DUPR Featured Player - Kimberly Crozier

Improving your pickleball rating is a goal that many players aspire to achieve. Whether you're aiming to progress from a beginner level or striving to reach new heights in competitive play, there are specific strategies and techniques you can employ to enhance your pickleball rating. In this article, we'll explore actionable steps focused solely on advancing your pickleball rating and elevating your performance on the court.

Understanding Pickleball Ratings

A pickleball rating is a numerical representation of a player's skill level and performance on the court. It provides an objective measure of a player's ability, allowing for fair and competitive matchups. 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. 

Master the Fundamentals

A strong foundation of fundamental skills is essential for improving your pickleball rating. Focus on refining your grip, stance, and basic strokes, such as serves, forehands, backhands, and volleys. Practice consistency and accuracy in your shots to build confidence and precision on the court. Solidify your understanding of fundamental techniques to lay the groundwork for further improvement.

Develop Strategic Awareness

Elevating your pickleball rating requires more than technical proficiency; it demands strategic acumen and court awareness. Familiarize yourself with various playing styles and strategies, including dinking, lobbing, and third-shot drops. Learn to anticipate your opponent's moves and adapt your gameplay accordingly to gain a competitive edge. Develop a strategic mindset that enables you to make calculated decisions and control the flow of the game.

Embrace Competitive Play

Participating in competitive matches is essential for gauging your progress and advancing your pickleball rating. Engage in tournaments, leagues, and organized play to challenge yourself against diverse opponents of varying skill levels. Embrace both victories and defeats as valuable learning opportunities, analyzing your performance to identify areas for growth. Competing regularly will sharpen your skills, build confidence, and prepare you for higher levels of play.

Seek Quality Coaching

Investing in professional coaching can significantly accelerate your progress and rating improvement. Certified pickleball instructors can provide personalized feedback, identify areas for improvement, and offer tailored training drills to address specific weaknesses. Enroll in clinics, workshops, or private lessons to receive expert guidance and refine your skills under professional supervision. Incorporate feedback from coaches into your practice routine to maximize your development potential.

Cultivate Mental Toughness

Developing mental toughness is paramount for success in pickleball and rating improvement. Cultivate focus, resilience, and a positive mindset to navigate challenges and setbacks effectively. Learn to manage stress and maintain composure during intense matches, channeling nerves into productive energy. Visualize success, set achievable goals, and celebrate incremental progress to stay motivated on your journey to improving your pickleball rating. Strengthening your mental resilience will enhance your performance under pressure and contribute to your overall rating advancement.

Improving your pickleball rating requires dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach to skill development. Stay committed to your development, embrace the challenges, and celebrate the progress you make along the way. With determination and the right approach, you'll undoubtedly achieve your goals and reach new limits with your rating.

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Minor League Pickleball at MLP Virginia Beach to Be Inaugural Event, September 28-29

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MLP by Margaritaville (MLP) and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) today announced a partnership to launch MLP’s schedule of amateur events - which will operate alongside several 2024 MLP events, starting with MLP Virginia Beach in September - under Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) branding, format, event management and operations.

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“This partnership between MLP and DUPR is an incredibly valuable component of the MiLP at MLP amateur events launch,” said MLP CEO Bruce Popko. “We can’t think of a better way to bring Major League Pickleball’s thrilling coed team format to amateur players, who will be able to play alongside MLP’s exhilarating and fan-friendly pro events.”

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“DUPR, MLP and MiLP are joining forces to deliver the best pickleball experiences for players of all levels,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado. “MLP's professional events are known for their electric atmosphere for players and fans, and now we are excited to offer amateur players across the country the once in a lifetime opportunity to compete like pros in their regions and advance towards a national championship."

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These events will give registered amateurs the opportunity to play in events alongside MLP’s professional teams and players, supporting new, exciting pathways for players to compete and showcasing the connectivity within the broader pickleball community.

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DUPR-preferred event directors will run the MiLP at MLP tournaments, providing the best amateur pickleball experience under the coed team format where mixed teams of four players (two women and two men) are broken into divisions based on their combined DUPR rating to compete against each other in four games played to 21 points (two gendered, two mixed).

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Winners will earn a Dream Ticket and automatically qualify for the 2024 Minor League Pickleball National Championship, which will feature $50,000 in prize money across six divisions - DUPR 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 - and be held at the Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton, MO, Dec. 13-15.

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Event registrations will be available through Pickleball Brackets:

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About Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville)

MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique coed format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. Founded in 2021, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022. For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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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 the DUPR website or download the app to sign up and learn more.

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, including pickleball ratings. 

What Is Pickleball? 

Congressman Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell invented the game of pickleball one summer afternoon in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA as a fun activity for the whole family. Fast-forward to 2020, when the game’s popularity exploded across the U.S. as pandemic lockdowns as people craved exercise and community. 

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It's typically played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net, using solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles and is known for its friendly and inclusive community.

The objective of pickleball is simple: to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court without letting it bounce twice. The game begins with a serve, which must be made underhand and diagonally across the court. Once the ball is in play, players continue to volley until a point is scored or a fault is committed.

Basic Rules and Gameplay

Pickleball follows a set of straightforward rules to ensure fair play and enjoyable competition. Some key rules include:

• The non-volley zone, also known as “the Kitchen”, restricts players from hitting the ball while standing inside it.
• The serve must land within the opposite diagonal court and clear the non-volley zone.
• The ball must bounce once on each side of the net before players can begin volleying.
• Points can only be scored by the serving team.

Equipment and Attire

One of the appeals of pickleball is its minimal equipment requirements. All you need to get started are a paddle, a ball, and a pair of comfortable court shoes. Pickleball paddles come in a variety of materials and designs, so it's worth trying out different options to find one that suits your playing style. 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

In pickleball, player ratings are used to assess skill levels and ensure balanced matches. The DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system is the most accurate and widely adopted pickleball rating system in the sport. Once you download the app and create an account (for free), DUPR takes into account your performance against opponents of varying skill levels, across recreational, club and league matches. With a personalized DUPR-score, you have a pickleball rating that reflects your abilities at any given moment.

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

How To Improve Your Game

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

• Practice regularly: Like any sport, consistent practice is key to improvement. Set aside time to work on your serves, volleys, and footwork.
• Take lessons: Consider taking lessons from a certified pickleball instructor to learn proper technique and strategy.
• Watch and learn: Watching videos of professional pickleball matches can provide valuable insights into tactics and gameplay.
• Play with better players: Playing against opponents who are more skilled than you can challenge you to elevate your game and adapt to different styles of play.
• Have fun: Above all, remember that pickleball is meant to be enjoyable. Don't be too hard on yourself and focus on having fun and making new friends on the court.

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

Pickleball is more than just a sport; it's a community that welcomes players of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're looking for a new way to stay active or hoping to meet new people, pickleball offers something for everyone. With this beginner's guide, you'll be ready to grab a paddle, hit the court, and start enjoying all that pickleball has to offer. As the most accurate pickleball ratings system, DUPR is with you every step of the way along your pickleball journey. So what’re you waiting for? Create a free account now and hit the courts in no time!