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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.

David McCune says the India pickleball market is ‘poised to go boom’ and that the nation’s technically adept players pose a real threat to the USA’s hegemony in the sport.

DUPR Executive Director David McCune was "blown away" by the level of play and scale of pickleball participation on a recent overseas activation at the Indian Open in the vast, vibrant city of Mumbai.

February's Indian Open, organized by Global Sports, boasted a $150,000 prize purse, making it the most lucrative pickleball tournament ever played outside North America. 

David's observations highlight that players from sub-continental and Southeast Asian regions bring exciting new skill sets to the court that are set to provide a stern challenge to the USA's hegemony in the sport. What was even starker is that when a nation of 1.4 billion people gets a taste for a new sport, it can create high volumes of participation quickly!

"The region is poised to go 'boom!'" smiled David after meeting with partners, athletes, sponsors, club owners, local dignitaries and celebrities in Mumbai to raise awareness of the benefits of DUPR (or "humanizing the algorithm," as he neatly calls it).

David added: "The best question about the level of play in India is not to ask how far they are behind the States, but how far along they are. Let me tell you, these guys are doing very well indeed!

The tournament was a real eye-opener for some of the US pros. When they got into those rapid hand battles, it wasn't a series of blocks and speedups — the Indian athletes were actually redirecting their attacks with spin on the ball. These guys are used to badminton where a shuttlecock reaches speeds of nearly 500 km/h, so pickleball is virtually in slow motion for them."

David was particularly taken by the current Indian No. 1 Harsh Mehta: "Until he hits it, you just don't know whether he's going to roll it, cut it or flick it. I watched him break the ankles of one of our top 10 pros numerous times! This guy is incredible."

Brian Omwando was another competitor in the Indian Open draw. An ex-tennis player turned pickleball fanatic, he opened Nairobi Pickleball Club last May and has helped embed DUPR as the go-to system in tournaments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Brian led a squad of five players to Mumbai (it was his first-ever plane flight).

"It was a totally new experience for us - seeing how players warm up, the different drills they do, and tactics like stacking, which we are now including in our practice sessions. The standard was a different level but we were amazed how well we played against players who have been playing for many more years than us."

British player Louis Laville reached the round of 16 in the men's singles where he fell to India’s Rohit Patil. He was also bowled over by the host nation's rising stature in the sport.

“Pickleball in India is absolutely exploding," he said. "They have coaching programs, investment, sponsorships, and financial backers.

“What the tournament showed us is that the UK and Europe need to get on with developing pickleball facilities and getting more people playing very quickly, because the rest of the world is starting to motor ahead in terms of numbers and level of players and investment into the sport. I am very excited to watch the top Indian players take on some of the top pros at April’s US Open!"

^{Written By: Mike Dale}

Continued Momentum for DUPR Collegiate Pickleball As It Establishes Foothold as Leader in Collegiate Space

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Austin, TX and Dallas, TX (March 11, 2024) – DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) and Rally Republic, the first California-inspired pickleball lifestyle brand, are teaming up to enhance DUPR Collegiate Pickleball events and bring more resources and support to college pickleball overall. 

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The partnership marks another significant milestone for DUPR Collegiate Pickleball, the fastest-growing and largest collegiate pickleball tournament series. Pickleball’s growth continues to skyrocket, and the collegiate space is no different. With more and more colleges and universities developing pickleball club teams, DUPR’s Collegiate Pickleball tournament series offers the most regional and national opportunities for  individual and team collegiate competition, with the added bonus of competing for scholarship money. 

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“We are thrilled to support DUPR Collegiate Pickleball and partner with DUPR to offer more incentives, perks and opportunities for student athletes to compete in the world’s best game,” said Chad Phillips, president of Rally Republic. “DUPR Collegiate is the sport’s premier college series and we are looking forward to exposing our brand in front of student athletes and fans, and generating even more excitement and buzz for pickleball among this audience.” 

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Rally Republic’s line of licensed paddles featuring school and university names and mascots are incredibly popular with athletes, alumni and fans alike, not only for showcasing school pride but also for their high-quality handling and performance. As part of the partnership, Rally Republic will have an onsite presence at eight 2024 DUPR Collegiate Events, including the Super Regionals and both the Individual and Team Collegiate National Championships, to enable players and fans to engage with the brand and its paddles onsite.

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“Both our organizations are dedicated to growing the game and building a global community of passionate players. It’s a natural fit to welcome Rally Republic onboard as partners of DUPR Collegiate Pickleball,” said Tito Machado, DUPR CEO. “DUPR Collegiate events are incredibly fun, high energy and the competition is top-notch. We are excited to build out activation opportunities for our players and fans with some of the best names in pickleball that will create an even more exciting environment for players and fans alike.”

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DUPR has led the way in establishing competitive collegiate pickleball by creating compelling opportunities for players to compete, earn scholarship prize money and identify new pathways to continue to play. Since hosting its first college event in 2022, DUPR Collegiate Pickleball has hosted 16 events for 1300 athletes – including the largest collegiate pickleball tournament ever with over 350 players – and contributed over $250,000 in scholarship money and travel stipends for players.

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As the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with more than 48.3 million Americans playing pickleball, San Diego-based Rally Republic launched in 2023 as the first California-inspired lifestyle brand created specifically for pickleball enthusiasts. Founded by a team of successful entrepreneurs in the e-commerce, apparel, and licensed sports sectors, they saw an opportunity to bring their expertise to the world of pickleball and create a brand that offers high-quality yet design-focused pickleball paddles, which are now available for sale online at www.RallyRepublic.com and on Amazon.com, and in-store at U.S. college bookstores and sporting goods retail stores including Rally House and Gameday Spirit. Rally Republic’s product lineup will soon expand with plans to unveil apparel, equipment, and accessory lines.

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For a full schedule of events, please visit dupr.com/collegiate 

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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. 

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About Rally Republic

San Diego-based Rally Republic is the first California-inspired lifestyle brand created specifically for pickleball enthusiasts. With a mission to provide both top-quality and design-focused pickleball paddles, apparel, equipment, and accessories, Rally Republic’s product lineup embodies the vibrant culture and laid-back spirit of the West Coast. Rally Republic also has licensing partnerships with most major U.S. colleges and universities, sororities, and fraternities, enabling pickleball players to showcase their college, sports team, and/or Greek spirit while on the court. For more information, visit Rally Republic:

• Online at www.RallyRepublic.com
• On Instagram at www.instagram.com/rallyrepublicofficial/
• On Facebook at www.facebook.com/therallyrepublic
• On TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@rallyrepublic

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Media Contact

Erica Annon / DUPR / erica@mydupr.com

The 2024 National Pathway encourages players to participate in multiple The DInk Minor League events throughout the qualifying season (November 25, 2023 through October 14, 2024) to earn points to then qualify for the 2024 The Dink Minor League Pickleball National Championship taking place December 13-15, 2024 in Fenton, MO.

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National Pathway and Leaderboard

Each DUPR Division has its own National Leaderboard. Each individual player’s points are accumulated based on their team’s performance at official The Dink Minor League Pickleball events.

How to Qualify and Get on the Leaderboard

There are two ways to qualify for The Dink MiLP National Championship:

1. Local The Dink MiLP Events
2. The Dink MiLP Regional Showdowns

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National Pathway #1: Local The Dink MiLP Events

Local The Dink MiLP Events are hosted all across the USA.

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The National Leaderboard keeps track of the points of every individual in each division. Top players from the leaderboard will receive an invitation to the National Championship.

• Players play as a team but earn points towards Nationals as an individual.

• For example, if a DUPR division has 8 teams, the 1st place team members will receive 8 points each, the 2nd place team members will receive 7 points each, the 3rd place team members will receive 6 points each and so on through last place. Members of the last place team will each receive 1 point each. 
  • At all The Dink MiLP local events, the 1st place team members will receive at least a minimum of 4 points each. The maximum will be based on the total number of teams. 
  • If you play multiple divisions within the 2024 season, your points stay within each division. 

• Once a player qualifies for Nationals, the player is then tasked with forming a team. The team can be made up of teammates from the 2024 season or any players who have played in any official The Dink Minor League events from the qualifying season.
• A player can participate in multiple teams throughout the season, but can only compete in one team at the National Championship.
• The team will be placed into the appropriate DUPR division based on their total team aggregate at the time of registration. Once a team registers for Nationals, their ratings are “locked” and their DUPR increasing or decreasing will not impact the team’s aggregate or division placement.
  
  

National Pathway #2: The Dink MiLP Regional Showdowns

The Dink MiLP organizers will be hosting a total of 7 tournaments in different regions of the USA. 

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These Regional Showdowns will include 12 to 16 teams per division. At each event, the 1st place teams from each division will receive a Dream Ticket to the National Championship.

• All Regional Showdown players will earn points towards their respective DUPR Divisions on the National Leaderboard (including the 1st place team). 
• A team that earns a Dream Ticket to the National Championship will compete in the division in which they qualified regardless of their DUPR aggregate at registration as long as the entire team is intact (all 4 players stay the same). If any players of the team are substituted, the team will be placed in the appropriate aggregate at the time of registration. 
• If a team that received a Dream Ticket cannot attend the National Championship with all 4 of its original teammates, they can choose to replace up to 2 teammates with players who have competed in The Dink MiLP events during the 2024 qualifying season.
• If a 1st place team cannot attend Nationals with at least 2 of its original Regionals’ teammates, the 2nd place team will be offered their Dream Ticket to Nationals.

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Sign up now for a The Dink Minor League Pickleball event to get your name and points on the National Leaderboard and earn your spot at The Dink MiLP’s pinnacle event, The Dink Minor League Pickleball National Championship 2024. 

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*Sign Up Now* 

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To learn more about The Dink Minor League Pickleball, visit our website. To explore highlights from the 2023 MiLP National Championship, view our blog post. 

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Stay up to date with all things The Dink MiLP by following us on Instagram and joining our Facebook Group. 

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International Women's Day marks a global celebration of women's accomplishments and resilience. In the realm of pickleball, clubs like Pickle Pop and Gold Coast Pickleball's women's only group exemplify this spirit by providing platforms for women to excel, compete, and support one another.

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The 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California is famous for its shops, dining, and proximity to the beach and the Santa Monica pier. However, the area was hard hit by the effects of the pandemic and is still recovering, creating the perfect opportunity to bring pickleball to some of LA’s most in demand real estate.

Steph McCaffrey, a former professional soccer player with an MBA from Wharton, and Erin Robertson, a Project Runway winner with a background in design and fashion, teamed up to cofound Pickle Pop right in the heart of the promenade. This pickleball venue stands out not only for its distinctive pink courts but also for its commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment, particularly for women.

Robertson says, “a lot of times in sports, everything is super masculine, even for women's sports. It's not like I wanted to make it (Pickle Pop) feminine and fluffy, but I definitely wanted to soften the energy of it, so it felt warm and welcoming, but also fun, bright, energetic and like you would want to move your body.”

The decision to introduce a women's only open play at Pickle Pop was fueled by their general manager Jane Hollon's observation of the need for a space where women could enjoy the game and, as Hollon puts it, “avoid the male players who maybe aren't as experienced and are just like bang, bang, bang.”

What began as a one morning event has now blossomed into “one of our most popular programs,” says Hollon, expanding to three days a week. The program’s rapid growth highlights the demand for providing spaces tailored to the unique preferences and needs of women in the pickleball community.

"If you don't have a DUPR, do you even play pickleball?" says Hollon. Pickle Pop recognizes the importance of DUPR’s rating system and recently organized a fun event to help players earn their rating.

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Six thousand miles across the ocean, nestled in Carumbin Beach in Queensland, Australia, Gold Coast Pickleball’s facilities cater to local players of all types and skill levels.

Suzanne Mackenzie decided to team up with two friends to start a women's only pickleball group at the facility after feeling targeted on the court.

“I’d be on the court with my husband, who has bad knees and isn’t very mobile, and these young guys would absolutely be targeting me. I’d say ‘ease up, buddy.’ It was intimidating, terrifying, not enjoyable.”

Determined to build confidence among female players, Mackenzie envisioned a community grounded in friendship, camaraderie, and teamwork.

The success of Gold Coast Pickleball's initiative is evident in its growth from 30 participants to over 90 women of various ages and skill levels. Utilizing DUPR has proven effective in maintaining a level playing field, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and has an opportunity to participate.

As Sue Bailey, a member of the group says, “the women's only group opened up an opportunity for us (women) to play competitively. You play socially and win some games or lose some games. It doesn't really matter. But when you're playing with a team, it adds that extra incentive to work harder, get better, and to support the team.”

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's raise a paddle to Suzanne, Steph, Erin, Jane, and all the women who are leading the game on and off the court. They're breaking barriers, building communities, and showing the world what women can do when they come together.

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Written By: Alana Jackler

Rise of the Utah Valley Wolverines: A New Era in Collegiate Pickleball?

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This past weekend saw a remarkable turn of events in what was once hailed as Trailblazer territory, as the #1 Utah Tech Trailblazers were dethroned, and the Utah Valley Wolverines emerged as the champions of the Utah Super Regional.

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While the western region of collegiate pickleball doesn’t have the same number of schools or density as the eastern regions, one could easily argue that the western region is the country's most competitive. 

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The Utah Super Regional, held at the Picklr in Kaysville, Utah, welcomed 11 schools from 4 states, forming 20 teams in the main bracket. Among them were veteran teams like Arizona State, University of Utah, and Loyola Marymount, alongside newcomers to DUPR collegiate pickleball such as Stanford and Brigham Young University.

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Four of the teams that competed are ranked top ten in the DUPR Power Rankings that came out this past week on DUPR, and three of those teams are ranked top six. Not surprisingly, each one of these schools earned themselves a bid to nationals:

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• #1 Utah Tech
• #3 Utah Valley
• #6 Utah State
• #10 Grand Canyon

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However, the biggest story of the tournament was Utah Valley’s performance. Utah Valley was the only school this weekend that had multiple teams win every match in their group stage. The #1 team from Utah Valley won every single of their eight matches without dropping a single game against their opponents. In the finals, they handed Utah Tech their first-ever 0-3 match loss and first-ever finals loss in a regional tournament. 

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Will Utah Tech (or another team from the west) step up and take the crown back from Utah Valley? Either way, this is definitely the start of the newest collegiate pickleball rivalry and hints that we will see a level of competition in the 2024 Collegiate National Championship that will break records. 

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A very special thanks to The Picklr for hosting the second DUPR Collegiate Super Regional of 2024. To learn more about The Picklr, visit their website here: thepicklr.com