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“Ratings are crucial for creating competitive and fun pickleball experiences.” – Sarah Carpenter, DUPR Lead Data Scientist

Pickleball may be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, but behind every thrilling rally and nail-biting tiebreaker is something far less visible: the rating system. At the heart of competitive balance is DUPR — the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating — a tool designed to make sure every match is as fair and exciting as possible.

In a recent webinar hosted by pickleball.com, which had over 1000 attendees, DUPR’s Sarah Carpenter (Lead Data Scientist) and Caroline Luelf (Director of Clubs) joined moderators Jenna and Christy Cook to unpack exactly how DUPR works, what’s changed, and how both players and tournament directors can use it to their advantage.

Why Ratings Matter More Than You Think

At first glance, a pickleball rating might seem like just another number next to your name. But Caroline was quick to point out that this number is the key to making the game enjoyable for everyone.

“Competitive, level-based play is essential for enjoyment,” she said.

Without accurate ratings, tournament brackets can become mismatched. A 3.5-rated player entering a 3.0 division will dominate (not exactly fun for anyone involved) while evenly matched games keep both sides engaged, with every rally carrying the thrill of possibility. That balance is what DUPR aims to protect, ensuring players leave the court feeling challenged, not frustrated.

Inside the DUPR Algorithm

Sarah described the DUPR algorithm in simple terms: “It’s a machine that takes something in and spits something out in a consistent way.” Every player — whether they’re brand-new or a seasoned pro — is placed on the same scale.

Here’s how it works: before a match, DUPR calculates an expected score based on the combined ratings of both teams. After the match, it compares the actual score to the expected one. If you outperform what the system predicted, your rating moves up. If you underperform, it moves down.

One major recent change is that DUPR ratings can now go up with a loss if you outperform expectations, or down with a win if you underperform. The system updates instantly after results are uploaded, and while the order of uploads can technically affect the numbers, Sarah assured players the impact is negligible.

The Reliability Score: How Trustworthy Is Your Rating?

Alongside your DUPR rating is another number you might overlook — the reliability score. Think of this as the trust level of your rating. The more matches you play, the more recent they are, and the greater the variety of partners and opponents, the higher your reliability.

Matches uploaded by a tournament director, played in standard formats like best-of-three, and logged recently carry more weight. Players with higher reliability scores will see smaller shifts in their ratings from one match to the next, while newer or less active players may see bigger swings.

Improving Your DUPR Rating the Right Way

If you’re hoping to climb the DUPR ladder, Sarah and Caroline were clear: there are no gimmicks. The best way to improve your rating is to become a better player and log more competitive matches.

A lack of data is one of the biggest reasons players feel underrated, so signing up for DUPR-rated tournaments and leagues is essential. Playing “up” in a higher division will only help if you’re truly underrated and consistently winning at that level.

The algorithm isn’t trying to measure your very best day on the court; it’s predicting your typical performance. That means consistent overperformance is what really moves the needle.

Singles vs. Doubles: Two Different Worlds

One common misconception is that singles and doubles ratings are linked. They’re not. DUPR treats them as completely separate categories because, while some skills overlap, the games are strategically different.

Ninety percent of DUPR’s data comes from doubles, so if you care about your singles rating, you’ll need to actively seek out singles matches and get them logged.

Advice for Tournament Directors

For directors, accurate ratings are the foundation of a smooth, fair competition. The panel recommended:

• Setting minimum and maximum ratings for each division
  
• Keeping brackets within a 0.5-point range where possible
  

The closer the ratings within a bracket, the more competitive — and enjoyable — the matches will be.

Extra Tools and New Features

DUPR is also working on features to make the system even more useful:

• Expected Score Tool: This predicts a match’s score before play begins. It’s great for analytical players, but not essential for everyone - some may find it adds pressure.
  
• DUPR Coach: For new players with no match history, this allows a coach to watch and assign a starting rating, which the algorithm will adjust over time.
  
• Transparency: Ratings currently display to three decimal places, which Sarah says is about player experience, not mathematical precision. It helps players see exactly how matches impact their number.
  

The Bottom Line

DUPR isn’t about rewarding wins or punishing losses; it’s about creating the most accurate, competitive, and enjoyable pickleball possible. As Sarah put it, “We are trying to rate every player as accurately as we can.”

If chasing decimal points stresses you out, her advice is simple: “Stop looking at them.” Focus on your game, play often, and trust the system to find your level.

Because at the end of the day, DUPR’s mission is the same as yours: to keep pickleball fun, fair, and fiercely competitive.

In Meridian, Idaho, The Flying Pickle has built more than a pickleball club; it’s created a full ecosystem for players of every level. Between the quality of its facilities, the variety of its programs, and its focus on member experience, it has become a model DUPR Club other facilities are taking note of. 

And now, with their franchise model, they are ready to expand nationwide

Adding Value With DUPR+

When The Flying Pickle  decided to integrate DUPR+ into its Pro Membership package, it wasn’t about raising prices or chasing revenue. As Club Director Tristan Belue explains, it was about one thing: adding value for their most dedicated players.

“Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for everything pickleball. DUPR+ is just another way we can give more to our members,” said Tristan Belue, Club Director at The Flying Pickle. 

The Flying Pickle’s Pro Members already enjoy perks like earlier schedule visibility, more concurrent reservations, and access to DUPR Verified Events. Adding DUPR+ simply made the membership “that much more valuable” and set the club apart from local competitors.

Every detail is designed to make the club a place people want to spend time, not just a place to play a match.

Programming That Keeps Courts Full

The Flying Pickle’s success is built on variety and consistency:

• Clinics & Drills: From “Learn to Play” for newcomers to skill-specific drills for advanced players.
  
• Open Plays & King of the Courts: Popular across multiple levels, with 3.5 Open Plays being the most in-demand.
  
• Leagues: Always packed, always logged to DUPR.
  
• Major Events: Including the Flying Pickle Open, which draws over 350 participants from across the country.
  

Belue’s approach for other directors: “Test and fail until you find what your members love and then keep doing it.”

Why Other Clubs Are Watching

The success of The Flying Pickle’s Meridian location has sparked plans for franchising the model. While expansion details are still being finalized, the approach of combining high-quality facilities, strong community programming, and integrated player tools like DUPR has proven effective in attracting and retaining members.

Interested in franchising with them? Learn more here.

For players, it’s a one-stop shop for everything pickleball. For club directors, it’s a case study in how thoughtful facility design and programming can build lasting engagement.

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Interested in bringing the same value to your members? Fill out this form to see if you qualify to become a DUPR+ Club.

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If you’re serious about improving your pickleball game, whether you’re chasing a higher DUPR rating or just looking to win more rec games, strength training isn’t optional. It’s the secret weapon that helps you move faster, hit harder, and play longer without breaking down.

And with DUPR’s new partnership with GRAVL, you can now get personalized, pickleball-specific workouts that make training as smart as your strategy on the court.

Why Strength Training Matters for Pickleball Players

Pickleball might look low-impact to the casual observer, but competitive players know the truth: it’s an explosive, quick-change-of-direction sport that demands power, agility, balance, and endurance.

Here’s how strength training helps:

1. More Power in Your Shots
Stronger legs and core help you hold position and transfer energy into the ball with less effort.

2. Faster Court Coverage
Leg strength and stability training translate to quicker first steps, faster lateral movement, and the ability to recover between points.

3. Injury Prevention
Building muscle strength and improving joint stability reduces strain on knees, shoulders, and elbows, which are three of the most common pickleball injury zones.

4. Better Endurance
Strength work supports cardiovascular fitness and keeps you feeling fresh deep into long rallies and multi-match days.

How GRAVL Fits In

DUPR has teamed up with GRAVL to help players train smarter, not harder. GRAVL creates AI-powered, personalized workout plans that you can use to improve your physique and overall pickleball performance.

Whether you’re brand new to strength training or already lifting, you can use GRAVL to adjust your plan to match your skill level, fitness goals, and schedule, keeping you accountable along the way.

Here’s what you get with GRAVL:

• Personalized Programs: Every workout is tailored to your needs and updated as you progress.
  
• Coach Support: Message in-app anytime for training or app guidance.
  
• Performance Tracking: See your progress and how it impacts your game.
  
  

Exclusive for DUPR Players: Your First Month Free

We’re giving all DUPR players one month free using the code: DUPR.

And if you have DUPR Verified Events, you get 2 months free!

📲 Get the GRAVL app and start building the strength, balance, and endurance you need to dominate the court, now and for years to come.

You’ve been dinking back and forth, patiently waiting for the perfect ball. Then boom.. you flick it past your opponent before they even know what hit them. That’s the magic of the flick shot in pickleball.

It’s fast.
It’s sneaky.
And when you hit it right, it can completely flip a rally in your favor.

Whether you’re chasing a higher DUPR rating or just want to add some spice to your game, the flick is one of those “must-have” shots for competitive and rec play alike.

Let’s break it down.

What’s a Flick in Pickleball?

Think of a flick as a surprise attack from right up at the kitchen line. You’re in a soft dink rally, looking all calm and controlled… then suddenly, with a quick low-to-high wrist snap, you send the ball speeding past your opponent.

It works because they’re expecting another soft shot, not a sudden burst of pace. Even better, you can use it to attack balls below net height (something most players won’t see coming).

When to Use the Flick Shot

The flick isn’t something you blast out every other ball. It works best when it’s unexpected. Here’s when to pull it out:

• You’re locked in a slow dink rally at the net and want to change gears.
  
• Your opponent is creeping in and getting a little too comfortable.
  
• You see an open space and want to catch them flat-footed.
  

Pro tip: The more patient you are before you flick, the more likely you are to land the point.

How to Hit a Flick in Pickleball - Tips by Pro Player Bobbi Oshiro

1. Start in a strong, balanced stance

Stay low, knees bent, paddle out front, feet wide. This keeps you ready for anything, flick or dink.

2. Use a continental grip

Same grip you’d use for a backhand; it keeps your shot looking identical to a dink until the last second.‍

3. Go low-to-high

Keep your paddle down, elbow up, and lift through the ball. This motion sets up your speed and spin.‍

4. Snap the wrist at the last moment

This is the secret sauce. That quick snap is what makes the ball jump off your paddle faster than your opponent expects. Think of the motion as throwing a frisbee. 

Common Flick Fails (and How to Avoid Them)

• Bad timing: Don’t flick every ball. Wait for one that’s attackable and when you’ve got space to hit into.
  
• Too much heat : Yes, it’s tempting to rip it, but if you overhit, you’ll send it long or straight into the net.
  
• Kitchen foot faults: No volleying stepping into the kitchen. Rules are rules.

• Too much follow-through or overextending after the shot: Players tend to follow through too much after hitting the shot. Keep the swing quick and short so you are ready for the counter by your opponents.
  

Think you know the pickleball rules? Read this article and see if you’re one of the 90% of players getting these wrong.

Why You Should Add It to Your Game

The flick isn’t just a “cool trick shot.” It’s a legit strategy tool that:

• Forces errors from your opponents.
  

• Makes you unpredictable in dink rallies.
  

• Helps you take control of a point on your terms.

• Takes time away from your opponents by hitting the ball early and out of the air.
  

So whether you’re grinding for a higher pickleball rating, chasing your next tournament win, or just looking to dominate those tight net battles, the flick is worth the reps.

Next time you’re on the court, set up some dink rallies with a buddy and practice sneaking in that flick. Use it sparingly, disguise it well, and watch your opponents start questioning every shot you take.

Want more ways to sharpen your game? Check out Bobbi Oshiro’s singles drills blog for inspiration.

Improve Your Return: Tips By World #1 Federico Staksrud

In pickleball, the double bounce rule gives returners a built-in advantage. The serving team must let your return bounce, which means you have a perfect opportunity to set the tone for the rally.

Pros have shared serving tips to minimize that edge, but when you are returning, choosing where and how you place the ball can make all the difference. A smart return can put you or your team on offense immediately.

Why Depth Beats Speed

Many players think a hard, low return is best, but that’s not always the case. Because the serving team must wait for the bounce, your priority should be pushing them back. A deep return:

• Gives you more time to get to the kitchen line.
  
• Forces opponents to hit their third shot from farther back.
  
• Reduces their ability to hit sharp angles.
  

In short: depth over speed.

Staksrud’s Pro Perspective

Here’s how World #1 Federico Staksrud approaches his returns:

“For the return, I focus on depth and pace, usually targeting the middle to limit angles and set up my next shot.”

By aiming deep to the middle, you:

• Force opponents into awkward positioning.
  
• Take away the sidelines and angles.
  
• Give your partner time to move forward with you.

How to Hit Deep, Effective Returns

Hitting deep consistently takes more than just swinging harder. Here are a few tips:

1. Loosen Your Grip: A softer grip helps control depth without overhitting.

2. Aim Higher Over the Net: More clearance ensures the ball lands deep instead of into the net.

3. Use Your Legs: Bend and push through the shot for added lift and control.

4. Target the Middle: Limits angles and forces confusion between opponents.

5. Follow Your Shot In: Use the extra time you’ve created to get to the kitchen line.

The Takeaway

Depth + smart placement = control of the rally.
By focusing on deep returns to the middle, you limit your opponents’ options and set up your team for success. As former collegiate pickleball player David Bieger.said after beating Tyson McGuffin at the PPA Event, “make them beat you, don’t give them freebies.”

Curious how Bieber took down McGuffin? Read this article to find out.

To stay up to date on pickleball tips to improve your game and pickleball ratings, follow @duprpb on Instagram!

Bristol,TN, August 6, 2025, – In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, #59 seed David Bieger (DUPR 6.025) shocked the crowd by defeating Tyson McGuffin in pro singles on center court at the PPA Bristol Open, just miles from where Bieger grew up.

At just 22 years old, Bieger is no stranger to big moments. As a collegiate pickleball player at the University of Virginia, Bieger helped lead his team to a national title at the 2023 DUPR Collegiate National Championship, securing the $15,000 prize and marking what commentator and former Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel called “the greatest upset in collegiate pickleball history.”

But few could have predicted what came next.

Just a year and a half ago, Bieger entered the first DUPR Collegiate National Championship with a provisional rating of 3.92. Now, he's taken down one of the most recognizable names in pickleball on the pro stage.

“I was just trying to stick to my game,” Bieger said in a post-match interview with the PPA.“Go for my serves, even though I missed a few, it’s important to stay aggressive and keep the targets big. Not aiming too close to the line. Not giving him any freebies. Making him earn every point.”

It was a surreal moment for Bieger, who had friends, family, and local supporters cheering him on in the stands.

“Oh, it’s incredibly special,” he said. “I’m grateful to the PPA for putting me on center court and having my friends and family here. For a small town like Bristol to host a PPA event, it’s truly an honor.”

From College Champ to Pro Player

David Bieger’s rise is a strong example of how DUPR is creating a path from college to pro pickleball. At UVA, he studied Computer Science and Physics and finished second in both singles and mixed doubles (with Lauralei Singsank) at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate Individual National Championships.

Now competing on the pro stage, his rapid rise underscores the legitimacy of collegiate pickleball as a feeder system for the highest levels of the game.

• From 3.92 to 6.025 DUPR.
• From college champ to pro threat.
• From #59 seed to Tyson McGuffin upset.

David Bieger. Remember the name. Because this is just the beginning.

To discover more rising stars in college pickleball, follow our Collegiate News Channel on Instagram here.

The wait is over. Registration for the 2025 MiLP National Championship is officially open! 

Dream Ticket teams can now lock in their spot to battle for a massive $100,000 prize purse. Plus, the first wave of National Leaderboard qualifiers (top players nationwide) will start receiving invitations by mid-August to form their championship teams.

And this year, it’s bigger than ever. Every skill level from DUPR 12 to DUPR 22, plus all ages from Open to 50+ divisions, will be competing for prize money. Even v3 teams have a chance to grab a piece of the prize pool.

Who Can Register and When?

Here’s how registration breaks down:

• Dream Ticket Earners: Registration opens August 8th (private link provided to winners).
  
• DUPR 22 & DUPR 20 50+ Teams:  Registration opens August 8th. Register here.
  
• National Leaderboard Qualifiers: The first wave of invitations goes out around August 20th following leaderboard updates.
  
• v3 Teams: Eligible players can register starting August 20th (for those who have competed in a v3 or v4 MiLP event).
  
• MLP Teams: Can officially register their MiLP teams starting August 8th.
  

How the National Leaderboard Qualification Works

We use a rolling registration system to give rising talent a shot at Nationals:

• Wave 1: Top leaderboard players in August receive invites first.
  
• Wave 2: Top leaderboard players in September receive invites next.
  
• Wave 3:Top leaderboard players in October receive invites next.
  
• Wave 4: Top leaderboard players in November receive the final wave to Nationals.
  

This system ensures new talent who climb the leaderboard can still secure a spot while registration remains open.

Want to Guarantee Your Team Spot at Nationals? Earn a Dream Ticket!

The easiest way to lock in your place at Nationals is to win your division at one of these events:

• State Championships – Winners earn a Dream Ticket + points toward the National Leaderboard.
  
• Regional Showdowns – Winners earn a Dream Ticket +  DOUBLE points towards the National Leaderboard.
  

Uniform & Costume Contests

Uniform Contest

Earn $1,000 for winning the uniform contest at Nationals, which celebrates professionalism, team cohesion, and adherence to a unified standard, much like what you’d see from professional sports teams. Judges will evaluate based on uniformity, polish, and overall professional team look.

Costume Contest

Earn $1,000 for winning the costume contest at Nationals. Creativity and personality take center stage. Whether it’s bold colors, quirky accessories, or full-on themed looks, this is your chance to stand out and show team spirit. Matching pieces are optional, but team creativity is a must.

Everything You Need to Know

For even more details, including FAQs, visit our National Championship Extended FAQ.

Your Shot at $100K Starts Now

Registration is live. The leaderboard is moving. The Dream Ticket events are still in play. This is your moment. Make it count.

Pickleball may be America’s fastest-growing sport today, but its beginnings were far more humble, and we’ve got the story straight from someone who witnessed it. In an exclusive interview with DUPR, Ruth Rosenquist, board member of the Global Pickleball Federation and longtime friend of Barney McCallum (one of the sport’s original creators), shared how it all began.

The sport wasn’t born in stadiums or clubs, but on a simple driveway in Bainbridge Island, Washington. In 1965, three dads named Joel Pritchard, Bob Bell, and Barney McCallum were trying to do what so many parents did before them:  keep their kids entertained. They grabbed some equipment, marked up a court on their driveway, and made up a new game on the spot. What began as a quick backyard activity would eventually become a global phenomenon.

Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?

For decades, the story circulated that the game was named after the Pritchard family dog, “Pickles.” While fun, that story isn’t quite true. Pickles the dog wasn’t even born when the game was invented. 

"The actual inspiration came from the term ‘pickle boat,’ which is a rowing crew made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats," Ruth explained. "One of the inventors’ wives said the sport was similar, pulling pieces from other games like tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and combining them into something new. And just like that, pickleball was born."

Building the Game, One Paddle at a Time

Barney McCallum, one of the original trio, was a builder at heart. He went into his woodshop and built the first pickleball paddle by hand, helping the sport establish its unique playing style from day one. McCallum even created key features of the game we still use today, like the no-volley zone (the “kitchen”), ensuring rallies stayed fun and accessible for players of all ages.

From Driveway Hobby to National Obsession

For decades, pickleball grew quietly, mostly spread by word-of-mouth among friends and neighbors. Players built their own courts and found whatever paddles they could get their hands on. In the early 1990s, people like Ruth were traveling 30 miles just to find a place to play.

By 2013, Ruth was pushing hard to get the sport into the national spotlight. One of her early wins was convincing NBC Nightly News to run its first-ever pickleball story, coining the now-famous label: “America’s Fastest Growing Sport.”

A Moment of Laughter and a Glimpse of the Future

Ruth recalled a conversation with Barney McCallum, who laughed for five minutes straight when she suggested pickleball could one day make money. At the time, it was hard to imagine pickleball being anything more than a niche backyard pastime. But today, it’s an industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with professional tours, major brand sponsorships, and global reach. 

A new report from Market.us (April 2025) projects the global pickleball market to reach USD 9.1 billion by 2034, up from USD 2.2 billion in 2024. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% from 2025 to 2034, underscoring the sport’s accelerating popularity and expanding economic impact worldwide.

60 Years Later: A Global Sport

What started with three dads, some bored kids, and a handmade paddle is now a worldwide movement made up of both amateur and professional players. There are DUPR players in over 160 countries, with pickleball being on track to seek recognition by the International Olympic Committee. Pickleball is breaking barriers, connecting people of all ages, and, as Ruth says, “bringing joy to people’s lives everywhere it goes.”

This year marks Pickleball’s 60th anniversary, a milestone worth celebrating, not just for how far it’s come, but for the spirit in which it started: simple, inclusive, and focused on fun.

Interested in learning more about the sport and how to raise your pickleball ratings? Don’t miss our blog on the pickleball rules 90% of players get wrong; it might change how you play.