Search results

September 9th, 2025 - Salt Lake City, Utah - Wingfield, a leader in AI-powered performance analysis for racket sports, and The Picklr, the world's fastest-growing pickleball franchise, are partnering with DUPR Coach and DUPR to launch the sport’s first end-to-end, AI-powered pathway for player development.

By combining AI-driven Player Assessments with automated DUPR Match Submissions, The Picklr becomes the first club network to leverage AI for both evaluating skill level and competitive play, turning every step of a player’s journey into a data-driven, exciting experience.

The Wingfield Player Assessment replaces subjective skill evaluations with a structured, replicable protocol guided by P4‑certified Picklr DUPR Coaches. Players complete a series of standardized drills that measure core pickleball skills—serve, return, drive, drop, volley, and dink, capturing shot accuracy, consistency, and speed. Wingfield’s AI analyzes every shot in real time and assigns drill scores that roll into a comprehensive skill profile.

Rather than replacing the coach, Wingfield’s AI provides precise, objective data that coaches can interpret and build upon. The result is a more comprehensive assessment, blending human insight with measurable performance metrics to create an elevated player experience that’s consistent across all clubs.

“The Picklr has always been about raising the bar for player experience. Partnering with Wingfield, DUPR Coach, and DUPR allows us to offer something no other club network can: a complete, AI-driven pathway that connects player development with competitive play,” said Matt PaneGasser, Vice President of Pickleball at The Picklr. “Whether you’re new to the sport or chasing the next level, this technology ensures every moment on court counts toward your progress.”

The new Wingfield Player Assessment, co-developed by Wingfield and The Picklr, is integrated with DUPR Coach — allowing P4-certified Picklr DUPR Coaches to submit assessment results and Coach-Assigned DUPRs directly to DUPR.

Through this integration, members at The Picklr will receive their first official DUPR rating instantly after completing the assessment, while coaches ensure consistency and accuracy across all Picklr locations. At the same time, clubs can onboard new players with confidence and transparency.

“The Picklr’s commitment to standardizing on DUPR by funding over 200 DUPR Coaches ensures that every member will have a rating, driving stronger open play experiences and improving member retention,” said Katie Nimitz, President of DUPR Coach. “With Wingfield’s integration into the DUPR Coach scoring and rating system, Picklr P4 Coaches now have access to the most advanced assessment tools in the industry. Every Wingfield court is now a DUPR Coach Court.”

The partnership with DUPR extends beyond assessments. Players can now compete on AI-powered Picklr courts, with Wingfield’s technology tracking every shot and automatically submitting verified results to DUPR. Every competitive match played on a Wingfield court can count toward a player’s DUPR rating, which updates automatically without the need for manual entry. This transforms each match into a more exciting experience, as players can immediately see the real-time impact on their rating.

“Our mission at DUPR is to make pickleball ratings universal, accurate, and accessible to every player. This partnership brings that vision to life in an unprecedented way,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Now, from the moment a player walks into a Picklr facility, they can be assessed, rated, and start improving their DUPR through verified matches — all seamlessly tracked and powered by AI and our DUPR Coaches. It’s a new benchmark for the game.”

For the first time, members at The Picklr can start their journey with a structured, AI-driven assessment combined with a DUPR Coach evaluation to provide a Coach-Assigned DUPR rating. From there, they continue building and refining their skill level by competing in verified matches on the same AI-powered courts. By connecting assessments and competition in this way, The Picklr becomes the first network to fully integrate AI into both player development and verified match play, setting a new standard for the sport.

“At Wingfield, we’re passionate about turning cutting-edge technology into real-world products that players and coaches love. With The Picklr, DUPR Coach, and DUPR we’re bringing that vision to life, creating an AI-powered pathway that starts with a player’s very first assessment and continues through competitive matches they play,” said Jaan Brunken, COO & Co-Founder of Wingfield. “When technology becomes a product that solves real needs, it creates lasting value, and that’s exactly what we’re building: a transparent, exciting, and accessible system that keeps players engaged over the long term.”

About The Picklr:

The Picklr is North America’s fastest-growing network of premium indoor pickleball courts, offering an unparalleled experience for players of all skill levels. With more than 500 state-of-the-art clubs sold nationwide, The Picklr provides programs for beginners to pros, and a vibrant atmosphere. Membership to The Picklr includes access to all club locations nationwide, free court reservations, four clinics per month, and unlimited participation in leagues, competitive play/events, and tournaments. Follow The Picklr on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for news on locations and tournaments, or visit https://thepicklr.com/franchise/ to learn more about owning a franchise.

About Wingfield

Wingfield is the leading video and tracking platform for racket sports. Its AI-powered camera systems go far beyond recording and streaming, offering players and coaches engaging learning experiences, gamified training, and scalable performance insights. Designed to fit seamlessly into clubs’ coaching and content strategies, Wingfield drives player development and sparks social media buzz with automated highlight creation right from the courts — helping clubs inspire players, expand their reach, and build communities that keep coming back. Interested Clubs can visit https://www.wingfield.io/en and find out more.

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach is a program designed to empower pickleball coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches provide valuable insights into players’ skill levels and supports the growth of pickleball through more competitive, enjoyable play. Coaches interested in becoming DUPR Coaches can visit duprcoach.com/coach-cert to sign up and learn more.

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. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

‍

Registration Requirements

• Account Authentication: All participants in DUPR Verified events must have an authenticated DUPR account. Eligibility is limited to DUPR+ members with a verified phone number.
• Bracket Registration: Players must register in the bracket that corresponds to their current DUPR Rating. 

Score Reporting Requirements

• Complete Reporting: All event results must be reported - no completed matches may be omitted.
• Reporting Accuracy: Organizers must report all results with the correct players, date, and score, and upload them in the correct chronological order of play. If using an API Partner, withdrawals, retirements, and forfeits must be properly marked. If uploading directly through a DUPR digital club, these matches should be omitted. 
• Timely Reporting: All results must be submitted within 48 hours of the event’s conclusion. Corrections may be made afterward.
• Match Corrections: Organizers are responsible for correcting match data directly. In special circumstances, organizers may contact DUPR Support for assistance. The DUPR Team will not modify match results without explicit permission from the event organizer.

Event Organizer Responsibilities

• Oversight: Organizers are responsible for ensuring competition is conducted fairly.
• Impartiality: Organizers competing as players must appoint an independent official (director, organizer, or referee) to oversee and report scores for those divisions.

Any falsification, manipulation, or negligent reporting of scores is strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy may result in suspension or removal of DUPR Verified Event hosting privileges, at DUPR’s discretion.

Summer’s wrapping up, but pickleball? Still hotter than ever. Between May and August, paddles were swinging coast to coast, new players joined in, more matches got logged, and plenty of people earned their very first DUPR rating. Let’s take a look at where the action was the strongest.

What States Have the Most Pickleball Players?

No big shock here: Florida, Texas, and California are still running the show. You can basically find a game any time of day in those states. Behind them, New York and North Carolina proved the East Coast isn’t far behind.

Looking for a pickleball club near you? Open the DUPR App and head to “Clubs.” From there, you can request to join, connect with players at your level, and find matches; all in one place!

What State Has the Highest Number of Newbies? 

Want to guess where the most new players showed up? Texas took the crown. California and Florida followed, with New York and Georgia also in the mix. If you played open play in any of these states this summer, chances are you ran into someone brand new to the game.

First DUPR Ratings

Nothing feels better than seeing your first official DUPR rating pop up. Leading the charge was California, with Texas, Florida, and New York close behind. Out west, Washington, Arizona, and Colorado also showed strong growth; pickleball’s spreading everywhere.

Clubs Bringing the Heat

Club play blew up this summer too. California led the way, with Florida and Texas right there with them. And don’t sleep on the Midwest and Southwest: Arizona, Minnesota, and Ohio cracked the list.

Apply to be a DUPR Club here. 

Check the club rankings here. 

The Big Takeaway

Whether you were grinding at club matches, logging your first rating, or just playing for fun, you were part of pickleball’s biggest summer yet.

And here’s the best part: this momentum isn’t slowing down. Fall leagues, tournaments, and open play are already ramping up.

Haven’t locked in your DUPR yet? Download the DUPR app and get rated; you’ll thank yourself the next time you face off with someone new.

‍

If you’ve played tennis before, you’ve probably done this one. It’s called Dingles and the good news is, it works in pickleball too. In fact, it might be one of the most fun ways to get better at the kitchen line without even realizing you’re drilling.

Pro player Bobbi Oshiro says:

“One of my favorite games that I like to play at the kitchen line actually comes from tennis… and surprisingly, it does work in pickleball too.”

So what is “dingles”? Let’s break it down.

‍How to Play Dingles

• Grab 4 players and line up at the kitchen line.
  
• Start two cross-court rallies at the same time (yep, two balls in play).
  
• When one rally ends, the second ball turns into a normal doubles point with all four players.

Scoring’s flexible:

• Option 1: Each cross-court rally = 1 point. The doubles rally = 2 points. Play to 21.
  
• Option 2: If your team wins both the cross-court rally and the doubles rally, that’s 1 point. Play to 11.

Rotate sides so you and your partner practice both the left and right.

Why It’s So Good for Pickleball

This drill forces you to:

• Stay sharp at the kitchen line.
  
• Communicate with your partner (or else chaos).
  
• Transition smoothly from controlled dinks into competitive points.
  

“I absolutely love Dingles. It’s one of my go-to warmup games, but I also use it just for fun to get the competitive juices flowing before rec matches,” said pro player Bobbi Oshiro in her explanation video.

Tennis vs. Pickleball: What’s Different?

• In tennis, dingles focuses on baseline consistency, volleys, and sharp net play.
  
• In pickleball, it’s about dinking, patience, and not popping the ball up.

Same idea, different skill sets, but the crossover makes it great for anyone who’s played both sports.

Why You Should Try It Tonight

Instead of just rallying straight-on to warm up, throw in a few rounds of Dingles. You’ll laugh, you’ll scramble, and you’ll get better without it feeling like “practice.”

Want to see how Bobbi Oshiro sets it up? Watch a quick 1-minute video on how to play dingles.

Featuring Jon Laaser, CEO of Performance Pickleball

Early Adoption and a Clear Vision

When Performance Pickleball opened its doors in Richmond, VA, in December 2023, the goal was simple: build a club that felt like a true community. Founded by Jon Laaser and his business partner, Lee Warfield, the facility quickly became a hub for players of all levels. Just one year later, Performance celebrated the launch of its second location in Roanoke on January 1, 2025.

From the very beginning, Laaser saw DUPR as part of that vision. Three months before the first facility even opened, Performance became a DUPR Club, betting early on what would become the industry’s leading rating system.

“We made the choice a long time ago that DUPR was a partner we were going to be riding with as we grew,” Laaser explains. “We wanted competitive balance in our play blocks, and DUPR gave us the ability to regulate games in a fair, transparent way.”

Seamless Integration with DUPR+

In 2025, Performance Pickleball took things a step further, becoming one of the early adopters of DUPR+. The team built the membership upgrade directly into their pricing model, adding a $6 monthly increase that covered the cost of DUPR+ for every member.

“We were going to raise membership rates anyway due to inflation,” says Laaser. “Instead, we used the opportunity to add DUPR+ at just over $2 per member. We were astonished and we didn’t get a single complaint. Members saw the value right away.”

Performance also leaned on DUPR Coaches to make onboarding easy. With coach Rachel Rooney assigning preliminary ratings, new players could sign up for DUPR and immediately have access to DUPR+ and DUPR Verified Events. This streamlined approach helped Performance quickly reach near 100% participation across their membership.

Interested in adding DUPR+ to your club’s membership package? Fill out this form to find out if you are a good fit. 

All DUPR Clubs can also apply to run DUPR Verified Events. Click here to apply. 

Popular Programs Fueled by DUPR

One of Performance’s biggest wins has been running open play sessions. Their 4.0/4.5 open plays, where players must hold a verified DUPR rating of 3.9 or higher, are consistently full, often with waiting lists of 40+ players.

Other successful offerings include:

• Play with pros: members learn directly from pickleball professionals in structured, high-level games.
  
  
• Themed Round Robins & One-Day Tournaments: fun formats that keep programming fresh.
  
  
• Corporate Outings & Fundraising Socials: expanding pickleball beyond just competitive play.
  
  

“We don’t rely on just one thing to fill our courts,” Laaser notes. “It’s a combination of 10–12 programs, all succeeding together.”

Community-First, Inclusive Culture

Beyond competitive play, Performance Pickleball has invested in programs that reflect its commitment to community. The club recently partnered with Sportable, an adaptive sports nonprofit, to help fund and train a team of adaptive athletes for the 2026 US Open.

“For a club to be successful, it has to be a true community,” says Laaser. “And a true community has to be inclusive.”

Want to see what determination looks like? Watch Preston Curry’s interview as he shares his journey as an adaptive pickleball player at Performance Pickleball.

Advice for Other Clubs

Laaser encourages other directors to listen to their members and keep barriers to entry low.

“If your events aren’t filling, ask your players what they want. Survey them. Invite their friends. Don’t force them into what you think is best—build programming with them.”

On adopting DUPR+, his advice is simple:

“I see DUPR+ as an inevitability. It will keep evolving, and getting in early gives clubs a chance to stand out. The sooner you adopt it, the sooner your members will benefit from more regulation and competitive balance.”

Performance Pickleball’s story proves that when you integrate DUPR+, you don’t just track results; you create structure, competitive balance, and a stronger sense of community. With two thriving facilities and a 200-player waitlist in Richmond alone, their growth is living proof that fairness and inclusivity fuel success.

If you want your club to see the same kind of momentum, start by putting your members first. Give them more than just courts; give them a system that makes every match meaningful and every rating reliable. That’s the power of DUPR+.

👉 Fill out this form to see if your club qualifies for wholesale pricing on DUPR+ and start giving your members the experience they deserve.

‍

How Pickleball Reduces Stress for Better Health & Well-Being

Stress is everywhere. You face stress at work, at home, and even when trying to squeeze in time for exercise. Up to 75% of Americans report physical symptoms of stress like headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension, and more than 1 in 4 say they’re so stressed most days they can’t function (1). And this isn’t just psychological; it’s physiological. Chronic stress raises blood pressure, disrupts sleep, suppresses your immune system, and wreaks havoc on your recovery from workouts.

But what if the very activity you love could also be your most effective stress reliever?

For pickleball players, that’s exactly the case. Pickleball isn’t just a fun and fast-paced game, it’s a research-supported way to ease stress and improve mental health. In fact, playing regularly may provide many of the same benefits as structured stress management programs. Moreover, the more you play, the more accurate your pickleball rating will be.

Pickleball: A Built-In Stress Management Tool

Pickleball combines movement, competition, and social interaction, all of which have been shown to reduce stress. The game’s unique blend of physical activity and community makes it an ideal outlet for both immediate and long-term stress relief.

Here’s How Pickleball Lowers Stress:

• Physical Activity: Even moderate levels of physical activity have been shown to reduce stress significantly. In an extensive study involving over 17,000 adults, regular exercise was found to be associated with lower perceived stress levels (6).
• Brain Health: Exercise can immediately boost mood by stimulating brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, often referred to as “feel-good” neurotransmitters (5).
• Mental Distraction: Pickleball demands focus, which redirects attention away from everyday worries (5).
• Improved Resilience: Regular physical activity enhances the body's ability to regulate stress, including lowering blood pressure and stabilizing the nervous system (7).
• Social Support: Playing with others creates a built-in support network, helping to buffer emotional stress (9).
• Physiological benefits: Consistent movement helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the body's stress response (7).

Pickleball players, whether competitive or recreational, already tap into these benefits simply by showing up to play.

Why Pickleball May Work Better Than Other Forms of Exercise for Stress Relief

Many forms of exercise can lower stress, but pickleball offers unique advantages that go beyond simply moving your body.

1. It’s Social

Social connection is a powerful stress buffer. Studies show that group-based physical activity provides greater emotional benefits than solo workouts (9). Pickleball thrives on its social aspect, whether through doubles matches, minor leagues, or post-game conversations. Laughing, sweating, and competing alongside others sends signals of safety to your nervous system. 

Struggling to get on the same page with your doubles partner? Check out this guide to learn the best ways to communicate on court so you and your partner can stay synced, cover the right shots, and win more points together.

2. It’s Mentally Engaging

Unlike repetitive gym workouts, pickleball requires quick thinking, strategy, and coordination. This mental focus pulls attention away from stressful thoughts and into the present moment (5). Fast-paced rallies and creative shot-making demand your full attention. It’s what psychologists call “flow,” and it acts like a pressure valve for your brain. That presence quiets mental noise, decreases anxiety, and improves emotional regulation.

3. It’s Enjoyable

Don’t underestimate the power of play. People who find physical activity fun are more likely to stick with it, making the stress-reducing benefits more sustainable (5, 6). Pickleball’s fast-paced, accessible nature makes it easier for players to keep coming back. You’re not just playing a game—you’re building resilience, one rally at a time.

4. It’s Intense 

Pickleball is deceptively intense. Studies show players spend over 70% of game time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity zones, with heart rates hovering between 70–80% of max. 

Competitive rallies in singles can push energy output to 7.7 METs, comparable to running or intense cycling. This intensity has a marked impact on mood and resting cortisol, leaving you feeling more relaxed after your session.

How Much Pickleball Do You Need to Lower Stress?

To get these stress-busting benefits, consistency is key. Here’s the consensus of how much exercise to aim for in your week:

• 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity
• Or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity
• Plus, get 2 strength-training sessions weekly—and unlock 1 free month of GRAVL (an AI-powered strength training tool for your goals) with code: DUPR.

Depending on how intensely you play, here’s how that looks in pickleball terms:

It’s not just about hitting a number. It’s about balance. Playing too little won’t move the needle. Playing too much without recovery can increase your risk of injury and push your stress response the wrong direction.

The key is hitting the right level of play and making every match count toward your DUPR rating. That way, you’ll keep improving your game, having fun, and reducing stress all at once.

Additional Tools to Enhance Stress Relief—If You Want More Support

While pickleball can serve as a standalone stress reliever, some players may benefit from incorporating additional science-backed techniques, especially during high-pressure moments or off-court recovery periods.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and breath awareness, train the brain to stay present and avoid getting trapped in anxious thinking. These practices have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve focus in athletes (2).

How it pairs with pickleball:
Use a short mindfulness practice before matches or during breaks between games to center your focus.

Do you ever feel the pressure or get too anxious on court? Check out this article and see how Alex Crum tapped into the mental side of the game to beat the world’s #1 twice.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback

HRV biofeedback involves learning to control your breathing to positively influence your heart rate patterns. It’s been shown to improve emotional regulation and physical recovery (3).

How it complements pickleball:
Try HRV breathing exercises during warm-up or after play to calm your nervous system and speed up recovery.

Cognitive Reappraisal & Acceptance Techniques

These mental skills involve reframing stressful thoughts and learning to accept challenging emotions without judgment. Studies have shown that these techniques boost resilience and reduce anxiety in athletes (4).

How to use it with pickleball:
If you’re feeling frustrated during a tough match, practice reframing your thoughts to focus on learning or enjoyment rather than perfection.

Stress Relief Strategies Compared

Build a Week That Works (and Feels Good)

Here’s a sample structure to help you find the sweet spot between training, recovery, and real life:

• Monday: 45-min doubles + 10-min box breathing
• Wednesday: 30-min singles + 20-min push/pull/leg resistance circuit
• Friday: 60-min friendly match + mindfulness cooldown walk
• Saturday: Optional 30-min light rally + yoga or mobility
• Sunday: Full rest day + check-in on HRV or journaling

Pro Tip: If you use a wearable or the AIM7 app, aim for two sessions where your heart rate averages 70–80% of max, and one “flow” day focused on fun and feel.

Want to Maximize the Stress Relief? Check Out This Tool

Pickleball is powerful. But pairing it with the right tools takes everything to another level.

AIM7 is your personal stress-optimization coach built specifically for athletes and performance-minded players like you. It takes the guesswork out of when to push, when to recover, and how to stay mentally sharp.

With AIM7, you get:

• Daily, personalized recommendations for how long and hard to train, based on your unique stress, sleep, and recovery data
• Mental fitness tools like guided breath work, mindfulness audio, and rapid-reset protocols
• Recovery strategies that adapt to your weekly workload
• A free-to-start trial so you can experience it before committing.

Whether you're prepping for your next tournament or just trying to show up better for your family, this technology is useful for you to train smarter, recover faster, and feel better.

Bottom Line: Pickleball Is Your Stress Solution

For pickleball players, stress relief doesn’t need to mean carving out extra time for self-care routines or specialized programs. You already have one of the most effective stress relief tools available: the game itself. 

See if there’s a pickleball event near you to sign up for, and take a break from the 9–5 grind.

‍

References

1. American Psychological Association. (2022, October). Stress in America™ 2022: Concerned for the future, beset by inflation [Press release]. American Psychological Association.
2. Bervoets, K., Bogaerts, K., Van Diest, I., Van den Bergh, O., & Vansteenwegen, D. (2015). The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for athletes: A systematic review. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 37(6), 533-549.
3. Lehrer, P. M., & Gevirtz, R. (2014). Heart rate variability biofeedback: How and why does it work? Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 756.
4. Josefsson, T., Ivarsson, A., Gustafsson, H., Stenling, A., Lindwall, M., & Holmström, S. (2020). Effects of psychological skills training on sports performance and well-being: A meta-analysis. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 13(1), 186-203.
5. Laxmeshwar, P. & Amarnatha, R. (2016). Stress management through exercise. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 3(2), 240-243.
6. Yoon, S., Kim, S., & Park, J. (2023). Association between exercise and stress among Korean adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study. Healthcare, 11(2), 312.
7. Aqobah, A., Lazuardi, L., Nugraha, I., & Ardiansyah, A. (2023). Exercise reduces stress by improving HPA axis and cardiovascular functions. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 11(F), 174-178.
8. Sembeneli, G. & Banzatto, R. (2024). Comparative effects of aerobic and resistance training on anxiety and stress. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 20(1), 25-32.
9. Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Chen, L., & Li, X. (2024). The role of social learning in stress reduction through physical activity in educational settings. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1089341.

Did that really just happen? Yep. Alex Crum (DUPR 6.524) has officially beaten Federico Staksrud (DUPR 6.983) —the No. 1 player in the world—not once, but twice this year.

This time it happened under the bright lights of the PPA Tour at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where Crum took Staksrud down in straight games: 11-9, 11-6.

Now, you might be thinking: Cool, but what does that have to do with me at my Tuesday night open play? The answer: a lot. Alex’s mindset and approach are things every amateur player can apply, no matter your DUPR.

Lesson 1: Confidence + Pressure = Growth

Alex admitted he felt both confident and pressured going into the match.

“Confident in the sense that I had already done it before and was aware that if I played well I could win. Pressure in the sense that if I didn’t perform well, people would question whether my first win was a total fluke.”

That’s a balance you’ll face too. Maybe it’s league night finals, maybe it’s just a Saturday challenge court when all eyes are on you. Pressure means you care, and confidence comes from reminding yourself you’ve done the work. Put those together and nerves become fuel.

You’ve probably played someone with a higher DUPR and either surprised yourself with a win or thought, “I have to prove it wasn’t luck” if confronting them again. Here’s the trick: don’t fall into the trap of proving. If you’ve beaten them before, you already know you can. Just focus on what worked last time: your patterns, your patience, your best shots. No scoreboard story, no outside noise; just you, your paddle, and the next point.

Lesson 2: Don’t Wait for Mistakes—Take It

Alex Crum said he kept telling himself:

“Take it. Don’t expect him to hand you the match.”

For you: Stop waiting for your opponent to miss. Be the one dictating rallies. Step in on weak returns, drive with purpose, and play your game. Even if you’re the lower DUPR on the court, you can still take control by being proactive instead of passive.

Want to tighten up your game? Start here:

• Court Positioning Guide – stop getting caught out of place.
  
• Serving Tips – where to aim to keep opponents on defense.
  
• Return Strategy – how to set the tone right from the start.
  

We drop fresh tips, drills, and strategy articles every day to help you level up, whether it’s handling pressure, building confidence, or just winning more rallies. Keep learning, keep applying, and watch your DUPR climb.

‍Lesson 3: Block Out the Numbers

One of Alex’s best reminders:

“I have lost to people with lower DUPR and beaten people with higher DUPR. As difficult as it may be, you have to try and block out your opponent’s ranking, DUPR, etc. and treat every opponent with the same focus and intensity.”

For you: Whether it’s a 3.0 vs. a 3.5 or your buddy swearing they “play at a 4.0 level,” don’t let the numbers decide the match before it starts. Play every point with focus. Numbers can predict… but they don’t play the points; you do.

Lesson 4: Champions Bring Energy Every Time

Alex admitted his level dropped in the following match after beating the #1 in the world because of the mental aspect of the game. 

“The biggest champions find a way to bring the same energy to every point, no matter the opponent.”

For you: Consistency isn’t just strokes, it’s attitude. If you treat every rec game, every rally, every point with intent, you’ll raise your floor and that’s what moves your DUPR upward.

Why This Matters

Most of us won’t face the No. 1 player in the world. But like Alex, we all know what it’s like to step on court feeling pressure, nerves, or doubt. His story shows that confidence, mindset, and energy can beat rankings, reputations, and even DUPR disparities.

Next time you’re on court and feel outmatched, remember: if Alex can take down the world’s best twice, you can definitely take a game off that “higher-rated” player in your club.

Interested in meeting Alex Crum and playing with him? Check out his pro schedule and tailgate tour here.

Do opponents keep sneaking shots past you down the line when you’re at the net? Are those sharp angled backhands eating you alive? Do balls keep slipping through the middle even when you and your partner are both up?

Here’s the truth: it’s not always about swinging harder or hitting faster; it’s about standing in the right spot. A few small positioning tweaks can make your life a whole lot easier.

Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll stop giving away free points (at least from bad positioning). And remember, every point matters when it comes to improving your DUPR pickleball rating.

Key Positioning Tips

1. From Baseline to Kitchen: Don’t Get Stuck in The Middle

After you return serve, don’t hang out in the middle of the court. Get up to the kitchen line (NVZ) as quickly as you can. That’s where most points are won. Hanging in mid-court just makes you a target.

Want to know how the pros handle it? Check out Bobbi Oshiro’s tips on how to avoid getting stuck in transition after the return. 

2. Stay Centered:  Own the Angles

You already know hanging out in mid-court is a bad idea. But when it comes to targets, the middle is gold. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, hitting down the middle takes away your opponent’s best angles. Less open court for them means less running for you and fewer chances for them to put the ball away.

Serving and returning through the middle is one of the smartest plays in pickleball. It keeps things simple, sets you up for the next shot, and forces your opponents to play straight at you instead of pulling you wide. Want to sharpen those skills? Check out these serving tips and returning tips.

Pro tip: When your opponent hits a ball down the middle, don’t try to get fancy. Creating angles from the middle is tricky. Play with safe margins, aim high over the net, and resist the urge to paint the lines. Control beats flashy here, every time.

3. Move With Your Partner

Here’s the rule: if your partner moves, you move. Imagine you’re tied together with a short rope.

A good guideline: split the court into three lanes from baseline to kitchen. You and your partner should never be more than one lane apart. If you are, you’ve basically left a wide-open fourth lane for your opponents to target. .

Talk it Out‍

Quick calls like “mine,” “yours,” “line,” or “middle” go a long way. The clearer you are, the fewer freebies your opponents get.

Pro Tip: If you’re not the one hitting the ball, don’t just stand there; adjust. Slide a step closer to the NVZ, shift your angle, or cover more court. Even a small move can pressure your opponents into mistakes and make you and your partner feel like a real team.

4. Stay Ready & Anticipate

Your “ready position” is your foundation:

• Feet: Keep them about shoulder-width apart. Too wide, and you’ll struggle to move side-to-side. Too narrow, and you’ll lose balance.
  
• Paddle: Hold it between hip and chest height, tilted slightly toward your backhand. Why? Because around 80% of shots can be handled with your backhand, and only about 20% with your forehand. That extra prep makes a huge difference.
  
• Mindset: Being ready isn’t just about stance; it’s about expecting the next ball and being set to react, not surprised by it.

Stay sharp, stay balanced, and you’ll find yourself winning more rallies simply by being in the right posture before the ball even comes your way. The more points you win, the more likely you are to improve your pickleball ratings. 

Real-Life Positioning Scenarios

Scenario 1: Your Partner Gets Lobbed

Don’t just stand there watching them run. As soon as you see the lob:

• Switch roles: You slide back toward the baseline to cover middle court.
  
• Let your partner chase it down, and you’re ready to reset if they send back a defensive shot.
  

Scenario 2: After a Deep Return

You just hit a solid, deep return. Now sprint up to the NVZ line. Don’t hang back to “admire” your shot. If you stay behind the baseline, your opponents will control the rally from the kitchen while you’re stuck on defense.

Scenario 3: Opponents Love Cross-Court Dinks

If the ball keeps going cross-court, slide with it. You and your partner should shift together diagonally, keeping that “rope” tight. Don’t leave the middle wide open; it’s the first place they’ll attack if you drift apart.

Scenario 4: You’re Playing With a Stranger

Happens all the time at open play. Keep it simple:

• Stand close to the center so you can cover the middle.
  
• Use easy cues like “mine” and “yours”.
  
• If they’re out of position, don’t panic; just reset back to the middle and keep the rally going.
  

How Better Court Positioning Boosts Your DUPR Rating

Good positioning isn’t about looking fancy; it’s about making smarter, cleaner plays. When you’re in the right spot, you cut down on unforced errors, stay in control of points, and force your opponents to work harder for every shot. That kind of consistency is exactly what shows up in your results; and over time, in your DUPR.

In doubles especially, positioning is what separates a scramble from a strategy. When you and your partner move together, cover the right lanes, and close off angles, you’re not just reacting; you’re dictating. That teamwork builds pressure, creates opportunities, and makes you a tougher pair to beat.

Bottom line: you don’t need pro-level hands to win more points. With smart positioning, you’ll feel less rushed, play more confidently, and see your DUPR rise.

Check out the next pickleball tournament near you and start implementing these tips!