will. One of the most effective and engaging ways to do this? Three-player drills. Listen to these tips from Pro player Bobbi Oshiro.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just getting serious about improving, incorporating multi-player drills will challenge your decision-making, timing, and court awareness.

2-on-1 at the Kitchen Line: A Realistic Challenge

This is one of my favorite drills for developing consistency under pressure. It replicates real-game scenarios and keeps all three players actively working on key skills.

Drill Setup:

• Player A is alone on one side of the net at the non-volley zone (NVZ)
  
• Players B and C are on the opposite side, also at the NVZ.
  

How It Works:

• Player A is on offense, looking for moments to speed up the ball—ideally down the line to a specific target.
  
• Players B and C are working together on soft dinks, keeping Player A on the move.
  
• B and C must communicate effectively to determine who takes each ball and adjust positioning as the rally evolves.
  
• Player B focuses on anticipating the speed-up and countering quickly.
  
• Player C is responsible for covering the middle, a crucial zone during fast-paced exchanges.
  

Why This Drill Works

This isn’t just about hitting balls back and forth—it’s about game-like repetition.

• For Player A: It’s an opportunity to practice patience, pick smart speed-up moments, and work on precision targeting under pressure.
  
• For Players B and C: It builds chemistry, footwork, and communication, all while refining dink control and defensive positioning.
  

By drilling with three players, you introduce more movement, more strategy, and more realism. And that’s what translates to better performance in real matches.

Final Tip:

‍Don’t just drill to get reps—drill with purpose. Pick a focus for each session and push yourself (and your drilling partners) to replicate match situations as closely as possible.

Ready to level up your consistency? Grab two friends, hit the courts, and try this 2-on-1 drill next time you train.

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A lift dink is one of the most essential defensive shots in pickleball, especially when you’re off balance or pushed into a tough position. But while it may seem simple, there’s one technical mistake that can throw your entire game off: overusing the wrist.

Listen as Pro Player, Tyson McGuffin breask down the “why” behind lift dinks, what proper technique looks like, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why Use a Lift Dink Shot?

Whenever you're off balance, pushed back, or playing from a compromised position, the lift dink shot becomes your best option. It helps reset the point and keeps you in the rally when aggression isn’t the right play. The goal? Consistency, control, and depth.

Common Mistake: Overusing the Wrist

One of the biggest issues I see in players of all levels is relying too much on the wrist during a lift.

Take a look at the difference:

• Incorrect Technique: When I overcompensate with the wrist, the ball pops up with too much height. It’s harder to control direction, depth, and consistency.
  
• Correct Technique: I’m going to have a stable wrist and smooth connection from the paddle through the shoulder.
  

Key Technique Tips for Proper Lift Dinks:

• Forehand Lifts: Lead with the palm.
  
• Backhand Lifts: Lead with the knuckles.
  
• Shoulder Connection: Think of your paddle, wrist, and shoulder as one unit. Avoid any flicking or breaking of the wrist.
  
• “Wall” Contact: Treat the contact point like you’re meeting a wall—firm and stable, not loose or flicky.
  

The Result?

More consistent lifts, better resets, and smarter shot placement that helps you stay in the point—even under pressure.

Next time you’re drilling or warming up, keep your hand positioning calm, your wrist connected to the shoulder, and focus on that clean, smooth contact. Your lift dink will thank you!

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DUPR x The Pickleball Clinic: A Perfect Match for the Pickleball Community

We’re excited to announce our partnership with The Pickleball Clinic, one of the most influential and trusted platforms in the sport. With their massive online community, expert coaching insights, and top-tier instructional content, The Pickleball Clinic is helping players at every level improve their game and boost their pickleball ratings—and that aligns perfectly with our mission at DUPR.

Why We’re Partnering with The Pickleball Clinic

At DUPR, we believe that every pickleball player deserves an accurate, reliable, and universal pickleball rating—one that follows them wherever they play. With more than 1 million rated players, DUPR has become the gold standard for skill assessment. But we know that a rating is just one piece of the puzzle—players also need the right resources to improve.

That’s where The Pickleball Clinic comes in. As one of the leading storytellers and upskilling platforms in pickleball, they provide coaching tips, strategy breakdowns, and expert insights that help players advance from one level to the next. Their content is designed to educate, inspire, and connect the ever-growing pickleball community—just like DUPR.

What This Means for You

Through this partnership, we’re bringing together the most trusted rating system with the best educational content in pickleball. Whether you’re a 2.5 looking to level up or a 5.0 fine-tuning your game, The Pickleball Clinic and DUPR are here to help you track your progress, find competitive matches, and become the best player you can be.

Stay tuned for exclusive content, new training resources, and exciting ways to integrate your DUPR rating with The Pickleball Clinic’s expert insights. We’re just getting started!

To learn more about The Pickleball Clinic, make sure to check their Newsletter, Facebook Group, YouTube, and Instagram.

Welcome to the future of pickleball. 

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You know how 90% of pickleball players think they know the rules? Here’s the truth: fewer than 5% of recreational players can accurately list and explain all the core rules of pickleball. That means the other 95% are probably breaking a rule every time they play—and they don’t even realize it.

But not you. Not after this.

In this guide, we’ll cover every essential pickleball rule—clear and simple. Plus, we’ll reveal the one rule even advanced players often get wrong (spoiler: it’s about momentum in the kitchen).

Whether you’re new to the sport or already climbing the DUPR ratings ladder, understanding the rules is key to playing smarter, avoiding unnecessary faults, and maybe even winning a few extra points each match.

The 7 Most Important Pickleball Rules You Must Know

Let’s break it down, DUPR-style:

1. The Two-Bounce Rule

Before either team can start volleying (hitting the ball out of the air), the ball must bounce once on each side after the serve. This is one of the most misunderstood but critical rules—especially among new players.

2. The Non-Volley Zone (aka The Kitchen)

No volleys allowed while standing in the non-volley zone. But here’s the part players miss: if your momentum carries you into the kitchen—even after a clean volley—it’s a fault. We'll break that down later.

3. Serving Rules 

• Serve underhand with contact equal or below the waist.
  
  
• One foot must be on the ground behind the baseline at the time of contact - the other foot doesn't have to be on the ground but if it is, it has to be behind the baseline.
  
  
• Serve diagonally across the court.

• Your serve must land BEHIND the kitchen line.
  
  
• You get only one serve attempt (no let serves — this isn’t tennis).
  

4. Pickleball Scoring System

Let’s clear this up once and for all: in pickleball, only the serving team can score. Most games are played to 11 points, and yes—you’ve got to win by 2. That’s the standard across recreational play and official events like DUPR Rating Sessions and RTM (Road to Minors) Tournaments.

But if you’re stepping into a team-based format like Minor League Pickleball or the DUPR Collegiate Pickleball Tour, buckle up—those games are usually rally scoring, go to 21 points, win by 2. The pace is different, strategy shifts, and staying focused for longer rallies becomes even more important.

What Does 4-2-2 Even Mean? The Doubles Scoring System Explained

Doubles pickleball has a scoring system that confuses a lot of players at first—but once it clicks, it’s easy.

The score is always called out in three numbers. Like this: 

4-2-2

Here’s the breakdown:

• First number = the serving team’s score
  
• Second number = the receiver team’s score
  
• Third number (only for doubles)= the server number (1 or 2)
  

So if your team is serving 4-2-2, it means:
Your team has 4 points, your opponents have 2, and it’s the second server’s turn.

🧠 Be aware: At the very start of the game, the first server only gets one chance (so the third number is called out as “2”). After that, both players on each team get a turn to serve at least twice before it’s a side-out.

5. Line Calls

A ball is in if it touches the line. If there’s doubt? The benefit goes to your opponent. That’s not just sportsmanship—it’s in the rulebook. When in doubt, don’t call it out …

Unless it's a serve landing on the kitchen line. In that case, you can call it out.

6. Double Hits

Legal only if they happen during one continuous motion. If you swing once and the ball hits your paddle twice, no problem. But two distinct hits? Fault.

7. Faults

These include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds

• Your serve landing on the kitchen line
  
• Volleys from inside the kitchen
  
• Not adhering to the two-bounce rule
  
• Touching the net or crossing the plane before the ball does. Yep, touching the net is a big no-no. If you, your partner, or your paddle hit the net—even by accident—you lose the point, no matter where the ball landed.

The Rule Most People Get Wrong: The “Momentum Rule” in the Kitchen

You hit a volley just outside the kitchen. It lands. You step forward into the kitchen. Legal?

Nope. If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, even if the ball is long gone, it’s still a fault. This is one of the most commonly missed (and misunderstood) rules—even by experienced players.

FAQs about Pickleball Rules

❓ What is the two-bounce rule in pickleball?

Each side must let the ball bounce once before hitting a volley. It applies to the serve and the return only.

❓ Can I ever step in the kitchen?

Yes—but only if you’re not volleying. You can hit a dink inside the kitchen, but the ball must bounce first.

❓ Do I get a second serve if I fault the first one?

Nope. In pickleball, you only get one serve attempt.

❓ Is the line in or out?

If the ball touches the line, it’s in.

❓ Can I hit the ball with both hands?

Yes. Two-handed backhands (or forehands) are 100% legal.

Why Knowing the Rules Can Improve Your Pickleball Rating

Every DUPR match you play is logged and analyzed by our Elo algorithm. That means every point—every rule followed or broken—impacts your pickleball rating. If you're losing points to faults that could've been avoided, you're literally giving away your rating.

Clean play = cleaner wins = a more accurate DUPR score.

Think of it this way: knowing the rules gives you a competitive edge. It’s like upgrading your paddle without spending a cent.

Ready to Level Up?

The more you know the rules, the more confident—and competitive—you’ll be. And if you want to keep improving, your next step is signing up for tournaments, outsmarting every other player with your knowledge on the Pickleball Rulebook. 

Create your free DUPR account, log your matches, and start climbing. Whether you're a 3.0 player or aiming to be the next Ben Johns (7.41), your journey starts with knowing the game inside and out.

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Want to start playing pickleball tournaments but don’t know how?

Here’s a guide on everything you need to know about the different pickleball tournaments you could be playing based on your skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, tournaments and leagues provide the perfect opportunity to test your skills, meet new players, and boost your pickleball rating.

But how do pickleball tournaments and leagues work? How do you find the right event for your skill level? And, what role does DUPR play in it all? The DUPR Events Dashboard is your go-to place for every pickleball tournament and event. With just a few taps, you can browse upcoming competitions, from rating sessions to team-based leagues, and find the perfect match for your skill level. Your pickleball rating automatically updates as you play, ensuring you’re always placed in the right division for fair and competitive matchups.

Let’s dive into the world of pickleball tournaments, leagues, and ratings.

Pickleball Tournaments From Beginners to Pros: DUPR Sessions, RTMs & Minor Leagues

DUPR offers a structured competitive environment that allows players of all levels to participate fairly in pickleball tournaments and leagues. What are the different types of pickleball tournaments? The three key components of the featured DUPR amateur tournament series called RTM are:

1. DUPR Sessions (Rating Sessions)

Before entering into competitive tournaments, players need an accurate DUPR rating, supported by an up-to-date Reliability Score. DUPR Sessions are two-hour round-robin sessions featuring games to 11 points, with randomly assigned partners or are partnered events where you and your partner sign up together. This allows players to compete in a fair and competitive environment.

The more matches you play, the more precise your rating becomes. Even players who already have a DUPR rating should join these sessions to refine their rating, update their reliability score, and improve their game. Every match boosts your reliability score, feeding the DUPR algorithm the data points it needs to be confident about your skill level. So if you're looking to play more matches, track your progress, and level up your game, DUPR Sessions are the perfect place to start!

These sessions are generally divided into the following DUPR skill levels:

• Beginner to 3.000
• 3.000 - 3.499 
• 3.500 - 3.999 
• 4.000 - 4.499 
• 4.500+ 

With the flexibility of offering either partnered or no fixed partner options, these rating sessions make for an easy entry point for players looking to participate in match play and establish or improve their DUPR rating and Reliability Score before joining other competitive events. The more matches you play, the more accurate your rating becomes.

Where can I find DUPR rating sessions and How to Register?

1. Download the DUPR App from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create a DUPR Account for FREE and complete your player profile.
3. Search for DUPR Sessions near you to establish a rating. Each DUPR Rating Level is posted as a separate tournament.
4. Play Matches—Your results will update your DUPR rating automatically.
5. Check Your Rating anytime through the app and find tournaments that match your skill level.

2. DUPR Road To Minors (RTM) Tournaments

What are RTM tournaments in pickleball? Once you have a DUPR rating, you can enter DUPR Road to Minors (RTM) Tournaments, which are regional team-based competitions. 

These events are structured as doubles competitions, featuring men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions. Players must have a partner to participate, but partners can change from tournament to tournament, allowing for flexibility in team selection. Unlike traditional team-based rankings, points are accrued individually, meaning your performance in each event directly impacts your standing. There is no minimum or maximum number of RTM tournaments you can enter, making it an excellent opportunity to compete as often as you like. The more tournaments you play—and win—the more points you earn, helping you boost your DUPR ratings and qualify for higher-level competitions.

RTM Tournaments are also divided by level: ‍

• Beginner to 3.000
• 3.000 - 3.499 
• 3.500 - 3.999 
• 4.000 - 4.499 
• 4.500+ 

Winning in RTM tournaments helps players qualify for the RTM Cup, where top players compete for coveted Minor League Pickleball team spots.

3. Minor League Pickleball DUPR Divisions: How DUPR Ratings Determine Your Placement

For players looking to compete in structured team-based leagues, Minor League Pickleball provides the next level of play. The Minor League Pickleball League is structured using DUPR divisions, ensuring competitive and fair matchups based on player ratings. Each division has a maximum aggregate rating, which is the combined DUPR rating of all players on a team. Additionally, to prevent sandbagging, each division has a maximum individual player rating cap, meaning highly skilled players cannot drop down into lower divisions.

Here’s how the divisions are structured:

• DUPR 12 – Team’s total DUPR must be 12.300 or lower
  
  • No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 3.600 to play in DUPR 12.

• DUPR 14 – Team’s total DUPR must be 14.300 or lower
  
  • No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 4.100 to play in DUPR 14.

• DUPR 16 – Team’s total DUPR must be 16.300 or lower
  
  • No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 4.600 to play in DUPR 16.

• DUPR 18 – Team’s total DUPR must be 18.300 or lower
  
  • No individual player can have a DUPR higher than 5.100 to play in DUPR 18. 

• DUPR 20 – Team’s total DUPR must be 20.999 or lower (or 20.300 if DUPR 22 is available in that region)
  

• ‍DUPR 22 – Available only in select markets and special events, with a max team aggregate of 22.999.
  

Teams can be made up of various player combinations as long as their total does not exceed the division limit. For example, a  DUPR 20 team could consist of four players rated 5.00 (5+5+5+5=20) or a mix like 5.50, 4.50, 4.75, and 5.25 (=20).

These division limits ensure that players compete against opponents with similar skill levels, keeping matches fair and exciting. If you're looking to join a Minor League Pickleball team, your DUPR rating will determine which division you can play in.

Players who perform well in Minor League Pickleball Tournaments may qualify for the Minor League Pickleball National Championship.

How to Find Pickleball Tournaments Near You

If you’re eager to start competing, here’s how to find the right tournament:

1. Use the DUPR App for Android or Apple phones– Search for upcoming tournaments, leagues, and DUPR sessions.
2. Check Local Clubs – Many clubs host sanctioned DUPR tournaments.
3. Follow DUPR Social Media – Stay updated on new events at @duprpb on Instagram.
4. Ask Other Players – Find a Pickleball Facebook group near you. Join a pickleball community and connect with other players.

How to Get Rated Before a Tournament

Before entering a tournament, you need an accurate DUPR rating. You can either sign up for a DUPR Session or manually log your recreational match results. Unlike other rating systems, DUPR offers free accessibility, allowing you to improve your rating from your home club. Ratings update with new match results in real time, thanks to DUPR’s highly accurate rating algorithm. To track your progress, simply log into the DUPR app and check your rating.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to climb the ranks, DUPR provides the best structure for fair, competitive pickleball tournaments and leagues. From rating sessions to regional matches and Minor League Pickleball, there’s an opportunity for everyone to compete at their skill level. Start by getting your DUPR rating, find a tournament near you, and take your game to the next level!

Looking to join your first tournament? Sign up for a DUPR session today!

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The University of Pittsburgh’s Pickleball Club is celebrating after winning the CNC Sweepstakes, securing an all-expenses-paid trip to the Collegiate National Championship taking place at Life Time Peachtree Corners in Georgia from April 11-13. Their rapid rise in the collegiate pickleball scene, competitive success, and strong community support have made them a team to watch.

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Building a Pickleball Club and Community

The University of Pittsburgh Pickleball Club was officially established in the spring of 2024. “As a newer organization, we are thrilled to be recognized on a national scale!” said Ethan Estatico, club representative. 

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Before its founding, there was no dedicated space for students to play pickleball, despite a growing interest in the sport and increasing curiosity about pickleball ratings and competitive play. Once officially recognized, the club experienced rapid expansion, evolving from a small group into a thriving community of nearly 400 interested students and 32 competitive team members.

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Despite limited funding, the team has found ways to compete and grow. In their first semester, they could barely send one team to a DUPR Super Regional. Fast forward, and they've attended the 2024 Collegiate National Championship (CNC), that took place on Halloween, and this year, they’ve sent 14 students to two separate Super Regionals and are preparing for the CNC. More than just a team, the club has become a close-knit community where students connect through their shared love of pickleball and their hunger to improve their pickleball ratings. 

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Earning a Spot at Pickleball Nationals

The moment Pitt secured a bid for the DUPR Collegiate National Championship at the New Jersey Super Regional was one to remember. It was a validation of all the hard work and dedication that had gone into building this program from the ground up. Competing at a national level had always been a goal, but earning that spot proved that the club was ready to take the next step.

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Winning the CNC Sweepstakes

If securing a bid for Nationals was exciting, winning the CNC Sweepstakes was downright surreal. The club knew they were the underdogs, but they also knew they had something special—heart, grit, and a community that believed in them. The support they received was overwhelming, and when the final votes were tallied, Pitt had won an all-expenses-paid trip to CNC, funded by Reign Storm.

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For a newer club, this opportunity is game-changing. With financial concerns lifted, they can now allocate resources to future DUPR events, fueling further growth and competition at an even higher level.

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A Pickleball Community That Shows Up

Winning the CNC Sweepstakes wasn’t just about the players, it was about the entire Pittsburgh community. The club has seen firsthand how passionate and dedicated their supporters are, whether through fundraising efforts or rallying behind them in this competition.

Ethan stated, “It’s incredibly humbling to have such a strong and passionate community behind us. If we could personally thank every single person who voted for us, we absolutely would—because their support means the world to us.”

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Looking Ahead to CNC

As the Collegiate National Championship approaches, Pitt’s training sessions have taken on a new level of intensity. The team has been working on refining skills, increasing endurance, and sharpening footwork. Every session is an opportunity to push boundaries, build team chemistry, and boost their pickleball ratings as they step up to the challenge that awaits them on the national stage.

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Beyond the competition itself, the team is excited to travel together, explore Georgia, and create unforgettable memories. But make no mistake, Pitt is here to compete. Facing off against new schools and testing their skills against some of the best collegiate pickleball teams in the country is an opportunity they won’t take for granted as they move ahead in representing their school.

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Advice for New Pickleball Clubs

For those looking to start a pickleball club, Pitt’s advice is simple: build a strong foundation and find people who are just as passionate as you are. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and teamwork, a club can grow faster than you think. Whether it’s recruiting committed players or building a supportive community, the key is to stay focused and keep pushing forward.

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With the DUPR Collegiate National Championship just around the corner, Pitt is ready to prove that anything is possible. They’ve built something special, and now, they have the chance to showcase it on the biggest stage in collegiate pickleball.

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Meet the Pickleball Team Headed to Georgia

These are the players who will be representing Pitt on the biggest stage in collegiate pickleball.

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Meet the Pickleball Team Headed to Georgia

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Inspired by Pitt’s story? Start your own DUPR Digital Club today and take the first step toward Nationals.

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A Parent’s Guide to Building Confidence, Not Pressure

High school pickleball is becoming more competitive every season. With new opportunities to track official pickleball ratings and compete in High School Pickleball Tournaments, today’s teen athletes are more motivated—and more pressured—than ever before.

But here’s the thing: they’re still kids. They’re still figuring out how to manage nerves, disappointment, and the very real emotional rollercoaster of competitive sports — all while making sure their grades don’t suffer.

As a parent, coach, or sibling, your words matter more than you might think. One comment can either lift your teen up… or stick with them in the worst way.

You’re Not the One Playing—And That’s Okay

It’s easy to have strong opinions when you’re watching from the sidelines. Maybe they missed a shot they normally make. Maybe they didn’t seem aggressive enough. Maybe their partner didn’t play well and it threw them off. We get it—it’s frustrating to watch, especially when you care.

But here’s the truth: there are so many factors in a pickleball match that are invisible—mental pressure, teammate chemistry, even just a bad day. Reacting as if you were the one competing only adds more stress.

Be mindful of your body language before, during, and after your child’s pickleball match. Try to stay present—avoid distractions like checking your phone, shouting from the sidelines, or showing visible frustration or discomfort, like covering your face or turning away. 

Your job isn’t to be a coach (unless you actually are one). Your job is to support, guide, and help your teen learn how to manage both victory and defeat. 

Why Tough Losses Matter More Than Wins

Tough losses tend to stick with us longer than big wins—and there’s actually a psychological reason for that. Our brains are wired to hold onto negative experiences more than positive ones. It’s called negativity bias, and it’s a natural part of how we process emotions. We’re more likely to replay a loss in our minds than to relive the high of a win.

For high school athletes, this can be especially true. A match that didn’t go well might feel like it defines their whole season—or affects how they view themselves as a player.

But here’s the flip side: because losses tend to stick with us longer, they often become the most valuable learning experiences. What makes the difference is how we respond to them.

Help your teen understand that one tough match doesn’t erase all their progress—or their potential. Even the best players have off days, and no single result will define their pickleball rating or future in the sport. Plus, if your child plays in tournaments regularly, their reliability score improves—meaning their rating is less likely to swing drastically after one loss.

What matters most isn’t the outcome—it’s how they respond the next time they step on the court.

Should You Say Something… or Not?

You might be asking:

• “Should I talk to my kid after the match?”
• “What if my kid doesn’t want me to watch him play?”
• “What if my kid always blames his doubles partner after a loss?”
• “How should I handle it when my kid starts throwing or breaking their pickleball paddle after a tough match?"

There’s no perfect script, but there are better ways to approach these situations. Start by recognizing that your teen is trying to figure it out just like you are. Be the steady presence they can rely on.

What to Say and What Not to Say

Let’s walk through a few scenarios and how to respond:

The High School Pickleball National Pathway: Big Dreams Start Here

The High School Pickleball Tour was designed to give student-athletes across the country a chance to compete at the national level. As they play more sanctioned matches and build their DUPR pickleball ratings, teens are developing real goals, accountability, and a deeper love for the game.

But it’s not just about the rating. It’s about helping young players grow into confident, emotionally mature individuals—who can win with humility and lose with perspective.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Every high school athlete will experience a tough loss at some point. What matters most is how we, as the adults in their corner, respond.

Be their safe space. Let them feel what they’re feeling. And remind them that no single match defines who they are—or where they’re headed.

Support them, believe in them, and help them see the big picture. Because in the end, it’s not just about improving pickleball ratings—it’s about raising strong, resilient young people.

The most confident athletes aren’t the ones who’ve never lost—they’re the ones who keep showing up, learning from every mistake, and trusting themselves through every setback.

Every tournament is a chance to grow. Encourage your teen to stay in the game, even when it’s hard. That’s how champions—on and off the court—are made.

Sign up your kids for the next high school pickleball tournament and build their way up to collegiate pickleball.

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