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

Proof School’s Big Weekend

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

Mixed Doubles Success

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

Standout Player to Watch

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

Relive the Action

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

Why High School Pickleball Matters

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

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

What’s Next

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

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

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

Utah Tech’s Big Weekend

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

Utah Valley and USC Punch Their Tickets

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

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

Packed House, School Pride

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

DUPR Ambassadors in the Mix

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

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

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

Standout Players to Watch

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

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

What’s Next?

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

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

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

Schools Represented

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

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

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

Featured Players to Watch

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

Top Men:

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

Top Women:

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

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

Programs in the Spotlight

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule

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

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

What to Expect

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

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

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

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

Tip from Pro Player, Collin Johns

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

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

Click here to access the complementary training videos.

What Is a Forehand Roll Drop?

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

Adding topspin to your drop provides several benefits:

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

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

The Keys to Generating Topspin

1. Paddle Angle

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

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

2. The Follow-Through

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

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

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

Trajectory and Spin

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

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

Stance and Contact Point

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

For consistency:

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

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

Why the Roll Drop Matters

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

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

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

To recap the mechanics of the forehand roll drop:

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

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

Free Training for DUPR Players

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

👉 Get Your Free Videos

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About Pickleball 360: 

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

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

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

About Pickleball Getaways: 

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

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

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

The Drill That Feels Rigged (In the Best Way)

Here’s how it works:

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

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

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

Why Players Love (and Hate) It

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

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

Want More Drills Like This?

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

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

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

Why Forecast Matters

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

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

How to Use DUPR Forecast

Using DUPR Forecast is simple:

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

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

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

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

- Outperform the forecast? Your DUPR goes up.

- Underperform? Your DUPR adjusts down.

Check out how DUPR’s algorithm works here. 

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

What This Means for Players

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

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

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

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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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