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We’ve All Been There…

You’re locked into a rally. Suddenly, the ball goes down the middle. You and your partner pause, glance, and… no one moves. You just lost the point.

The situation of the “middle ball moment” is one of the most common and avoidable missteps in pickleball strategy. But who’s actually supposed to take that shot? It depends. And understanding middle ball ownership is key to leveling up your game, especially if you're tracking your DUPR rating, playing in pickleball tournaments, or playing in your first Minor League Pickleball event.

Let’s break it down.

Why the Middle Ball Is So Important

The middle is the highest percentage shot in pickleball  and one of the most misplayed. Players target it because it:

• Keeps the ball away from sidelines
• Tests your team’s communication
• Forces opponents to make a fast decision

But for teams who don’t plan in advance for who is covering the middle, it creates hesitation, confusion, or worse collisions. Even one mistake here can tank a tight game or hurt your pickleball rating.

The Default Rule: Forehand Takes the Middle

A common rule of thumb at every level of pickleball (from beginners to pros) is this:
When in doubt, the player with the forehand in the middle takes the shot.

This simple guideline helps to:

• Prevent hesitation
• Maximize power and control
• Ensure consistent court coverage

In most right-handed pairings, that means the left-side player should step in and take charge of the middle. But keep in mind: this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. There are plenty of rallies where exceptions apply. Here’s what to watch for.

4 Situations Where That Rule Changes

Even at the pro level or in DUPR-sanctioned team events, players adapt based on context. Here’s when the forehand rule breaks:

Positioning on the Court

If the forehand player is recovering or out of reach, the other player may have a cleaner shot, even if it’s a backhand. Footwork and awareness matter more than hand dominance here.

For more tips on court positioning, check out this blog. 

Strengths

Sometimes, one partner is simply stronger at a certain shot. Especially in tournaments, partners may pre-designate the more consistent player to “own” the middle.

Lefty-Righty Teams

When a lefty and righty play together, both forehands are in the middle. This sounds great but it’s easy to overreach or second-guess unless the team clearly defines roles.

Pre-match communication is essential. Check out our full communication guide to help you and your partner level up your game.

Clear Communication

Saying “MINE!” or “YOU!” overrides everything. Clear, early calls prevent confusion more than any technical rule ever will.

Communication Wins Championships

Silent teams lose points. Elite teams talk constantly even in non-verbal cues or one-word commands. Try these:

• “Mine!” (you are taking the ball)
• “Yours!” (partner takes it)
• “Bounce!” (don’t hit it out of the air)

Use the 80/20 Rule:

• 80% of middle balls follow the forehand rule
  
• 20% should adapt based on positioning and player roles
  

How Middle Ball Strategy Affects Your DUPR Rating

Your DUPR rating isn’t just based on winning or losing. DUPR’s algorithm factors in every single point won and lost. Hesitating or misplaying the middle ball can cost points and that costs you rating accuracy.The better your team's chemistry and middle-ball confidence, the higher your rating ceiling becomes.

3 Drills to Sharpen Middle Ball Awareness

Middle Feed Drill

Feed a stream of balls down the centerline. Alternate who calls the ball and ensure communication is immediate and loud.

Forehand Only Drill

Only allow forehand middle shots. This builds reaction time and helps lock in which player takes what, especially for new partners.

Tournament Simulation Drill

Play mini games where middle balls are emphasized. Penalize silence or hesitation. Try to recreate real pressure.

Conclusion: Small Tactic, Big Results

The middle ball is one of the most important communication decisions in doubles pickleball. From casual rec games to competitive Minor League Pickleball, knowing who takes the middle can be the difference between a clean win and a messy loss.

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., October 1, 2025 – Leading pickleball tours, leagues, and clubs including National Pickleball, World of Pickleball, The Dink Minor League Pickleball, Triple Team Pickleball League, Pickleball Is Great, The Picklr, Performance Pickleball, and The Flying Pickle have confirmed to host DUPR Verified Events.

By adopting DUPR Verified, these organizations are implementing stricter eligibility rules, consistent score reporting, and ratings that carry greater match weight. Verified events are designed to ensure fair brackets, meaningful results, and improved trust in competition.

“DUPR Verified events carry a higher weight on reliability scores, meaning every match counts more toward a player’s rating,” said John Campbell, Founder & CEO of World of Pickleball.

This commitment from tours reflects a growing consensus across competitive pickleball that standardized rules and transparent results are essential for the sport’s long-term growth.

“At The Picklr, our priority is to give members access to the most accurate and competitive experience possible. Hosting DUPR Verified Events helps us do exactly that,” said Mike Richards, COO of The Picklr.

With tours, leagues, APIs  and clubs adopting the Verified standard, DUPR is creating a unified framework for fair play. Results from Verified events not only impact player ratings more significantly, but also reward consistent participation and ensure that divisions are balanced across skill levels.

“The commitment from these partners demonstrates the sport’s readiness to evolve,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “They are setting the bar for fairness, accountability, and trust; and players everywhere will benefit.”

DUPR Verified Events are designed to ensure fair competition through consistent eligibility and score reporting, protect rating accuracy by requiring DUPR+ and verified accounts, and deliver a standardized tournament experience where results carry lasting impact.

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. Its dynamic system evaluates players on a 2.000–8.000 scale across age, gender, and location. DUPR is the official rating system of the United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, and National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the largest amateur circuits in the sport. For more information, visit www.dupr.com.

Media Contact:

‍Kyrill Hartog
VP Marketing & Communications
kyrill@mydupr.com

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The high school pickleball division brought some of the most exciting competition this past weekend, and one school in particular stole the spotlight:  Proof School out of California.

Proof School’s Big Weekend

Both of Proof’s teams impressed in the bracket, finishing 1st and 3rd overall. It was a huge showing for the program, proving they’re quickly becoming a powerhouse on the high school pickleball scene.

Mixed Doubles Success

The success didn’t stop there. In the mixed doubles division, Proof School kept the momentum going with strong performances across the board, finishing 1st and 3rd. Their depth and consistency stood out against tough competition.

Standout Player to Watch

One of the brightest young stars of the weekend was Lizzie McFarland, a 14-year-old from Utah and the captain of Green Canyon High School. Playing alongside her partner Daniel Phillips, Lizzie showed poise, leadership, and skill well beyond her years. She’s already making a name for herself on the high school scene  and could be one to watch as collegiate pickleball programs continue to expand.

Relive the Action

Couldn’t make it out to the tournament? You can still catch all the matches and big moments. Just use the Swish spectator code: Sv6X4 to rewatch the full slate of games.

Why High School Pickleball Matters

High school pickleball is more than just competition; it’s the pipeline to college opportunities. With collegiate programs like Drury University already offering varsity pickleball and full scholarships, standout performances at the high school level can open doors for future athletes.

That’s why tournaments like this are so important. They not only showcase rising talent but also give players the chance to be seen, recruited, and prepared for the next stage.

What’s Next

This was just the beginning. More high school pickleball tournaments are on the horizon in Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona. Don’t miss your chance to watch the next generation of players compete.

Check out the high school calendar here and stay up to date on high school pickleball news by following us on Instagram here. 

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The first Collegiate Super Regional of the season went down in Utah last weekend, and it was all about Utah Tech. The Trailblazers dominated the whole pickleball tournament, sending both of their top teams to the finals  and neither dropped a single match on the way there.

Utah Tech’s Big Weekend

The finals turned into an all-Utah Tech battle. Newcomers Clayton and Ella Boydston made their collegiate debut and wasted no time making noise. The sibling duo helped their team capture the title in what was a statement weekend for the Trailblazers.

Utah Valley and USC Punch Their Tickets

Last year’s champs, Utah Valley, couldn’t quite repeat, falling to Utah Tech in the semis, but they still walked away with a Nationals bid.

The other big story was USC, the lone non-Utah school in the draw. The Trojans fought through a dramatic Dreambreaker in the quarterfinals to lock in the third bid. Gritty, scrappy, and a ton of fun to watch.

Packed House, School Pride

The atmosphere was incredible. Utah Tech, Utah Valley, Southern Utah, Utah State, and the University of Utah all rolled deep with three or more teams each. Every court had fans cheering, players battling, and school spirit on full display.

DUPR Ambassadors in the Mix

This Super Regional also featured three of our very own DUPR Collegiate Ambassadors:

• Mary Monson (Utah Tech) – ended up facing fellow ambassador Liam in the final.
  
• Liam Duffin (Utah Tech) – helped his squad secure a finals spot in the all-Utah Tech showdown.
  
• James Kerrigan (Utah Valley) – came up clutch to help UVU earn their bid to Nationals.
  

Seeing our ambassadors leading their squads in such big moments is exactly what this season is all about.

Standout Players to Watch

While Utah Tech’s dominance stole the headlines, the Utah Super Regional also gave us a look at several players who could soon be on the radar for Major League Pickleball. From undefeated runs to breakout performances, these athletes proved they can hang on the biggest collegiate stage and their names are worth keeping an eye on.

• Clayton Boydston (Utah Tech) – The freshman phenom went undefeated all weekend and looked right at home on the big stage.
• Liam Duffin (Utah Tech) – Another Trailblazer who didn’t drop a match. His consistency and composure make him a dangerous piece of Utah Tech’s stacked lineup.
• Rachel Garff (Utah Valley) – Formerly with the University of Utah, Garff switched to UVU this season and immediately made an impact, helping her team reach the semifinals.
• Kenadee Bailey (USC) – Entered the tournament with no DUPR rating and left with a semifinal run. A breakout performance that turned plenty of heads.
• Jace Wilkins (Southern Utah) – The leader of SUU’s squad, Wilkins proved why he’s their go-to player and someone who could thrive at the next level.

What’s Next?

With this kind of showing, Utah Tech has made it clear: they’re the team everyone is chasing this year. But with Nationals still ahead and plenty more Super Regionals on the calendar, the race for collegiate pickleball bragging rights is just getting started.

To stay up to date in collegiate pickleball news, join our Collegiate News Channel here. 

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The collegiate pickleball season has finally arrived, and excitement is at an all-time high. This weekend, top players from across the West will converge for the first Super Regional of the year, hosted at a DUPR-verified club, The Picklr Kaysville. With rivalries renewed and bids on the line, fans can expect high-level play and plenty of intense competition on the courts.

Schools Represented

This year’s event brings together an exciting mix of programs:

• University of Utah
• Utah Valley University
• University of Southern California
• Utah Tech University
• Southern Utah University
• Brigham Young University
• Utah State University

With so many powerhouse programs competing, every match has the potential to shape the season ahead.

Featured Players to Watch

The spotlight shines bright on a handful of players who have already established themselves as standouts in the collegiate scene.

Top Men:

• Clayton Boydston (Utah Tech) - DUPR 5.881
• Liam Duffin (Utah Tech) - DUPR: 5.835
• Charles Case (Utah Valley) - DUPR 5.741

Top Women:

• Ella Boydston (Utah Tech) - DUPR: 5.472
• Lauren Mercado (Utah Tech) - DUPR: 5.386
• Mary Monson (Utah Tech) - DUPR: 5.116 

These athletes will be central figures in the weekend’s battles, and fans should keep an eye out for their performances.

Programs in the Spotlight

Based on preseason buzz, three programs stand out as early contenders:

1) Utah Tech – A program loaded with talent on both the men’s and women’s sides.

2) Utah Valley – Ready to challenge for the crown and prove their depth.

3) BYU – Looking to secure their place among the top contenders with a strong showing.

Expect tight competition for the third bid between BYU, USC, and Southern Utah University, ensuring that every match has real stakes.

Schedule

Don’t miss any of the action! Take a look at this weekend’s schedule here:

Sunday will be streamed on our YouTube Channel - Subscribe now!

What to Expect

This event marks more than just the start of a new season. It is the rebirth of one of the fiercest rivalries in collegiate pickleball. Utah Tech and Utah Valley will go head-to-head once again, battling to see who is the best in the west. Every rally, every point, every game will matter.

Fans can also look forward to professional coverage: Cracked Racquets is our livestream partner, bringing polished commentary and analysis. The semifinals and finals will be streamed live on Sunday on our YouTube channel. Don’t miss a single point of the action!

Mark your calendars. Gather your crew. And get ready, because collegiate pickleball is back, and it’s bigger than ever.

To stay up to date on collegiate pickleball news, join our Collegiate News Channel on Instagram here.

Tip from Pro Player, Collin Johns

There’s one shot that can completely change how you control a rally: the forehand roll drop. It’s simple, effective, and once you get the feel, you’ll wonder how you ever played without it.

As a DUPR user, you can get free access to training videos from Pickleball 360, where Ben Johns, Collin Johns, and Dekel Bar break down shots just like this. Over 200 lessons, all levels, all taught by the best in the game.

Click here to access the complementary training videos.

What Is a Forehand Roll Drop?

A forehand roll drop is a drop shot hit with topspin from the baseline into the kitchen. Unlike a flat push drop, this version adds spin to make the ball more aggressive while still controlled.

Adding topspin to your drop provides several benefits:

• Gives you more margin over the net. This reduces the chances of drops falling short.
  
• Applies added pressure on your opponent. The topspin brings the ball down sharply, often right at their feet.
  
• Becomes increasingly effective at higher levels. When consistency and precision matter most, the roll drop is both the safer and smarter option.

Both flat and roll drops can work, but the topspin version is often the preferred choice at higher levels because it combines safety with offensive potential.

The Keys to Generating Topspin

1. Paddle Angle

To generate topspin, your paddle face should be flat or slightly closed. Unlike open-faced drops, keeping the paddle flat allows you to drag upward on the ball, creating spin.

Think of it less like catching and releasing (as in tennis) and more like letting the ball “drag” along the paddle face as you pull up.

2. The Follow-Through

Your follow-through is critical. If you swipe across your body too much (like a windshield wiper), the ball leaves your paddle too quickly and won’t spin.

Instead, finish on the same side of your body where you started. For right-handers, that means keeping the paddle on the right side and finishing high by your head.

Combined with using your legs to get low and lift, this follow-through maximizes spin and control.

Trajectory and Spin

The trajectory of a forehand roll drop depends on how far underneath the ball you start. Bend your knees, get low, and lift from underneath to create the desired arc.

• The ball should travel with a slight arc, not flat.
• The topspin will “tumble” the ball down into the kitchen.
• This combination creates a drop that’s harder to attack and gives you more margin for error over the net.

Stance and Contact Point

Your stance sets up your success. Rotate your hips, shoulders, and core through the shot. Use your muscles to provide the little bit of power needed, not your arm. The arm should act only as the delivery system.

For consistency:

• Avoid reaching or cramming to the point where you have to crunch
• Move your feet so you can strike from that same comfortable position every time.

The more consistent your contact point, the more reliable your roll drop will be.

Why the Roll Drop Matters

The forehand roll drop is a weapon. With topspin, you can:

• Clear the net safely.
• Land the ball at your opponent’s feet.
• Take control of rallies by turning defense into offense.
  

At higher levels of pickleball, this shot often separates solid players from great ones.

To recap the mechanics of the forehand roll drop:

• Keep a flat or slightly closed paddle face.
• Use an upward swing to create topspin.
• Finish your follow-through on the same side of your body.
• Remember your stance so that you have comfortable and consistent contact without reaching.

Mastering this shot takes practice, but once it’s in your game, it will open up more opportunities to control rallies and win points.

Free Training for DUPR Players

DUPR members can grab complimentary videos from Pickleball 360, customized to your level. Just fill out a quick form, and you’ll get pro tips sent right to your inbox.

👉 Get Your Free Videos

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About Pickleball 360: 

Pickleball 360 is a premier instructional video subscription platform co-founded by top professional players Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Dekel Bar, and Bic Houser.

Pickleball 360 provides in-depth, high-quality pickleball instruction curated by some of the most accomplished athletes and coaches in the sport. The platform features a comprehensive library of over 200+ instructional videos, catering to players of all levels, from beginners learning the basics to advanced and semi-professional players seeking to refine their skills, strategies, and mental approach. 

Subscribers have access to multiple flexible options, including monthly and annual memberships, as well as the ability to choose from customized packages and video bundles tailored to specific skill levels, topics, or areas of focus such as footwork, dinking, or advanced tactics. With this personalized approach and elite-level instruction, Pickleball 360 stands out as one of the most trusted and effective resources for player development in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.

About Pickleball Getaways: 

Pickleball Getaways is a unique travel experience co-founded by professional pickleball players Ben Johns and Dekel Bar, who launched the company in the early stages of their athletic careers. Fueled by a shared passion for the sport and international exploration, they envisioned a way to merge world-class pickleball instruction with unforgettable vacations and turned that vision into a reality through their skill, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit.  Today, Pickleball Getaways brings players of all levels to breathtaking destinations around the globe, offering immersive clinics led by elite pros and curated experiences that go far beyond the court. Ben, widely considered the greatest player in pickleball history, brings his unmatched skill, signature one-handed backhand roll, and engaging teaching style to every getaway. Dekel is a top 5 professional pickleball player and also a former top-ranked tennis player from Israel, known for his explosive Erne and love for travel. He leads the way in choosing destinations; his favorite being Croatia in 2022. Together, Ben and Dekel make Pickleball Getaways the only place to consistently learn from the best, both on and off the court.

Enjoy $125 off your next trip with the code DUPR125.

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Want to train smarter, not just harder? There’s a little-known pickleball drill that can transform your game by putting you in uncomfortable, high-pressure situations. It’s called the 7/11 Drill and once you try it, you’ll never go back to “boring” practice.

The Drill That Feels Rigged (In the Best Way)

Here’s how it works:

• One player starts at the kitchen line.
  
• The other begins at the baseline, hitting a third-shot drop to kick off the point.
  
• From there, you play the rally out… but with one twist:
  

👉 The baseline player only needs 7 points to win.
👉 The kitchen player needs 11 points to win.

At first glance, it feels unfair. But that’s the beauty of it: the imbalance forces you to adapt, focus, and grind in ways normal drilling doesn’t.

Why Players Love (and Hate) It

• For the baseline player: You’ve got the advantage, but can you execute the perfect third shot drop under pressure?
  
• For the kitchen player: You’re fighting uphill. Every point counts double, and you’ll need consistency and patience to claw your way to victory.
  

In short, the 7/11 drill turns practice into a game where both players sharpen their strategy and mental toughness.

Want More Drills Like This?

This gem comes straight from Tanner Pickleball, who shares tons of creative ways to level up your game. If you’re serious about improving, take a look at these single pickleball drills shared by Pro Player Bobbi Oshiro.  Or keep scrolling on our blog to find more!

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Pickleball just got more exciting. DUPR is proud to announce the launch of DUPR Forecast, a new feature that lets you see how a match is expected to play out before you even step on the court.

For the first time, players can preview whether they’re the favorite or the underdog, and by exactly how much. After the match, DUPR compares the actual results to the forecasted outcome, adjusting ratings accordingly. Every point now has more meaning because you’ll know how much is on the line.

Why Forecast Matters

• More Data, More Insight: Players now see the odds, not just the results.
  
• Motivation to Compete: Beat the forecast, and your pickleball rating will rise.
  
• Fairer Expectations: Know what’s realistic before you play, whether you’re testing yourself against stronger opponents or holding your ground as the favorite.
  
• Unlimited Simulations: Want to see how you’d stack up with a new partner? Or against your rivals? Run as many forecasts as you want, anytime, until the end of the year.
  

This isn’t just about ratings; it’s about making the game more competitive, more transparent, and fun.

How to Use DUPR Forecast

Using DUPR Forecast is simple:

1) Open the DUPR App and go to your match entry (note: you’ll need the latest version of the app, go to your App Store to update).

2) Check the Forecast to see your predicted odds of winning. DUPR calculates the exact margin. Are you the favorite or the underdog?

3) Play Your Match. Compete as usual. You can find pickleball tournaments here.

4) Compare the Results. DUPR measures how you did versus the forecast:

- Outperform the forecast? Your DUPR goes up.

- Underperform? Your DUPR adjusts down.

Check out how DUPR’s algorithm works here. 

5) Run Unlimited Simulations. Want to test different partners, opponents, or matchups? You can simulate as many combinations as you want to see how the forecast changes.

What This Means for Players

DUPR Forecast turns every game into more than just a match; it’s a challenge against expectations. Whether you’re trying to outcompete the algorithm, preparing mentally for tough competition, or just having fun testing out new team combinations, DUPR Forecast gives you the data to play smarter and improve faster.

So the next time you step on court, you’ll know not only who you’re playing, but how much is really at stake.

👉 Update your DUPR app today and start forecasting your next match.

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