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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A New Elite Standard for Pickleball Tournaments: No More Sandbagging

Nothing kills the excitement of a tournament like mismatched divisions or players competing well below their true level. That’s why the biggest tours and leagues in the sport are moving to DUPR Verified Events in 2026.

DUPR Verified Events are built to deliver trust, fairness, and competitive integrity at the highest level.

What Are DUPR Verified Events?

More than 300 organizations have already applied to run DUPR Verified events. Why? Because players asked for it. They wanted more reliable ways to ensure fair matchups and DUPR listened.

As pickleball continues its exponential growth, DUPR Verified provides a premium framework to protect the player experience:

1. Participant Requirements

Every player must:

• Have an active DUPR+ subscription
• Authenticate their phone number
  

2. Higher Standards‍

All events are reviewed and approved by the DUPR Fairplay Committee. Tours or leagues that fail to meet the eligibility, score reporting, or event standards outlined in the DUPR Verified Event Policy will be removed from the program.

3. Higher Rating Impact

As we have more trustworthy data on participants, match results from DUPR Verified events count more towards your DUPR. 

Note: players can still improve their ratings by competing in non-verified events. DUPR Verified events are simply an extra tier.

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Why the Biggest Tours & Leagues Are On Board

For tours and leagues, this move is about more than branding; it’s about protecting the player experience.

Here’s what leaders across the sport are saying:

The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP)

"The Dink Minor League Pickleball was created to deliver competitive, team-based pickleball in the fairest way possible. Moving to DUPR Verified ensures that our players face true peers and that their results have lasting impact. It’s a game-changer for the integrity of our league." - Caroline Luelf, Director of MiLP 

‍World of Pickleball

“Even better, DUPR verified events carry a higher weight on player ratings, meaning every match you play with us counts more toward your DUPR” - John Campbell, Founder and CEO

Triple Team Pickleball League (TTPL)

“Sandbagging has no place in elite pickleball. DUPR Verified events add a layer of protection, making Triple team one the most trusted amateur tours in the game” -Laurie Lambert, National Program Manager

National Pickleball

“With DUPR Verified tournaments, we’re able to offer a premium experience: higher-level competition, more impactful ratings, and balanced brackets.” - Seth Burleigh, Director of Operations

What This Means for Players

When you step onto the court at a DUPR Verified event, you know:
✅ Your opponents truly belong in your division
✅ Your results will meaningfully impact your pickleball rating.
✅ Your tournament experience will be fair, competitive, and fun

This isn’t just a policy; it’s a movement. Tours embracing DUPR Verified are setting the gold standard for the future of pickleball.

Ready to Run Verified Events?

The 2026 season is your chance to provide fairer brackets, stronger competition, and higher-value matches for players. 

Clubs, tours, leagues, APIs and pickleball organizations are welcomed to provide this premium experience. 

👉 Apply to run verified events.

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This summer, DUPR partnered with a group of passionate collegiate players who stepped into leadership roles as Collegiate Summer Ambassadors. Their mission? To grow the game on campuses, build community, and showcase how pickleball is shaping the next generation of athletes.

Over the past few months, these ambassadors:

• Landed new sponsorships and brand deals thanks to DUPR’s exposure.
  
• Participated in internal social media challenges with unique prizes.
  
• Received direct feedback and guidance on how to build their personal brands in the pickleball industry.
  

The result: a summer of growth, creativity, and impact, both on and off the court.

Abbey Oliver

Abbey, a senior at Drury University, the first-ever pickleball varsity program in the nation, balances academics with competition as a key member of the school’s pickleball team. Her passion for the sport has quickly grown into opportunities for leadership, media, and community-building through DUPR.

 "This opportunity has given me all of that and more, offering a new perspective on the game."

During her ambassador journey, Abbey also became a DUPR Coach, creating a video that earned more than 21,000 views. Now, she’s using that certification to officially rate players, further solidifying her role as both a competitor and a leader in the collegiate pickleball community.

Mary Monson

At just 16 years old, Mary already plays college pickleball at Utah Tech University while traveling nationally and internationally to compete in pro tournaments. She thrives on collaboration, working with other ambassadors and DUPR’s media team to create engaging collegiate content.

‍"It has been so much fun being a DUPR ambassador and helping grow pickleball on the college scene. I enjoy collaborating to create fun content that promotes the sport on the collegiate level."

Learn more about Mary’s story here. 

Tristan Miller‍

Tristan joined the DUPR Collegiate Ambassador program as a way to build connections and gain visibility in the pickleball industry. After just a year of playing, his dedication to both the game and the community has already created meaningful opportunities.

‍"DUPR has helped me grow both in the community as well as in my social media presence, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity."

Caden McCray

For Caden, pickleball started as a hobby but quickly grew into a leadership role on campus. As a DUPR Ambassador, he’s promoted the sport among college athletes, organized events, and inspired more students to join the game.

‍"Through these experiences, I’ve gained not only valuable opportunities but also lasting connections, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the growth of pickleball."

Together, Tristan and Caden have become true “pickleball besties,” teaming up to create content that showcases both the fun and competitive side of the sport. Their chemistry has even caught the attention of pickleball brands like pickleball_besties who have reached out to collaborate with them.

Heather Kim

Heather’s pickleball journey began as a family sport, but her competitive edge quickly set her apart. From her tennis background, she transitioned into pickleball and became a Top 12 junior player in the U.S., now competing in pro events proudly sponsored by Selkirk. As president of the University of Connecticut Club, Heather leads the charge in expanding pickleball on campus.

‍"I became a DUPR ambassador because I love the competition and vibes of DUPR collegiate events, and I’m very excited to help promote these opportunities for players nationwide."

Heather is one of the many collegiate athletes working their way to the pro pickleball world. Check out this blog on how a former collegiate champ upset Tyson McGuffin on at a PPA pickleball tournament. 

Lilly Jennings

Lilly started playing pickleball three years ago, but this summer she doubled down on consistency and training as a DUPR ambassador. With eyes on making the Alabama Pickleball Club team, she used the ambassador program as extra motivation to practice and grow.

"I wanted to have some experience working with leadership and pickleball over the summer to transfer that to the pickleball club. I can’t wait to see what pickleball has to offer in the fall!"

The Fall season has already started with four collegiate pickleball tournaments happening the weekend of September 27-28. Check out Fall’s Collegiate Pickleball Schedule here. 

Eli Eliason

After competing for the University of Tennessee, Eli started the Georgia Tech competitive pickleball team, carving out a path for future players. His first full collegiate season showed him just how powerful the DUPR network could be.

"Being able to represent the collegiate tour and make connections has been a blast for the past few months."

If your school doesn’t have a pickleball team yet, check out this step-by-step guide on how to create one. 

Dylan Borowsky

At the University of Richmond, Dylan has grown his club program into one of the most active communities on campus. His ambassador journey allowed him to connect schools and promote events, combining his love for the sport with opportunities to expand its reach.

‍"Being part of this program has let me combine my love for the game with the opportunity to help it reach even more players."

Sarah Peach

Sarah is a third-year Neuroscience major at Georgia Tech who has been playing pickleball for the past two years. She helped launch the Georgia Tech Club Pickleball Team and serves as the team’s VP of Social Media and Event Coordinator, blending leadership with her love for the sport.

"One of my favorite parts about college pickleball has been the ability to meet so many different people from so many different schools across the nation. It's incredible to see so many people come together over the love of pickleball and watch how we all get to form new friendships and encourage each other."

Sarah credits DUPR’s collegiate platform for creating a space where students can connect, compete, and grow the game. As she looks ahead, she’s excited to continue building community and can’t wait to see what this next season of college pickleball (and DUPR) has in store.

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Building the Future of Collegiate Pickleball

These ambassadors represent the future of the sport: athletes who aren’t just competing, but also building the culture, content, and community of pickleball at the collegiate level. With new sponsorships, stronger networks, and valuable media experience under their belts, they’ve set the bar high for what it means to be a DUPR ambassador.

We couldn’t be more excited to watch their journeys unfold and to continue supporting them as leaders in the fastest-growing sport in America.

Interested in becoming a DUPR Collegiate Ambassador? Learn more here.

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Collegiate Pickleball Players — This Is Your Shot!

‍Reign Storm is fully funding one team’s trip to the 2025 Adidas Collegiate World Championships!

Dreamed of playing on the biggest stage in collegiate pickleball? This is your chance to have your UPA World Championships experience covered, thanks to Reign Storm.

What’s Covered

The winning team (one team of 2 men + 2 women) will receive:

• Up to 4 nights of hotel stay
• Flights
• $100 per day for food
• Entry fees

*Team must be based in the United States.

How to Enter

Submit your entry by clicking the link and providing:

• A team photo
• A short video testimonial telling us:
  
  • Why your team is fired up to compete at the Adidas Collegiate World Championships
    Why you deserve to be chosen

Bonus Challenge: Create a fun, high-energy video featuring your team with Reign Storm. Think outside the box: choreographed routines, creative skits, or anything that shows your team’s energy and personality.

The best entries will be featured on DUPR’s Instagram, where the community will vote for their favorite team in the comments.

Key Dates

• Submissions close: Wednesday, October 1st
• Community voting on DUPR’s Instagram: October 3-9 
• Winner announced: Friday, October 10 — exactly three weeks before the Championship!
  

Your Path to Glory

The 2025 Adidas Collegiate World Championships is the ultimate stage for collegiate pickleball. Reign Storm is fueling one team’s journey to compete at the highest level.

Don’t just play. Make history.

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ENTER NOW! 

Official Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. This Giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or any other social media platform. Open to Collegiate Pickleball Teams and Players solely in the DUPR platform. Each team must consist of currently enrolled collegiate pickleball players and be located in the United States.

Participants must be 18 years or older or have parental/guardian consent. Giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States. Giveaway begins [September 17th] and ends Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST ("Entry Period"). Entries submitted after the Entry Period will not be eligible. Prize details include: One (1) winning team (consisting of 4 player (2 men + 2 women)) will receive a funded trip to The 2025 Adidas Collegiate Pickleball Championships, which includes: Round-trip airfare from school to the event (or equivalent travel reimbursement), Hotel accommodations at the for days of the event, preferred hotel, Tournament entry fees, and $100 per day for food Friday to Sunday. 

Approximate retail value (ARV) of the prize: $16,600. Prize is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes or additional expenses not specified.

The winner will be notified via email and/or social media direct message within five (5) days of the voting closing. If a winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner may be selected.

Winner must provide valid proof of identity upon request to claim the prize. By entering, participants grant Sponsor and its partners the right to use submitted content (photos/videos) for promotional purposes without additional compensation.

Winner agrees to participate in any promotional activities related to the Giveaway. Winner and team members may be required to sign a travel liability waiver before receiving the prize.

DUPR and Reign Storm are not responsible for cancellations, travel disruptions, injuries, or other unforeseen circumstances related to the trip.

DUPR reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with the rules or appears fraudulent. DUPR reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the Giveaway in the event of unforeseen circumstances. By participating, entrants agree to release DUPR, its affiliates, and partners from any liability arising from participation or prize use. By entering, you agree to these Official Rules. By entering the Giveaway, participants acknowledge and agree to the collection, use, and processing of their personal information (such as name, email address, and any other required data) by DUPR and Reign Storm for the purposes of administering the Giveaway, notifying the winner, and providing the prize.

Participants' personal data will not be shared with third parties except as necessary to fulfill the prize (e.g., for travel arrangements or other prize-related services). By entering, participants agree to the collection and use of their personal data as outlined in the privacy policy and these Official Rules.

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‍College pickleball is evolving at lightning speed, and Drury University made history by becoming the first university in the nation to officially launch varsity pickleball. At the heart of this groundbreaking move is Jarrod Smith, a pickleball pro, multi-time national champion, and longtime head tennis coach at Drury. Just a year ago, Smith transitioned from the tennis court to take the reins as head coach of Drury’s varsity pickleball team.

What Are “Varsity” Sports?

At most colleges, you’ll hear about two types of sports: club and varsity.

1. Club sports are run by students, usually with small budgets and volunteer coaches. They’re fun, competitive, and community-driven but they aren’t officially part of the school’s athletic department.
   
2. Varsity sports, on the other hand, are official university teams. They receive full support from the athletic department, which includes:
   - Scholarships to help players pay for school
   - Full-time coaches dedicated to training and developing athletes
   - Team budgets and facilities on par with other big-name sports
   - Official competition schedules where the school is represented at intercollegiate events

While more than 125 universities currently offer pickleball club programs, Drury became the first to integrate pickleball into its athletics department as a fully recognized varsity sport. Pickleball players at Drury now receive the same backing, resources, and recognition as athletes in basketball, tennis, or soccer. That means scholarship opportunities, coaching staff, and dedicated program budgets.

Why Being First Matters

Drury’s decision is more than symbolic;  it’s a spark. Smith hopes their leadership will encourage other universities to follow suit.

“We wanted to be the first, but we don’t want to be the only,” he said in an interview with Pickleballers. “I want Drury to be a resource for other schools. We’ve seen pickleball grow recreationally, professionally, and at the junior level. Now college is the final frontier and we’re ready to help others get there.”

A Unique Advantage: Beyond NCAA

Launching a varsity sport with no blueprint is no small task. Recruiting is uncharted territory, since few high school athletes currently specialize in pickleball. Smith sees opportunity in crossover tennis players, transfers, and even pros eager for the collegiate experience.

The high school pipeline is also growing, with juniors encouraged to participate in high school pickleball tournaments to be drafted into future college varsity teams.

For now, Drury enjoys a unique advantage: they aren’t bound by NCAA regulations.

“It’s wide open,” Smith said in that same interview with Pickleballers. “That freedom lets us create a schedule that prepares players for both college competition and professional aspirations. We can play in charity events, pro circuits, or matches against club programs. The flexibility is huge.”

Check out the collegiate pickleball tour schedule here. 

The Start of a Movement

Drury’s leap into varsity pickleball marks the beginning of a new era.

“Pickleball is coming fast,” Smith said in the interview. “We want to make it great at the college level. And once one school does it, the dominoes will fall.”

Collegiate Season is Here

The timing couldn’t be better. The opening weekend of the collegiate pickleball season is almost here with four tournaments happening the weekend of September 27th:

• Utah Super Regional on September 27th and 28th
  
  • Register here
• 3 Campus Regionals on September 27th
  
  • Pickleball Kingdom Charleston Campus Regional: To register, email danw@pbkingdom.com
  • College Cup Roanoke: To register, email derekkraje@gmail.com
  • Purdue Campus Regional: To register, fill out this form.

Join our College Pickleball News channel on Instagram for the latest Collegiate Pickleball Tour updates, results, stories and behind-the-scenes action.

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By Susie Reiner, PhD & Erik Korem, PhD

In today’s busy world, finding exercise routines that are effective, engaging, and sustainable can be a challenge. That’s where pickleball shines, it offers a heart-healthy workout that feels more like play than work.

This fast-growing sport combines quick lateral movements, sudden bursts of speed, and frequent rest periods that perfectly mimic the exercise patterns research has shown to be the most effective strategies to improve heart health. Studies consistently find that a blend of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity, interspersed with short, intense intervals, plus muscle-strengthening exercises, offers the greatest protection against heart disease and improves overall cardiovascular fitness. 

Here, we break down the science behind why pickleball is so good for your heart and how you can maximize those benefits every time you step on the court.

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How Intense Is Pickleball, Really?

While pickleball courts are smaller, studies confirm that it consistently raises heart rate into beneficial zones. A recent scoping review of pickleball activity revealed that players spend over 70% of their playing time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity zones, corresponding to 3-6 metabolic equivalents (METs) or higher (1). This intensity meets the minimum thresholds defined for cardiovascular health benefits (2).

Moreover, the intermittent nature of pickleball, which alternates short rallies with rest periods, mirrors interval training, known to improve cardiovascular fitness (3). This pattern keeps the heart rate elevated intermittently, promoting beneficial adaptations in heart and vascular function. Although individual rallies may be brief, the cumulative cardiovascular workload over a session is significant and contributes to recommended weekly physical activity goals.

Why That Intensity Matters for Your Heart

Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is strongly linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Large cohort studies and meta-analyses show a clear dose-response relationship: people engaging in 150-300 minutes per week of such activity have substantially lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death (2,4).

Exercise improves vascular function by enhancing endothelial health, reducing blood pressure, improving lipid profiles, and increasing cardiac efficiency (5). The intermittent, varied intensity seen in pickleball also helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, reducing risk factors for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (6).

The Benefits of Racquet Sports 

Although direct pickleball mortality data are limited, research on racquet sports like tennis and badminton provides strong indirect evidence. One study analyzing over 80,000 adults found that playing racquet sports is associated with a 47% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 56% lower cardiovascular mortality risk compared to inactive individuals (7). These benefits are independent of other physical activity types and underscore the cardiovascular advantages of sports that involve dynamic movement and varied intensity.

Pickleball shares key features with racquet sports: multidirectional movement, rapid accelerations, and bursts of anaerobic effort within an aerobic session. Thus, it is reasonable to expect that regular pickleball participation yields similar heart-health benefits.

How Pickleball Mimics Interval Training

The stop-and-go nature of pickleball resembles high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which combines short bursts of high effort with recovery periods and is well-established for improving VO₂max and vascular function (3,8). Intervals stimulate heart rate variability, improving autonomic control and cardiac efficiency, while recovery phases help sustain overall exercise duration without overexertion.

This interval pattern improves mitochondrial function and muscle oxidative capacity, key drivers of cardiovascular and metabolic health (8). Even without formal exercise programming, pickleball naturally incorporates these principles, providing a heart-healthy workout through enjoyable gameplay.

Strength Training as a Vital Complement

Muscle-strengthening activities independently reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality (10). Resistance training preserves muscle mass, supports metabolic health, and stabilizes joints—critical for injury prevention, especially in older adults playing pickleball.

Meta-analyses reveal that as little as 60 minutes per week of resistance training is associated with a 15-20% reduction in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (10,11). Given pickleball’s aerobic demands, supplementing play with targeted strength training (e.g., squats, lunges, and shoulder exercises) optimizes cardiovascular, cognitive, and functional benefits (18).

DUPR players can use the code “GRAVL” to get a FREE month of strength training routines tailored for your health and pickleball goals. Claim it here. 

Playing Safe and Maximizing Benefits

While pickleball is accessible, injury risk exists, primarily strains and sprains affecting lower limbs (12). Consistent strength and balance training can help to reduce injury risk and improve longevity in the sport.

Additionally, individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should seek medical clearance before engaging in moderate-to-vigorous play to ensure safe participation (13). When played appropriately, pickleball provides a sustainable, enjoyable way to meet heart-healthy exercise guidelines.

Putting It Into Practice

Below is a practical, evidence-based plan that aligns directly with peer-reviewed research.

Goal: Hit ~150-300 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous activity and add ~30-60 min/week of muscle-strengthening.

• Frequency and duration
  Start with 3 sessions/week of 30-45 minutes of play (including warm-up and cool-down). Progress to 4-5 sessions or longer sessions until you reach 150-300 min/week total. Pickleball sessions typically contain sustained moderate heart rates with short vigorous bursts, so session time counts (4,14,15).
• Intensity monitoring
  Use a heart rate monitor, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), or the talk test (moderate = can speak in short sentences but not sing). You’re looking for a moderate to vigorous range, or a heart-rate target of ~50-75% of HRmax, 5-8 out 10 on RPE, or you can only get a few words out on the talk test for most of your session (15).
• Add two short strength sessions weekly
  Two sessions of 20-30 minutes (full-body, focus on lower limb strength, hip/ankle stability, and rotator cuff/shoulder work) to hit ~30-60 min/week. This both helps to reduce injury risk and adds independent mortality benefit (10,11,18).
• Progression and recovery
  Increase on-court time by ≤10-15 minutes per week or add one extra session every 2 weeks. Build lower-body strength and single-leg balance to cut fall and ankle injury risk. If you feel excessive fatigue, prolonged soreness, chest discomfort, or palpitations, stop and see a clinician.
• Warm-up and cool-down
  5-10 minutes dynamic warm-up: brisk walking, lateral shuffles, leg swings, light shoulder circles. 5-10 minutes of walking and mobility after play. A short neuromuscular warm-up reduces acute injury risk and prepares the cardiovascular system (2,16).

Tools to Track and Stay Honest

You don’t need advanced sports science equipment to measure your effort. A heart-rate monitor or smartwatch can provide real-time feedback (17), and the talk test is a free and reliable gauge (14). Wearables have been tested in pickleball and are accurate enough for recreational tracking (1).

Logging your weekly minutes can help keep you accountable. If pickleball is about 5 METs per hour, 3-5 hours per week puts you in the zone linked to lower cardiovascular mortality (14,16). Whether you prefer digital tracking or a pen-and-paper log, the goal is consistency. Plus, that same consistency is going to drive you to boost your pickleball ratings.

Ready to see if your pickleball sessions are hitting those heart-healthy intensity zones? AIM7 automatically tracks your moderate-to-vigorous activity during every match, so you'll know exactly how much cardiovascular benefit you're getting from your time on the court. Plus, with our new sharing feature, you can showcase both your fitness progress and DUPR rating with fellow players. 

Start your free trial and optimize your heart health today! Click here to download AIM7 for free.

Bottom line 

If you want to improve your heart health, pickleball is a fun and sustainable way to achieve it. The science is clear: regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on the court paired with a little resistance training dramatically lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease.

So show up for your games, keep your rallies lively, lift something heavy twice a week, and listen to your body. Do that, and you’ll not only improve your game, but you’ll be investing in a heart that stays strong for decades to come.

Interested in how to complement pickleball in your weight loss journey? Check out this full guide. 

​​References

1. Webber SC, Anderson S, Biccum L, Jin S, Khawashki S, Tittlemier BJ. Physical Activity Intensity of Singles and Doubles Pickleball in Older Adults. J Aging Phys Act. 2022;31(3):365-370. Published 2022 Sep 10. doi:10.1123/japa.2022-0194
2. Piercy KL, Troiano RP, Ballard RM, et al. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. JAMA. 2018;320(19):2020-2028. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.14854
3. Gibala MJ, Little JP, MacDonald MJ, Hawley JA. Physiological adaptations to low-volume, high-intensity interval training in health and disease. J Physiol. 2012;590(5):1077-1084. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2011.224725
4. Ekelund U, Tarp J, Steene-Johannessen J, et al. Dose-response associations between accelerometry-measured physical activity and sedentary time and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and harmonised meta-analysis. BMJ. 2019;366:l4570. doi:10.1136/bmj.l4570
5. Cornelissen VA, Smart NA. Exercise training for blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Heart Assoc. 2013;2(1):e004473. doi:10.1161/JAHA.112.004473
6. Ross R, Hudson R, Stotz PJ, Lam M. Effects of exercise amount and intensity on abdominal obesity and glucose tolerance in obese adults: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(5):325-334. doi:10.7326/M14-1189
7. Oja P, Kelly P, Pedisic Z, et al. Associations of specific types of sports and exercise with all-cause and cardiovascular-disease mortality: a cohort study of 80 306 British adults. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(10):812-817. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096822
8. Weston KS, Wisløff U, Coombes JS. High-intensity interval training in patients with lifestyle-induced cardiometabolic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2014;48(16):1227-1234. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092576
9. Little JP, Safdar A, Wilkin GP, Tarnopolsky MA, Gibala MJ. A practical model of low-volume high-intensity interval training induces mitochondrial biogenesis in human skeletal muscle: potential mechanisms. J Physiol. 2010;588(Pt 6):1011-1022. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2009.181743
10. Shailendra P, Baldock KL, Li LSK, Bennie JA, Boyle T. Resistance Training and Mortality Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Prev Med. 2022;63(2):277-285. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2022.03.020
11. Momma H, Kawakami R, Honda T, Sawada SS. Muscle-strengthening activities are associated with lower risk and mortality in major non-communicable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Br J Sports Med. 2022;56(13):755-763. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2021-105061
12. McMillan P, Lake LP, Burkhart A, Reddy E, Hale IC, Grawe BM. The Epidemiology of Pickleball Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments. Sports Health. Published online July 13, 2025. doi:10.1177/19417381251350671
13. Pelliccia A, Sharma S, Gati S, et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. Eur Heart J. 2021;42(1):17-96. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa605
14. American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 11th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
15. Booth FW, Roberts CK, Laye MJ. Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases. Compr Physiol. 2012;2(2):1143-1211. doi:10.1002/cphy.c110025
16. Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb
17. Buchheit M, Simpson BM. Player-Tracking Technology: Half-Full or Half-Empty Glass?. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2017;12(Suppl 2):S235-S241. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2016-0499

Liu-Ambrose T, Nagamatsu LS, Voss MW, Khan KM, Handy TC. Resistance training and functional plasticity of the aging brain: a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Neurobiol Aging. 2012;33(8):1690-1698. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.08.015

Pickleball Canada, one of the largest pickleball federations in the world, has officially adopted DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) as its official rating system.

This national partnership cements DUPR as the standard for all players, coaches, and organizers across Canada, bringing a unified and trusted rating framework to the fastest-growing sport in North America.

A Shared Vision for Canadian Pickleball Growth

Under this partnership, every Pickleball Canada member will be required to have a DUPR rating, ensuring consistency across grassroots, recreational, and competitive play. All Pickleball Canada sanctioned events will also use DUPR for seeding, providing fairness, transparency, and accuracy in competition.

Barry Petrachenko, CEO of Pickleball Canada, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:

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“We are proud to provide our members with access to the premier global rating system. DUPR supports level-based play, and this partnership will significantly enhance competitive equity and player connectivity on a national scalee are thrilled to provide our members with the best rating system in the world. DUPR is the gold standard, and this partnership will help us promote level-based play and greater connectivity for players nationwide.”

Players, organizers, and coaches will benefit from:

• One Standardized Rating: DUPR’s trusted 2.000–8.000 scale brings clarity and fairness to all levels of Canadian pickleball, from club play to elite tournaments.
  
  
• Smarter Player Development: Real-time, match-based ratings give players an accurate reflection of performance and progression.
  
  
• Simplified Event Organization: Tournament directors can now seed brackets, set divisions, and manage events seamlessly with DUPR integration.
  
  

A Step Toward Greater Connectivity

This alignment strengthens Canada’s role in the global pickleball community and unites players nationwide under one technology platform. By adopting DUPR, Pickleball Canada joins a growing network of federations, clubs, and leagues worldwide that are standardizing play and building a stronger, more connected future for the sport.

“DUPR exists to unify and grow pickleball globally, and this partnership with Pickleball Canada is an incredible step forward,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado. “We are proud to provide Canadian players with the most accurate and dynamic rating system in the sport.”

ABOUT PICKLEBALL CANADA

Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball Canada is responsible for the coordination and delivery of pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which brings together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada’s fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement. For more information, please contact info@pickleballcanada.org or visit pickleballcanada.org

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 federations. DUPR’s dynamic system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to provide an accurate evaluation of players worldwide, on a scale from 2.000 to 8.000. DUPR is the official rating system of Pickleball Canada, the United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, and many more. DUPR also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the largest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and organizers can sign up for free at www.dupr.com.

We're committed to making tournament competition as fair and rewarding as possible. That's why we’re launching DUPR Verified events to:

• Ensure fair competition for every player.
• Protect the integrity of ratings at every level.
• Elevate the value of verified competition.‍

‍What Are DUPR Verified Events? 

Clubs and organizations that meet elevated quality standards can opt to run DUPR Verified events designed to deliver the highest level of trust and competitive integrity. These events require all players to complete a validation process.

Participant Requirements:

‍To compete in a DUPR Verified event, players must have a DUPR+ subscription and soon, players will also requree an authenticated phone number.

Higher Standards:

‍All DUPR Verified events are reviewed and approved by the DUPR Fairplay Committee. Clubs and organizations who fail to uphold these standards will be removed from the program. Read the DUPR Verified event policy here.

Match Weighting:

Because players and organizers are held to a higher standard, DUPR has the highest confidence in results from DUPR Verified Events. As a result, these matches count more toward players' reliability score than standard matches.

Optional Participation:

Not every event will be DUPR Verified. Regular DUPR events remain an important part of the ecosystem and continue to count toward player ratings. Verified simply represents the next level: a premium option for organizers and players who want their competition to carry the most weight and credibility.

‍Benefits of DUPR Verified

• For Players: Verified events are where the best competition happens, and where your rating matters most. If you want to climb faster and prove yourself against trusted results, this is where you’ll want to play.
  

• For Organizers: Verified is fast becoming the gold standard. The tours, leagues, and clubs shaping the future of pickleball are already stepping up. 

A New Standard for Competitive Pickleball

This is just the start; we are actively working with partners across the country, with the goal of making DUPR Verified Events the standard for competitive pickleball.‍

Ready to Elevate Your Events?

Fill out this form to get started with DUPR Verified and bring the gold standard of competition to your club.

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