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Cliff Drysdale Tennis and Peter Burwash International have joined forces with Minor League Pickleball to bring a new and exciting experience to racquet sports enthusiasts across the nation. This strategic partnership will see a series of innovative events and competitions hosted at various CDT and PBI managed properties starting this 2024!

Minor League Pickleball is an innovative team competition where teams of four players (2 women and 2 men) compete against each other in a novel and engaging format, with twists on traditional match-ups and scoring for games, matches, and tiebreakers. Teams compete against each other in Matches using the MLPlay™ format, featuring team matches that are composed of four 21-point games, one women’s doubles, one men’s doubles, and the final two games consisting of mixed doubles. Teams play in a round robin pool, with guaranteed matches and a playoff bracket to determine the winning team. All participating players must have a DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) account, and teams are formed by combining the DUPR ratings of all four players.

“We are thrilled to partner with Minor League Pickleball, a fantastic event concept that highlights many of sport’s most appealing qualities,” said Scott McCulloch, President and COO for Cliff Drysdale Tennis and Peter Burwash International. “Providing our members, guests and loyal community of pickleball players with engaging play options and competitive offerings is one of our top priorities, and Minor League Pickleball events will help strengthen our programs across the nation.”

“Minor League Pickleball is focused on providing amateur players with the most dynamic and exciting opportunities to compete. By partnering with Cliff Drysdale Tennis and Peter Burwash International, we’re able to reach even more players and host MiLP events at some of the most renowned racquet sports facilities in the world. We’re excited to work together to bring more people into this exciting game and create more engaging opportunities to play,” said Caroline Luelf, Director of Minor League Pickleball. 

Caroline Luelf, Director of Minor League Pickleball, expressed her excitement about working with CDT and PBI to expand the reach of the sport and create more opportunities for players to enjoy the game. The events will be held at select locations across the U.S., including private clubs, public facilities, and resorts, with a special travel experience planned for July at Omni Amelia Island Resort.

All players who compete in MiLP events will accumulate points to earn an opportunity to compete in the Minor League Pickleball National Championship, scheduled for December 13-15 and featuring a $50,000 prize purse.

Upcoming Minor League Pickleball events at CDT and PBI managed facilities:
April 13-14: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa (Palm Desert, CA)
April 20-21: Esplanade Naples Golf and Country Club (Naples, FL)
May 4-5: Weston Racquet Club (Weston, FL)
May 18-19: Tyler Athletic and Swim Club (Tyler, TX)
June 22-23: John Newcombe Country Club  (New Braunfels, TX)
July 19-21: Omni Amelia Island Resort, Travel Package  (Amelia Island, FL)

To register for events and learn more about Minor League Pickleball, visit: www.dupr.com/minorleague

To learn more about Cliff Drysdale Tennis, visit: www.cliffdrysdale.com 

To learn more about Peter Burwash International, visit: www.pbitennis.com

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Pickleball is having a transformative effect on thousands of Baby Boomers, allowing them to rediscover their zest for sport, physical activity and social interaction — or, in some cases, experience it for the first time in their lives.

Word is spreading about pickleball's innate qualities as an accessible and easy-to-learn sport which can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, skill level, physical capability, social demographics or previous sports experience.

Statistics from DUPR’s player database show that 31.1% of our registered active (i.e., competitive) players are 60 or over, with the oldest to register high match counts aged 83. 

For example, take Kath Knowles from Anglesey, an island off the north coast of Wales, who had lived for 67 years without ever playing in competitive sports — until she discovered pickleball.

Kath has overcome breast cancer, suffered from mental health issues, went through a divorce and had a heart attack before pickleball brought her what she calls "a wonderful release" late in life. She had a second heart attack on the pickleball court in January 2021 and required two further stents to be fitted. However, her love for the sport is unwavering.

Kath has since led the growth of pickleball on Anglesey and across North Wales, introducing over 200 people to the sport via taster sessions, taking it into schools, helping to train coaches and leaders and accompanying a happy group of players to national competitions. 

“I dragged people in off the streets!” she laughs. “I was determined to encourage others to get off their bums and play this game that had brought sport into my life. This game is truly addictive and the friendship and social interaction is quite unique. What pickleball has done for me is immense. Without it, I’d just be a moaning old biddy!”

At West Herts Wizards Pickleball Club in Hertfordshire, north of London, 76% of members are over the age of 55. One player in his 70s has dementia but still participates every week, accompanied by his sister. 

Wizards’ Club Secretary, Lyn Epps, says: "He was an excellent tennis player back in the day, and his natural racquet skills come to the fore. Neither he, nor his sister, would mind me saying he never knows what the score is, and we repeat the rules regarding the non-volley zone over and over, to ensure the game goes well and everyone’s happy!"

Sue Nicol founded South Suffolk Pickleball Club in East Anglia after her retirement. She calls it "dangerously addictive." 

"It absolutely hit the spot for me," she says. "As a former Pilates teacher, I saw the potential of pickleball for an aging population. There's a lot of squatting, lateral movement, and, of course, the psychological benefits of how sociable it is."

A significant catalyst for pickleball's growth in the UK has been the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) - a nationwide group of over 1,000 charities who create opportunities for older people to come together, share skills, and learn for fun. It's reported that over 80 U3A groups play pickleball.

Michael de Groot from Worcestershire discovered pickleball through U3A and is now a qualified coach. Michael believes the social benefits outweigh even the abundant physical and cognitive advantages that older people get from the sport.

He says, "The social interaction on and off court plays a major role in reducing loneliness in older adults and giving them a sense of belonging, and new friendships too. This should not be underestimated. You can see the evidence every week. Players arrive smiling and leave smiling."

Pickleball is more than just a sport, it is a lifeline, offering newfound joy and purpose. Through the stories of individuals like Kath Knowles, Sue Nicol, and Michael de Groot, we see how pickleball has transformed lives, providing an outlet for overcoming challenges and fostering meaningful connections.

In the largest collegiate regional to date, Clemson rose as a formidable contender to claim victory and secure the crown for themselves. They went through both the #1 UVA and #2 UNC in the playoffs - both of the past National Champions. This win makes them undefeated in both of their attended Regionals (won the 2023 Georgia Regional), and the second school with multiple Regional wins (Utah Tech is first with 4).

In total, there were 177 players from 20 different schools from Maine to Miami at the Virginia Super Regional. Penn State University, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Maine, and Robert Morris University all made their DUPR Collegiate Pickleball debut at the event. The 30-team challenger bracket was also the largest ever for a Regional, with Colter Cox and Luke Moretz from NC State winning it. On Sunday, there were back-to-back Dreambreakers on the livestream, with #1 UVA escaping #8 Miami in the Quarterfinals, and then #3 Clemson closing the door on #2 UNC in the Semifinals. 

Clemson, UVA, and UF obtained 3 out of the 4 bids to the 2024 Collegiate National Championship by advancing to the semifinals. UNC, who also made the semifinals, already secured a bid at the Townebank College Cup in February.

There was a Battle for the Bid between Miami and JMU to decide the owner of the last bid, as they were the only two eligible Quarterfinalists. JMU claimed the bid with a 3-0 performance, and have locked in their spot for Nationals in November. 

A special thanks to Performance Pickleball in Richmond, VA for hosting the first ever Virginia Super Regional! Another thanks goes to our DUPR Collegiate Pickleball partners: JOOLA, HEAD, GAMMA, Rally Republic, Total Pickleball, and OOFOS.

In competitive pickleball, stress is a given. But stress doesn’t have to debilitate your performance. It can actually facilitate it.

Winning between the ears starts with the mindset you cultivate.

Winning matters. Being your best matters. Otherwise, you wouldn’t feel stressed. The problem is many pickleball players view stress as the enemy. It’s not the enemy. It’s the gateway to growth!

When you adopt the right mindset, you can overcome fear, embrace challenges, and unlock your potential. But you must pass through stress to achieve what you want.

There are four stress mindsets, each with its own challenges and opportunities. But there is one that, if you adopt it, will empower you to embrace challenges and overcome fear. Let’s dig in.

Stress Mindset #1: Stress is Debilitating.

Does that ring a bell? This is where we view stress as our mortal enemy, something to escape from at any cost.

But what if we told you stress is just your body preparing you for a challenge?

Instead of fleeing from stress, see it as a signal that you're about to do something effortful. Let’s get real for a moment. Nothing great has ever been accomplished without facing significant difficulty.

To take on difficult challenges, your body has a hard-wired stress response that prepares you for action. Lean into it, embrace it. Because uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, and feelings are often what you need to rise to the occasion.

Stress Mindset #2: Stress is to be Willed Through.

This mindset views stress as something that can be overcome by sheer willpower.

Have you ever heard of David Goggins? Yep, the former Navy Seal who runs bare-chested and calls out your weaknesses. Yeah, that guy.

People with this mindset tend to push through stress just fine, but they oftentimes don’t make great teammates. This is not who you want with you in a competitive doubles match.

While resilience is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of others. Understand that not everyone may be able to handle stress the same way you do. Try to balance your willpower with understanding and empathy for others.

Stress Mindset #3: Stress is a Learning Opportunity.

This mindset views stress as life’s classroom. This is not ideal.

People with this mindset often focus on the worst possible outcome and rationalize why failing would be OK. This can be detrimental to performance.

In the final moments of a competitive match, you don’t want your teammate to think like this.

Michael Jordan wasn’t looking to learn from failure in the Finals. Rather, he wanted the ball in his hands. He trusted his skills and confidentially took action even in the face of adversity.

While learning from failure is beneficial, you shouldn’t focus on failure during a stressful moment. Instead, shift your attention to what you can control and take confident action.

Stress Mindset #4: Stress is Enhancing.

This is the ideal mindset—viewing stress as a challenge that can enhance one's performance.

This is the optimal mindset where stress is viewed as a challenge or an opportunity. It involves seeing stress as a source of energy that can enhance performance. Remember, stress is your brain and body preparing you to do something effortful.

Stress can either debilitate or facilitate performance and by leveraging this mindset, you can use the extra energy generated by stress to perform to your potential.

To build a winning stress mindset, you need to reframe stress as enhancing. That means seeing stress as:

• A sign you care
• Excitement
• Determination
• A challenge or opportunity

So, take a moment and think about how you approach stress. If you aren’t in the right mindset, just know that mindsets aren’t fixed. With practice and awareness, your perspective can change.

Ready to Take Action?

Ready to take your mental game to the next level? Check out AIM7, the ultimate pickleball trainer, and its masterclass library of content on developing mental fitness, developed by world-class performance psychologists.

Don't let stress hold you back any longer. Embrace it, harness it, and unleash your full potential on the pickleball court. Start your journey towards a winning stress mindset today with AIM7!

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. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

Written By: Alex Auerbach, PhD, and Erik Korem, PhD.

Honcho Pickleball League, the premier national amateur pickleball league, and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), today announced a partnership to drive growth and local skill-based playing opportunities for players across the country. 

Honcho Pickleball League is one of the largest amateur leagues in the country with capacity to support up to 3,200 players across 12 states with 20 venue partners for this upcoming round of seasons taking place from late April through June, and has established itself as a leader in the grassroots growth of pickleball. As part of the partnership, Honcho will adopt DUPR as the official rating system of the league, and DUPR will support Honcho as it looks to enter into new markets and add new venue partners to offer even more opportunities for players to compete. 

“We are excited to dive into this relationship with DUPR,” said Chris Mott, Chief Revenue Officer, Honcho Pickleball League. “Their support not only provides us with one of the largest, most detailed player databases in the sport, but also aligns with our mission to provide exceptional pickleball experiences and development opportunities for our players. We look forward to a fruitful relationship that brings added excitement and competition to our communities across the nation.”

DUPR’s solution provides organizers with the ability to showcase their events to the most active and engaged community in pickleball, and enables players to find more opportunities to play at their level wherever they are. The foundation of DUPR is its industry-leading rating, which analyzes match results to provide an accurate, reliable evaluation of a players skill level across age, gender and location. With DUPR, organizers can create more competitive opportunities for players by organizing events and matches by player ratings, and players can know their level to find better, more fun competition. 

“DUPR is committed to democratizing pickleball, collaborating with teams, leagues and operators everywhere to give them access to technology that supports even better pickleball experiences,” said Tito Machado, DUPR CEO.  “We are excited to showcase Honcho Pickleball League to our community, support their players with a dynamic, accurate rating system, and aid their expansion into new markets to grow the game we all love.”

DUPR supports players, organizers and operators in pickleball with free-to-use tools to make the pickleball experience even more fun and ultimately driving the growth of the game. From its global rating system to its dynamic digital community where players can find and connect with matches, leagues, clubs and tournaments, DUPR is providing the fast-growing sport with the foundational framework to ensure enjoyment and fun for generations to come. 

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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. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

About Honcho Pickleball League 

Honcho Pickleball League is the premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts who crave the perfect blend of competition, community and fun. Our league exudes confidence and swagger, providing consistent, fully administered game play on a weekly basis. We are the epitome of high-energy, fostering an electrifying atmosphere both on and off the court. Ranging from mid-season happy hours to championship gatherings to league merch to big winners pots and packages, this is not your standard local league and community!

We embody a winning spirit, striving to create an innovative and inclusive environment to continue to support in the greater effort of growing the sport of pickleball. Our league offers consistent weekly match play with multiple skill set divisions to choose from to ensure that players can excel in their passion for pickleball, week over week!. We proudly associate with top pickleball brands, ensuring an unparalleled experience for all. Visit www.honchopickle.com for more.

AI’s Pickleball Potential

Sports aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. However, AI in sports is now synonymous with big business. Estimates value the sports AI market at more than $2 billion, and research suggests that it may reach more than $7 billion by 2027. Currently, AI is being used for everything from training NFL players to shaving time off their 40-yard dash to predicting and preventing injuries on the basketball court. And it’s poised to have a significant impact on the sport of pickleball.

Harnessing the Power of AI for Pickleball

AI systems use mathematical algorithms that generate highly accurate analysis in real time. For pickleball, data can be collected via wearable sensors and high-definition motion capture cameras to record players' footwork, paddle angles, and shot choices. This data can be transformed into a format processed by an algorithm and can be used to train the AI model, allowing it to learn patterns and relationships. The model is then integrated into an application or program and is the basis for making predictions on new data that is collected. The more data it acquires, the more the algorithm adapts and the better its ability to simulate human intelligent processes. Coaches can then reference the data and immediately adjust a player’s mechanics and techniques, repeat the drill or session, and compare results.

But AI isn’t just for pickleball pros. Recreational players are already enjoying the benefits of AI. Training tools like SwingVision and PB Vision bring the power of AI to local courts without the need for high-end equipment or professional-grade video. By uploading footage shot on a smartphone, these systems can analyze player movements, pinpoint problems in swing speed and follow through, and provide suggestions for improvement. In addition, AI is becoming an integral part of emerging pickleball virtual reality (VR) simulations that produce engaging immersive, customized training programs.

In addition, the recent partnership between leading global pickleball rating system DUPR and sport and AI analytics technology pioneers Playsight has opened up new possibilities. PlaySight’s AI automated highlights also allow players to relive their best moments in a match instantly. The collaboration promises to redefine how players experience and interact with the sport.

Preventing Injury and Speeding Recovery

Off the court, AI is showing great benefits in improving player health and conditioning. Systems can evaluate heart rate and joint stress and alert players to potential injury. Next-generation pulse oximeters incorporate AI into handheld devices that measure respiratory rate, temperature, and blood saturation levels. 

AI can also help accelerate recovery times from injuries. Trainers and physical therapists are increasingly relying on AI-generated results to create personalized rehab programs to get players back on the court faster and prevent re-injury.

In addition, manufacturers of pickleball equipment, especially paddle companies, are using AI-powered systems to determine material specifications and performance metrics for the design of their newest products. Because of its ability to perform analysis on a microscopic level, AI can identify the optimal materials for improved power, control, and durability and give manufacturers next-level customization options to develop paddles suited for a variety of playing styles. These advancements are poised to propel paddle sales, which are projected to reach $253.8 million by 2028 and are currently more than $125 million in the US alone.

It's an exciting time for pickleball and AI will continue to play an ever-expanding role in the sport’s future. As more players tap into AI’s ability to achieve better results on the court, it’s likely there’ll be a corresponding increase in their DUPR ratings.

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[Austin, TX] – DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the leading global rating system in Pickleball, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with PlaySight, a pioneer in sports AI and analytics technology. This collaboration aims to elevate the pickleball experience for players, clubs, tournaments, and leagues worldwide.

DUPR, renowned for its unparalleled accuracy and global scale, assigns players a rating between 2.000-8.000 based on match results, regardless of age, gender, location, or skill level. Leveraging this expertise, the partnership will integrate DUPR ratings seamlessly into PlaySight's innovative platform, offering players increased access to advanced AI technology to gain a better understanding of their game play, and unlock advanced analytics and insights into their performance. 

The integration enables players to easily view their DUPR rating alongside their match footage, providing valuable insights into their performance and progression. It also introduces  "DUPR Moments" through PlaySight's AI automated highlights for pickleball. Players can relive their best moments of the match instantly, empowering them to analyze and improve their game efficiently.

"This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of pickleball," said Tito Machado, CEO at DUPR. "By combining DUPR's accurate, global rating system with PlaySight's cutting-edge AI technology, we're delivering an all-encompassing solution that enhances the pickleball experience for players, organizers, and fans alike."

Chen Shachar, CEO of PlaySight, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "We are excited to collaborate with DUPR to persistently introduce cutting-edge technology and innovation to the pickleball community. The integration of DUPR ratings into our platform not only provides players with invaluable insights but also amplifies their overall engagement with the sport."

This partnership between DUPR and PlaySight represents a significant step forward in the pickleball landscape. With the integration of DUPR ratings, statistics, and more into PlaySight's AI platform, the collaboration promises to redefine how players experience and interact with the game.

For more information about DUPR and PlaySight, visit www.dupr.com and [PlaySight website] respectively.

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. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

About PlaySight 

PlaySight is a global sports technology company that is pioneering the next generation of sports AI and analytics. Its innovative technology enhances the sports experience for players, coaches, and fans across various sports, including pickleball.

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At DUPR, we're committed to providing accurate ratings and a fair playing field for all pickleball players. That's why we've recently made changes to our match validation process for recreational games. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of validating your matches and how these changes enhance the integrity of our rating system.

Understanding Match Validation

Validating matches is vital for maintaining the credibility of player ratings. By requiring validation from all players involved, we ensure that only legitimate results contribute to ratings, fostering fairness and accuracy across the platform.

How Match Validation Works

Upon entering a recreational match on the DUPR platform, all participants receive a notification via the app, alerting them to the logged match awaiting validation. For the match to be validated and impact player ratings, all participants must affirm the match outcome. This consensus approach ensures that the match results are accepted by everyone involved, reflecting a true and fair outcome.

Improved Validation Process

With our updated validation process, a recreational match is considered validated only when all players involved have confirmed the results. This change eliminates any ambiguity and ensures that matches are accurately recorded on our platform. If you notice that your match hasn't been validated yet, it simply means that one or more players still need to confirm the results.

Managing Validation Status

If only one participant validates the match, it remains in a "pending validation" state. During this period, the match does not affect any player ratings and waits for further action from other participants. In cases where a participant disagrees with the match entry, they have the option to reject the match. Upon rejection by any participant, the match is automatically removed from the platform to ensure that only consensus-approved matches impact player ratings.

Streamlining Communication

To streamline the validation process and expedite communication with other players, we've introduced a convenient group chat feature within the app. Initiating a group chat allows you to easily coordinate with your fellow players and confirm match results. 

Simply follow these steps to start a group chat:

1. Tap on "My DUPR" at the bottom right corner of the app.
2. Click on the chat icon located at the top right, next to the settings icon.
3. Add up to four players to the chat and discuss the match results.

By validating your matches and participating in our updated validation process, you're contributing to the accuracy and reliability of our rating system. Together, we can uphold the integrity of pickleball competition and ensure fair play for all players.

If you have any questions or need assistance with match validation, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. We're here to help and ensure that your pickleball experience on DUPR is seamless and enjoyable.