Pickleball has been gaining popularity rapidly in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a fun, social, and accessible sport suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. If you’re new to pickleball or considering giving it a try, this beginner's guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from the basics of how to play to choosing the best pickleball paddles for beginners.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Congressman Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and BillBell on Bainbridge Island, WA. It started as a simple family activity and had since evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Its mix of tennis, badminton, and pingpong elements makes it an exciting game for players of all skill levels.

Typically played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net, pickleball uses a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played in singles or doubles, making it versatile and fun for players with varying preferences.

How to Play Pickleball for Beginners

The objective of pickleball is simple: score points by hitting the ball over the net and into your opponent's court without letting it bounce twice. The game begins with an underhand serve, which must land diagonally across the court. After the serve, players continue volleying until a point is scored or a fault is committed.

Here’s a quick breakdown of pickleball rules for beginners to get you started

• The Kitchen: The non-volley zone (called "The Kitchen") restricts players from hitting the ball while standing in it.
• Serve Rules: The serve must clear the non-volley zone and land within the opposite diagonal court.
• The Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side of the net before players can begin volleying.
• Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving team.

Pickleball Equipment and Attire for Beginners

One of the things that makes pickleball so accessible is its minimal equipment requirements. All you need to start is a paddle, a ball, and a good pair of court shoes. But finding the best pickleball paddles for beginners is crucial to enhancing your game and comfort.

Pickleball paddles come in various materials, shapes, and sizes. The most common paddle materials include wood, composite, and graphite. Wooden paddles are heavier and more affordable, while composite and graphite paddles tend to be lighter, offer better control, and are preferred by more advanced players. For beginners, a lightweight paddle with a comfortable grip will help you improve your technique and enjoy the game. As for attire, breathable and moisture-wicking clothing is recommended, along with hats and sunglasses for outdoor play.

Tracking Your Skill Level and Player Rating

As you begin to improve your skills, you might be curious about how your performance stacks up against others. In pickleball, the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system is the most accurate and widely adopted pickleball rating system. It helps players assess their skill level, ensuring that you play with opponents of similar ability.

DUPR tracks your performance in recreational, club, and league matches, considering how you fare against opponents of varying skill levels. By signing up for a free DUPR account, you’ll receive a personalized rating that reflects your abilities, allowing you to find more balanced and enjoyable games.

To know more about how DUPR’s free algorithm and app works, check out this explainer from our data team.

How to Improve Your Pickleball Game

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there are always ways to enhance your pickleball skills. Here are some tips to help you level up your game:

• Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improvement. Work on your serves, volleys, and footwork
• Take lessons: Consider lessons from a certified instructor to learn proper technique and strategy.
• Watch and learn: Study professional pickleball matches for insights into game tactics and strategies.
• Play with better players: Challenging yourself against more skilled players can push you to elevate your game.
• Have fun: Pickleball is all about enjoyment. Focus on having fun and making new friends on the court.

For more tips and content on how to improve your game, checkout Aim7’s #1 free pickleball fitness app.

Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a welcoming community for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re looking for anew way to stay active, hoping to meet new people, or just seeking a fun, low-impact sport, pickleball has something for everyone. With this beginner’s guide to pickleball, you’re ready to grab a paddle and hit the court. From understanding pickleball rules for beginners to finding the best pickleball paddles for beginners, you now have all the knowledge to start your pickleball journey. And don’t forget, DUPR is there to help you track your progress and connect with players of similar skill levels. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for your free DUPR account today and join the exciting world of pickleball!

In pickleball, knowing your skill level is essential for fair matches and tracking progress. This article explores pickleball ratings, explaining what they are, how they work, and their importance in the community.

What Are Pickleball Ratings?

At its core, a pickleball rating is a numerical representation of a player's skill level and performance on the court. These ratings provide a consistent measure of a player's ability, allowing for fair and competitive matchups regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, understanding your pickleball rating is essential for navigating the competitive landscape.

How Do Pickleball Ratings Work?

Pickleball ratings are calculated using advanced, data-driven algorithms that analyze match results and consider factors like score, match type, and recency. Unlike static systems, DUPR uses a dynamic model that updates your rating after each match to reflect your current skill level.

Understanding the Pickleball Rating System

The pickleball ratings system is a key tool for organizing fair and competitive play. Using advanced algorithms and real match data, it assigns a numerical value to each player, providing a consistent and up-to-date measure of skill.

DUPR's Dynamic Rating System

DUPR is a revolutionary rating system designed to provide accurate and dynamic player ratings. Unlike traditional static rating systems, DUPR's algorithm continuously adjusts ratings based on match results, ensuring that ratings reflect current skill levels.  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. 

Key Features of DUPR's Rating System

• Accuracy: DUPR employs advanced algorithms to analyze match data and calculate precise ratings for players.
• Dynamism: Ratings are updated in real-time, reflecting players' performance and skill progression.
• Accessibility: Players can easily access their ratings and track their progress through the DUPR platform.

How DUPR's Rating System Works

• Match Data Collection: DUPR collects data from a wide range of matches — including club, tournament, and self-posted games — to build a comprehensive record of player performance.
• ‍Rating Adjustments: Player ratings are updated after each match using an algorithm that factors in score, match type, recency, and other key elements of performance.

Benefits of DUPR's Rating System

Competitive Integrity: DUPR promotes fair and balanced gameplay by accurately assessing player skill levels.

• Skill Development: Players can track their progress and identify areas for improvement through their DUPR ratings.
• Community Engagement: DUPR fosters a vibrant pickleball community by providing a platform for players to connect, compete, and grow together.

Pickleball player ratings lie at the heart of the sport, shaping the competitive landscape, guiding player progression, and fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. 

With DUPR's dynamic rating system leading the charge, players can trust in the accuracy and responsiveness of their ratings, empowering them to elevate their game and enjoy the thrill of pickleball to the fullest.

Download iOS App: HERE

Download Android App: HERE

Sign Up: HERE

Let’s keep it simple and get you rated rapidly, easily and accurately. 

If you're trying to get a pickleball rating, this is your step-by-step guide. Whether you’re brand new to the game or looking to compete in pickleball tournaments, getting rated is easier than you think.

What Is a Pickleball Rating and Why It Matters

A pickleball rating is a number—between 2.000 and 8.000—that reflects your skill level. It’s how players are matched fairly, how tournaments are divided, and how you track your improvement over time.

At DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), ratings are calculated using a modified elo algorithm that analyzes match results, incorporating factors like score, match type, and recency — designed to deliver the most accurate and dynamic pickleball ratings in the world.

This means no guesswork. Just real data from real games.

Why it matters:

• Better Matchups — Let’s be honest—when the matchup’s off, the game just doesn’t hit the same. But when you’re playing against people at your level? That’s when it gets fun—and when you really start improving.
  

• Enter Tournaments — Pickleball events aren’t just about winning—they’re about meeting new people, finding your crew, and becoming part of the community. Most divisions do require a verified rating, but don’t worry—you’ll get there fast

• Track Progress — There’s nothing better than seeing your hard work pay off. Your rating moves with you—every match, every point—so you can actually see how much you’re improving. Download the DUPR App for better tracking.
  

• Join the Right Groups — Your friends won’t add you to the 4.0 group chat? Give them a reason to. Whether it’s a 3.0 Open Play or a 4.0+ WhatsApp group, having a rating gets you in the right circles—and makes sure you’re always playing with people who match your level. 

How To Get a Pickleball Rating

You’ve got two solid options to get your DUPR rating—whether you’re playing tournaments or haven’t left your driveway. 

✅ Option 1: Participate on Pickleball Events or Tournaments

This is the most organic way to get rated. Just sign up, show up, play your matches, and once the results are uploaded, the DUPR algorithm will calculate your rating.

After one score is submitted, you will already have a pickleball rating, which will keep updating automatically as you keep playing.

👉 Find DUPR Events Near You

Option 2: Get Rated by a DUPR Coach 

Click here to find a DUPR Coach near you. DUPR Coaches are certified pickleball evaluators who can assess your level in person or remotely.

Here’s how it works:
• Ask your club director if they offer rating sessions.
• If they do, sign up and a DUPR Coach will evaluate your play and assign a provisional rating to help you get started.
• If your club doesn’t run sessions, you can still find a DUPR Coach here and schedule one directly.

Planning to play your first tournament? Starting with a coach-assigned rating is a great first step. However you begin, just get on court and start your DUPR journey.

Muscle cramps can ruin your pickleball game. They strike without warning, leaving you sidelined and frustrated. But there's good news: you can prevent them with the right approach.

Pickleball players face unique challenges inthe summer heat. Long matches, intense rallies, and scorching temperatures create a perfect storm for dehydration and cramping. We'll explore why this happens and how to stop it.

By the end, you'll have a clear plan to stay hydrated and cramp-free. Let's dive in and keep you on the court all summer long.

Understanding the Cramp Culprits

Many players instinctively blame dehydration for their muscle cramps, but the reality is more nuanced. While hydration certainly plays a crucial role, muscle fatigue is an equally important factor often overlooked. 

Dehydration can indeed trigger cramps, but simply drinking water isn't always the solution. 

Electrolyte imbalance can cause cramping even if you're well-hydrated, which is why smart replenishment strategies are essential. Moreover, as muscles fatigue during intense play, the nerve signals controlling contractions can become disrupted, leading to involuntary spasms.

Research has shown that cramp-prone athletes tend to lose more sodium through sweat, making thoughtful hydration particularly crucial for pickleball players battling the summer heat. Studies have also demonstrated that electrolyte-rich sports drinks fortified with carbohydrates are significantly more effective than water alone in delaying the onset of cramps. 

By addressing both hydration and muscle fatigue, you'll dramatically reduce your risk of cramps. Let's dive into practical steps to keep you playing at your best.

Hydration: More Than Just Water

While chugging plain water before a match might seem like a smart move, it can sometimes backfire. Excessive water intake without proper electrolyte balance can actually dilute your body's mineral concentrations, potentially increasing your cramp risk.

Instead, focus on a more strategic approach:

• Consume a sports drink containing electrolytes 2-4 hours before play to prime your system.
• During activity, aim to replace 16-20 ounces of fluid for every pound of body weight lost through sweat.
• Consider using a hydration tracking app or smart water bottle to ensure you're hitting your targets.

Grab the Ultimate Pickleball Hydration guide for more information on pre-, during, and post-match hydration. It includes a special formula for determining exactly how much fluid you need to consume every 15-20 minutes to stay in peak form on the court.

[I WANT THE HYDRATION GUIDE]

Proper hydration not only prevents cramps but also enhances overall performance and speeds up recovery between games. By fine-tuning your hydration strategy, you'll gain a significant advantage on the court. 

However, hydration is just one piece of the puzzle – let's explore another crucial factor in cramp prevention.

Fueling for Success

The role of nutrition in preventing muscle cramps is often underestimated, but it's a critical component, especially during grueling tournament play. Proper fueling keeps your muscles energized and less prone to fatigue-induced cramping.

To optimize your nutritional strategy:

• Consume a balanced meal rich in complex carbohydrates 3-4 hours before play to build up your energy reserves.
• During tournaments, snack on easily digestible carbs every 60-90 minutes to maintain steady energy levels.
• Consider using carb-electrolyte gels between games for a quick boost when time is limited.

These tactics help keep your glycogen stores topped up, delaying the onset of muscle fatigue that can lead to cramping. While pickleball may not be as intense as ultra-endurance sports, the principle of consistent fueling still applies. Research on team sport athletes suggests consuming 30 - 60g of carbs per hour during prolonged activity – adapt this to your specific needs and playing duration. 

By fueling smartly, you're helping your muscles function optimally and resist fatigue. This translates directly to fewer cramps and improved performance, especially in those crucial late-game moments. But there's one more vital element we need to address to complete your cramp-prevention arsenal.

Training for Resilience

Your overall fitness level plays a significant role in how susceptible you are to cramping. The less conditioned you are, the faster fatigue sets in, increasing your risk of muscle spasms. This is especially true when you push beyond your usual intensity or duration of play.

To build cramp-resistant muscles:

• Gradually increase your pickleball training volume and intensity over time to improve your stamina.
• Incorporate resistance training into your overall fitness routine to improve strength, power, and stamina on the court.
• Don't neglect overall cardiovascular fitness – it's the foundation of your on-court endurance.

A well-rounded training program complements your hydration and nutrition efforts, creating a powerful trifecta of cramp prevention. Together, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to keeping you on the court and off the sidelines.

The Takeaway

Preventing muscle cramps requires a holistic approach that addresses hydration, nutrition, and fitness. By implementing the strategies we've discussed, you'll significantly reduce your risk of cramping and elevate your game, even in the most challenging summer conditions.

Authors

Pratik Patel

Erik Korem, PhD

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What is Pickleball?

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has seen a remarkable rise in popularity in recent years. layed on a court with a low net, players hit a perforated plastic ball over the net with a paddle. The game can be played as singles or doubles, making it a versatile and engaging sport suitable for all ages and skill levels.

The Role of DUPR

One of the key factors contributing to the popularity of pickleball is DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life system. DUPR’s unique pickleball rating system helps players assess their skill level and find suitable opponents to compete against. By analyzing player performance and game results, DUPR provides an accurate rating that allows players to improve and compete at their appropriate level.

Pickleball's Celebrity Appeal

Despite its rise in popularity, pickleball retains its reputation as a fun and social sport. Notable athletes and celebrities such as former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, and former President Barack Obama, have taken up pickleball as a recreational activity. Their involvement highlights pickleball’s lure as a way to stay active, connect with others, and engage in a new form of competition. 

Accessibility and Community

Pickleball’s straightforward rules, accessible equipment, and welcoming community, make it easy to learn and enjoy. Whether players are seeking a casual game with friends or competitive matches against experienced opponents – pickleball caters to a wide range of preferences. The sport’s popularity has led to an increase in tournaments, leagues, and organized play opportunities for individuals of all skill levels. 

Find out more about DUPR events to start your pickleball journey today!

Global Expansion 

Pickleball’s success isn’t limited to the U.S.. It’s been  gaining traction around the world – from Canada, to Europe, to Australia, to Asia, China, in particular, has been promoting pickleball with the help of The International Pickleball Federation (IFP). The Sports and Fitness Industry Association trade group reports that pickleball's player base surged from 3.5 million in 2019 to 8.9 million by 2022, with UBS analysts projecting a further increase to 22 million players in 2023.

A Sport for Everyone 

Pickleball is a dynamic and thrilling sport that is capturing the interest of individuals worldwide. With the help of the DUPR rating system and the participation of renowned athletes, pickleball is emerging as a favored pastime for people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Whether players are seasoned athletes seeking a new challenge or beginners looking for social and enjoyable activity, pickleball offers an inclusive and engaging experience that is definitely worth a try. 

Meet DUPR

DUPR is the #1 trusted pickleball rating system in the industry, 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. 

Visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

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Pickleball, the sport that has captured the hearts of millions, is growing exponentially across the United States. Among its most enthusiastic players are the young athletes who represent the future of this dynamic sport. The National Junior Pickleball (NJP) organization is at the forefront of this youth movement, providing an unparalleled platform for junior players to compete, learn, and grow. With events like those held across the nation, NJP is transforming the landscape of youth pickleball and creating unforgettable experiences for young athletes and their families.

The NJP Experience

The excitement and friendship of NJP tournaments are palpable from the moment the kids step onto the courts. Maverick, a 12-year-old player, encapsulates the spirit of these events perfectly:

“NJP is the absolute BEST tournament for Juniors. In both Arizona and Missouri, there was nonstop pickle play, great kids, and fun times on and off the court.”

He reflects on the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that NJP strives to foster, where every match is an opportunity not just for competition, but for making lasting memories and friendships.

Ariana A, aged 13, also shared her enthusiasm about her NJP experience:

“My first NJP experience was simply amazing! Everyone involved in the organization of this event was kind, welcoming, and extremely supportive. They did a fantastic job of running a fair and smooth tournament. I got to compete and become friends with exceptionally talented kids from around the country. Overall, it was a fun and pleasant experience and I can’t wait to participate in the next National Junior Pickleball event!!”

From ensuring fair play to creating a supportive environment, NJP's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their events.

DUPR’s Role at NJP

Courtney Loughridge, founder of  NJP, agrees that the common story among parents of players is that there is a lack of recreational games for kids.

“Parents say that their kid only plays rec with adults, don’t have any kids to play with and they don’t want to play against adults in tournaments. We don’t know where they fit in or what their true skill level is.” Courtney says.

NJP has continuously supported the growth of pickleball by utilizing the DUPR platform at the start of every junior's pickleball journey.

“On the first evening of the event, NJP evaluators watch during skills clinic and king of the court style open play to ensure players are in the correct general skill bucket of beginner, intermediate, and advanced, as well as age groups of 12U, 14U, and 18U”, Courtney states.

DUPR has been a way for the Juniors to play competitive games within their age and skill in singles, doubles, and team events with players from all around the country.

She adds “all of these matches are reported to DUPR, so they have an accurate skill rating by the end of the event”. 

The use of DUPR at NJP tournaments has led Juniors to easily find level-based clinics, leagues, and tournaments regardless of age in tournaments outside of the league as well.

“Once Juniors have a DUPR, they can more easily know where they should register and can use their DUPR to track their pickleball journey as they grow and develop”, Courtney says. 

The NJP Championships in October will be seeded accordingly using DUPR ratings, to help ensure that brackets are fair and balanced throughout the field. 

A Community of Support

One of the standout features of NJP is the strong sense of community it builds among participants and their families. Tina L, mother of 10-year-old Madison, expresses her gratitude for the organization’s family-friendly approach:

“As a parent, I’m thrilled that NJP is geared to benefit the kids!! They have so much fun and play so many games! Kids and parents building new friendships! It reminded us of our travel soccer club days!”

The round-robin play format ensures a fair and competitive experience, as brackets are organized by similar skill levels and age groups, allowing participants to compete against peers of comparable ability. Beyond the excitement on the courts, players can enjoy a variety of perks, including free swag. The top three winners in each age and skill division will be honored with medals and a podium ceremony, celebrating their achievements in style. Additionally, the event provides opportunities to connect off the courts, fostering lasting memories and networking with potential partners and sponsors, enhancing the overall experience for all attendees. NJP events are also designed to allow players to meet and get to know each other before committing to a team. Players can sign up for the tournament with or without a doubles partner or team.

Empowering the Next Generation

The mission of NJP goes beyond organizing tournaments; it is about empowering young athletes and helping them reach their full potential. By providing a structured yet enjoyable environment, NJP helps players develop their skills, gain confidence, and learn important life lessons through sport. The organization’s dedication to youth development is evident in every aspect of its operations, from the high-quality facilities to the professional and supportive staff.

Looking Ahead

As NJP continues to grow and expand, the future looks incredibly bright for young pickleball players across the country! With each tournament, NJP not only showcases the talent of junior athletes but also strengthens the pickleball community, one match at a time.

For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the National Junior Pickleball website. Whether you’re a young player eager to compete, a parent looking to support your child’s passion, or a pickleball enthusiast wanting to witness the future of the sport, NJP offers something truly special. Join the NJP community and be part of the exciting journey as we nurture the next generation of pickleball stars!

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Pickleball’s Most Important and Sought After Tournament Selects Leading Pickleball Rating System To Enhance Competition, Evaluate and Seed Players

Pickleball’s most important tournament, The Minto US Open Pickleball Championships powered by Margaritaville, today announced it is selecting DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), as the Open’s official and exclusive ratings partner.

DUPR is pickleball’s most accurate global rating system. It evaluates players based on match results to provide a real-time, reliable assessment of their skill level. The US Open will use DUPR to provide transparency and help seed players, effective immediately in preparation for the 2025 tournament.

“There is only one US Open in Pickleball, and we’re proud to be a part of it,” said Tito Machado, DUPR CEO. “We are also excited to integrate with Pickleball Den to provide ratings for clubs, tournaments, and leagues who choose to create DUPR-enabled events within the seamless pickleball platform.”

“We are pleased to partner with DUPR and adopt it as the official and exclusive ratings partner for the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships. This reflects our efforts to continue offering a fair, open and transparent competition for players at the most prestigious tournament in the sport and The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World®,” said Ben Weinberger, Pickle4 President.

To further support players and tournament and club organizers, DUPR will seamlessly integrate into Pickleball Den (www.pickleballden.com), the US Open’s official tournament management software. Later this summer, clubs, tournaments and leagues  can enable DUPR for their events directly from the platform. This integration will streamline player ratings and profiles, allowing for easy and transparent creation of level-based competitions. Scores from DUPR-enabled events will automatically update player ratings, helping players understand their skill level, track progress, and find more playing opportunities.

Players registering for the 2025 Open will be required to have a DUPR account. Players who do not currently have a rating can go to www.dupr.com or download the app to create a free profile and begin logging their match results to establish their rating. 

About the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships Powered by Margaritaville

The Minto US Open Pickleball Championships Powered by Margaritaville, owned by Spirit Promotions and founded in 2016, is the most important event in pickleball and welcomed over 3,200 athletes including 460 professionals from all 50 states and 31 countries who competed in more than 5,000 matches attracting approximately 50,000 spectators to Naples, FL in 2024. The 2025 US Open will be held April 26 - May 3, 2025 at East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida. Pickle4 is the parent company of Spirit Promotions. For more information, visit www.usopenpickleball.com.

About Pickleball Den

Pickleball Den, official tournament software of the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, is the technology powering the sport and provides a seamless pickleball tournament, club and league software experience while empowering directors, coaches and athletes. The software is trusted monthly delivering hundreds of tournaments, thousands of club events and millions of hours of on-time games. Club managers, tournament directors and league organizers can learn more at www.pickleballden.com.

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• Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing activities across national volunteer-led movement for older adults.
• u3a pickleball groups are significant drivers of participation for the over-50s in UK.
• With 3,000 players out of an overall membership of 400,000, there is huge scope for growth.

The average age of the pickleball-playing population in the UK is gradually reducing — but, for now, over-50s remain the bedrock of the sport's participation base. A significant percentage of these older players are discovering pickleball through u3a. 

The u3a is a huge volunteer-led movement that keeps retired people active and learning. It is made up of around 1000 u3as  across the UK who organize activities that keep older adults mentally, physically and socially active. These range from sport to learning a language, history, photography, walking, wine tasting and much more.

Three years ago, there were 15 pickleball groups across the u3a movement. Now (May 2024), there are 139. It is one of the fastest growing sports within u3a and now boasts over 3,000 players. For context, Pickleball England has 5,000 registered members over 50 years of age and there are an estimated 15,000 players of all ages (including non-members of the governing body) in the country.

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David Pechey has been the u3a's National Subject Advisor for pickleball since 2021. Having started his own club in Bramhall, Manchester in 2018, he felt pickleball strongly aligned with u3a's objective of encouraging older adults to become and/or stay active.  

David, 73, has published guidance and a package of resources on the u3a website for anyone wanting to set up their own group. He has also undertaken a Pickleball Leaders Certification to teach people the basic techniques and tactics. Some are happy with a regular hit and chat; others have progressed to competing and registering with DUPR. 

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"You get great satisfaction from helping people learn to play and seeing them grow in confidence on court," said David. "But some u3a groups have started without any help from me. I am just a sounding board if people need one, but pickleball is increasingly creating its own momentum."

David also adds,

"Pickleball is so accessible for people of my age. They don't want hours of training with a coach. As long as there is someone to teach you the rules and basic tactics, you can start playing pickleball to a reasonable level pretty quickly. That's why it has struck a chord. People have been able to get a bit of physical activity and social interaction while feeling they are having a good, competitive game." 

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As pickleball groups have popped up and grown throughout the u3a movement, the organization has organically become a key participation driver for the sport in the UK – all led by the enthusiasm and passion of volunteers. 

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David stated,

"A huge debt of gratitude is owed to the local champions in every active u3a group: the group conveners, coordinators and leaders. These are local heroes with enthusiasm, initiative, perseverance and patience. A debt to them is owed by me and by every u3a player that enjoys exercise, fun, gentle competition and social interaction as a result of their efforts.”

With just under 100 u3a pickleball groups across the UK, there is obvious potential for it to spread much further.

"We haven't reached 10% yet, so I want to continue to help grow it throughout all the u3as  in the UK," states David. 

With players’ ages ranging from 50 to early 90s, thousands of people in the autumn of their years are being given a new lease of life through u3a and pickleball.