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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The Easiest Way to Host Pickleball Tournaments and Improve Pickleball Ratings

If you’re organizing a pickleball tournament—whether it’s a competitive DUPR-rated event or a fun club match—you’ll eventually face the same question: what format should I use?

One of the most balanced and widely loved options?
✅ The Round Robin.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What a Round Robin is
  
• Why it’s ideal for accurate pickleball ratings
  
• How it compares to other formats
  
• How to easily run one

🔄 What Is a Round Robin in Pickleball?

A Round Robin is a tournament format where every player or team plays against every other player or team in their group. Unlike bracket-style tournaments, no one gets eliminated early—everyone gets consistent playtime.

This format is perfect for ensuring fairness, building community, and—when connected to DUPR—providing high-quality match data that improves the accuracy of pickleball ratings.

🧭 Comparing Tournament Formats

If you’re not sure which format to choose, here’s how Round Robin compares to the other most common pickleball tournament types:

🎯 Why Round Robin Works Best for DUPR Ratings?

DUPR is the world’s most accurate pickleball rating system, trusted by over a million players worldwide. The more match data we receive—and the more balanced your competition—the more accurate your rating becomes.

Round Robin gives players:

• 🧮 Consistent number of matches
  
• 🤝 Even skill-level exposure
  
• 📈 Match history that actually reflects performance over time
  

That’s why we recommend Round Robin formats for local tournaments—especially when paired with a reliable event platform. 

❗When you become a DUPR club, you get access to our several list of API partners, that help you run your events more smoothly. 

 While DUPR provides the official pickleball rating system trusted worldwide, there are many resources across the community that help players and organizers deepen their understanding of the game. Platforms like Pickleball.com, Pickleheads and Swish offer educational blogs and guides on topics like tournament formats, strategy, and community building — making them a valuable resource for players who want to explore the sport from every angle.

If your goal is to run a smooth, fair, and competitive pickleball tournament —Round Robin is the way to go.

It’s:

• Easy to manage
  
• Fair for players
  
• The best format for pickleball ratings accuracy
  

Whether you’re organizing a local showdown or a sanctioned DUPR event  👉 Set up your next Round Robin tournament  and watch your players rise.

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When Jason Perez, Director of Conejo Valley Pickleball in Southern California, traveled to Germany, he didn’t expect to spark a new chapter in the global pickleball movement. But that’s exactly what happened—thanks to a single paddle, a passion for the sport, and DUPR, the world's leading pickleball ratings system. 

Playing Under Bridges and Building a Community

In Munich, a German city with no official pickleball courts, local players had been improvising—chalking lines on concrete, playing in parking lots and even under historic bridges when the river was low. 

“They play as much as they can,” Jason said. “Sometimes the police come and kick them out, but they’re out there whenever possible.”

Despite the limited infrastructure, the enthusiasm was palpable. Many were tennis players trying to shift their community toward pickleball—but lacked an organizational framework.

Enter DUPR: A Global Connection Tool

Jason introduced the group to DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), which they had only seen from watching pro matches online. Once they understood how DUPR could bring structure and credibility to their local play, everything changed.

The German players wasted no time — they approached Jason, asking if they could start a digital club and track their ratings. By the very next day, they had made it happen, launching a DUPR digital pickleball club in Germany within hours.

A Sister Club Across the Atlantic

What started as a casual open play session evolved into an international connection. The new German pickleball club named “Pickleball Crew Germany” and Jason’s Conejo Valley group now operate as sister clubs, sharing resources, rating guidance, and community support.

“It turns out to be somebody that I would say is a friend—or friends—in Germany,” Jason shared. “They now have their DUPR club and they’re asking how we do things. It’s a fun community.”

Overcoming Obstacles with Creativity

Without the luxury of dedicated pickleball facilities, the German players have shown remarkable resourcefulness—renting gymnasiums, using rubber courts, and even transforming concrete slabs into playable surfaces. Some players discovered pickleball while visiting the U.S., returning with paddles, nets, and a mission to bring the sport home.

Now, they’re not only playing regularly—they’re hosting tournaments, tracking DUPR ratings, and expanding their reach across nearby cities.

Why This Matters

This story perfectly illustrates how DUPR isn’t just a pickleball rating system—it’s a global community builder. Whether you’re in California or Cologne, DUPR empowers players and clubs to:

• Create verified communities
  

• Track and improve player skill levels
  

• Connect with clubs around the world
  

• Grow the sport locally with global support

Want to Start a DUPR Club?

If you're looking to grow pickleball in your area—whether you're in a major metro or chalking lines in a parking lot—DUPR is here to help.

Learn more about starting your own DUPR club

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Pro pickleball player Bobbi Oshiro takes us behind the scenes of the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championship, sharing her firsthand experience from one of the world’s biggest pickleball tournaments. From epic rallies to prize money debates (and yes, DUPR pickleball ratings), Bobbi covers it all.

📅 April 26 – May 3, 2025

The US Open Pickleball Championships have once again proven why they’re one of the biggest and most exciting pickleball tournaments in the world—right up there with the PPA and MLP circuits. This year’s event smashed records, with around 3,500 players—a 10% jump from last year!

Players came from all 50 states and over 40 countries, making it a true global event. Just yesterday, I chatted with someone who flew all the way from Brazil to play his first-ever US Open. That tells you everything about how fast pickleball is growing worldwide.

For context, last year’s tournament drew about 2,600 players from 47 states and 13 countries. Pretty impressive, but the US Open took it up a notch.

And here’s the best part for anyone obsessed with their DUPR pickleball ratings (🙋‍♂️): this year’s event generated over 5,600 match results, all counting toward DUPR - the perfect boost we all needed for our reliability score. 

With so much happening, here are my top 3 takeaways from this epic week:

🔥 ALW + Agassi: The Duo Everyone Talked About

One of the biggest stories this year? Anna Leigh Waters teaming up with tennis legend Andre Agassi. This partnership created serious buzz and definitely helped pack the stands.

It was surreal to watch the world’s best pickleball player join forces with one of tennis’s all-time greats—two worlds colliding in the best way. Agassi usually sticks to rec games at home in Las Vegas, but he's also been making waves behind the scenes, investing in top names like DUPR.

Even though they lost in the Round of 16, fans were pumped just to see Agassi compete. Huge thanks to Anna Leigh Waters for letting Simone Jardim and me sneak in a quick pic with Steffi Graf and Agassi after their match. 😄

🏟️ What It’s Like Playing the US Open

If you’ve ever wondered why the US Open keeps growing every year, let me break it down. There are 60 courts, tons of food vendors, and a community vibe that’s hard to beat. Most players roll in with their club crew, and the energy is awesome.

From a pro’s perspective? It’s a grind. The Franklin balls were super soft this year, which meant looong rallies (my legs can confirm 😅). The tournament uses a progressive draw: one round per day, starting Monday with the Round of 64 and wrapping up Saturday with the finals.

I was lucky enough to snag a spot in the Skechers Pro Club, which meant on-site parking (a huge win), access to the pro lounge, and daily meals—honestly, a game-changer during a week like this.

Not everything was perfect, though. The PickleballDen site struggled under the pressure (can’t blame them too much—it was probably their first tourney of this size), and the prize money distribution raised some eyebrows. Here’s the breakdown:

• 🥇 Doubles Gold: $7,600 per player
  
• Quarterfinalists: about $275 per player
  

Senior pros had it even tougher, with payouts only for the top 3 teams—gold medalists took home $2,250 each. Some players floated the idea of spreading payouts across all rounds (e.g., if you lose in the Round of 32, you still get something). Honestly? Could be a solid improvement.

🎾 Junior, Wheelchair & Split Age Events: So Much Variety

One of the coolest things about pickleball is how inclusive it is. This year’s US Open had something for everyone:

• Junior pickleball is exploding, with tons of kids joining tournaments. These are the future stars of the sport.
  
• The wheelchair divisions were incredible to watch. Singles and doubles action with slightly different rules—but seriously inspiring stuff.
  
• I also jumped into my first Split Age event, where I teamed up with a partner over 50. Let me tell you—don’t sleep on the 50+ crowd. They might not move as fast, but their strategy and precision? Next level.
  

Why It Matters for Pickleball Ratings

With over 5,600 matches logged into DUPR, this tournament wasn’t just about trophies—it was a huge opportunity for players to boost their pickleball ratings. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro chasing points, every match here made a difference.

And that’s the beauty of DUPR: no matter where you play—Naples, Brazil, or your local rec center—your matches count, and your progress is tracked globally.

If you're looking to improve your game, Bobbi also shares plenty of pickleball tips, drills, and strategy advice worth checking out.  Find your next tournament and track your results anytime with the DUPR app. Whether you’re a newbie or a gold medal contender, it’s your go-to for everything pickleball ratings. 💪

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