Pickleball is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to stay active; but if your goal is to lose body fat, there’s one key truth you can’t ignore: playing alone isn’t enough. Without the right nutrition strategy, you might be undoing all your hard work on the court without even realizing it.
The good news? You don’t have to starve yourself or cut out the foods you love. You just need a sustainable calorie deficit; and we’re here to show you how to do it the right way.
In Tip #1, we focused on improving body composition instead of obsessing over the number on the scale. Now, it’s time to break down the balance between how many calories you’re consuming vs. how many you’re burning.
The fundamental principle of fat loss remains unchanged: you must burn more calories than you consume. However, the execution requires nuance and patience, not extreme restriction.

Use AIM7’s comprehensive weight loss calculator that factors in your age, height, current weight, body composition, and activity level (including pickleball sessions). This gives you a baseline for creating a modest deficit.
Target Range: Aim for 0.5 to 2 pounds of fat loss per week. This rate:

A modest daily deficit of 300-500 calories typically produces optimal results. Larger deficits may seem appealing, but often lead to:
Action Step: Track your intake for one week without making any changes to establish your baseline, then create a modest deficit from there.

Fat loss doesn't have to mean cutting out all your favorite foods or feeling exhausted on the court. With the right numbers in place, and a little patience, you can lose fat while still performing your best in pickleball.
Want help staying on track? Download the AIM7 app to calculate your needs, monitor your progress, and avoid guesswork.
And if you're wondering what to eat to support this process, don’t miss Tip #3: Prioritizing Protein; it may just change the way you fuel forever.
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. This content should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.
Before beginning any weight loss program, exercise routine, or making significant changes to your diet, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications, or have concerns about your health.
Individual results may vary. The strategies and recommendations discussed in this blog may not be suitable for everyone. Always listen to your body and discontinue any activity that causes pain or discomfort.
AIM7 and its affiliates are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information or suggestions contained in this blog. By reading this content, you acknowledge that you are participating in these activities at your own risk.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling a little drained during a long rally at a tournament or wishing you had just a bit more quickness on the court, it might not just be about fitness—it could be a matter of body composition.
For pickleball players, improving body composition isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about moving with ease, recovering faster, and playing at your best.
The weight loss landscape is cluttered with empty promises: "Lose 20 pounds in 20 days!" "Eliminate carbs forever!" These approaches typically fail because they ignore the fundamental principles of sustainable change, leaving you frustrated, exhausted, and often heavier than when you started.

The reality is that lasting weight loss and improved body composition require an evidence-based approach, one grounded in scientific research, realistic expectations, and habits you can maintain for life.
We broke this guide in seven parts, where we will show you how to lose fat, maintain your results, and build a stronger, leaner body that enhances both your health and your pickleball performance.
Here’s your simplified roadmap:

For pickleball players, the number on the scale tells only part of the story. Your real objective should be optimizing body composition—maintaining or building lean muscle mass while reducing body fat. This distinction matters because:
While tracking tools can be helpful, remember that your health story includes multiple factors: stress levels, sleep quality, muscle mass, cardiovascular fitness, and overall energy levels.
Action Step: Consider using multiple progress markers beyond the scale, such as body measurements, progress photos, how your clothes fit, and most importantly, how you feel during matches.

Download the AIM7 app today and get personalized support to follow strength plans designed to help you preserve muscle while losing fat.
The science is clear: sustainable weight loss requires the right balance of training, nutrition, and recovery.
👉 Read Weight Loss Tip #2: Implementing a Slight Calorie Deficit
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. This content should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.
Before beginning any weight loss program, exercise routine, or making significant changes to your diet, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications, or have concerns about your health.
Individual results may vary. The strategies and recommendations discussed in this blog may not be suitable for everyone. Always listen to your body and discontinue any activity that causes pain or discomfort.
AIM7 and its affiliates are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information or suggestions contained in this blog. By reading this content, you acknowledge that you are participating in these activities at your own risk.
[Delray Beach, FL.] – [7.31.2025] – DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the world's most accurate pickleball rating system, and DUPR Coach, a coaching and player development platform, today announced the launch of a new initiative to deliver accurate player ratings from video analysis using AI tools. As part of this initiative, PlaySight, the global leader in AI-driven sports video technology, becomes the first official integration partner.
This initiative marks a major step forward in making accurate pickleball ratings more accessible to players everywhere.
The core of the partnership is integrating PlaySight’s advanced AI-powered game analysis into DUPR, allowing players to receive an initial DUPR rating based on their video and evaluation by a DUPR Coach.
“This initiative is about unlocking access,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Not everyone plays in a league or tournament right away. Now, with a video of your match, you can get a trusted, data-driven rating. PlaySight is the ideal launch partner; they bring precision video capture and analytics already used by top-level athletes worldwide, and their presence in leading pickleball venues makes this a natural fit.”
Beyond ratings, the collaboration opens up new opportunities for content creation. PlaySight’s SmartCourts automatically produce highlight clips and full-match replays, which can now be curated and shared across DUPR’s digital channels. This makes it easier than ever for players to showcase their skills and for fans to engage with the sport.
"We are proud to partner with DUPR, a clear leader who shares our vision for advancing pickleball through technology," said Chen Shachar, Co-Founder and CEO of PlaySight. "Our AI systems create a massive trove of performance data and video highlights every single day. This partnership provides the perfect platform to not only enhance rating accuracy but also to deliver this incredible content to millions of passionate players worldwide through DUPR's amazing community."
PlaySight is the first AI technology partner to integrate with DUPR, helping set a new standard for video-based ratings. As the need for AI assessment tools in pickleball grows, DUPR will support an evolving range of use cases—whether captured on a SmartCourt, a mobile device, or other advanced tools. The goal is to make accurate ratings more accessible by opening up fresh ways for players to engage, get rated, and improve through video.
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.
PlaySight is a pioneer in AI-driven sports technology. Its SmartCourt platform is used across more than 40 sports—including pickleball, tennis, padel, and basketball—providing automated video production, live streaming, and advanced analytics. PlaySight is the official video technology partner of the PPA Tour and is installed at top pickleball facilities like Dill Dinkers, Ace Pickleball Club, and The Fort in Fort Lauderdale.
Kyrill Hartog
VP Marketing & Communications
kyrill@mydupr.com
In Arizona, one club is proving that pickleball isn’t just an adult sport; it’s a pathway for young athletes to develop, compete, and dream big. Monster Athlete Juniors is building the next generation of pickleball players by blending high-level training, structured competition, and DUPR ratings into a program that rivals the established models of youth volleyball and soccer.
From its humble beginnings with just 40 kids, Monster Athlete Juniors has grown to over 200 players and is on track to hit 300 this fall. The secret? A proven structure, a commitment to player development, and a belief that kids deserve the same opportunities to excel in pickleball as they do in other sports.
Howard Vernick, founder of Monster Athlete Juniors, spent over 30 years coaching club and high school volleyball. When he moved to Arizona, one of the fastest-growing states for pickleball, he noticed a major gap: there were no structured pickleball training programs for kids, like those long established in volleyball or soccer.
So, he created it.
“If volleyball, soccer, and basketball have developmental pipelines, why not pickleball?” Vernick explained.
Initially, Monster Athlete Juniors offered both volleyball and pickleball, but the program soon focused entirely on pickleball for athletes ages 8–17. With partners and coaches experienced in both sports and a trademarked program name, Monster Athlete Juniors built a system from scratch that mirrored the proven success of club volleyball models: structured divisions, seasonal schedules, and tournament play.
The club has three core divisions:
Each team trains twice a week under dedicated coaches, with developmental teams practicing one hour per session and advanced teams training two hours. The curriculum combines singles, doubles, and even MLP-style team formats, ensuring players learn all aspects of competitive pickleball.
Each 12-week season includes at least three tournaments, mixing indoor and outdoor venues, singles, doubles, and team events. These pickleball tournaments consistently draw 100+ junior competitors, a rare feat in youth pickleball.
And the competition isn’t limited to just members. About 30% of tournament players come from outside the club, providing Monster athletes exposure to new opponents and styles of play, and giving families an exciting look at what competitive youth pickleball can be.
Monster Athlete Juniors also offers “upgrade” tournament packages for players who want to test themselves at higher levels like PPA and NJP events within driving distance of Arizona. This model provides a clear competitive pathway, something few junior programs in the country currently offer.
One of Monster Athlete Juniors’ smartest moves was adopting DUPR ratings early.
“We realized we needed a consistent way to evaluate kids,” Vernick said. “We’re not recreational; we’re competitive. DUPR gives kids a way to measure where they are and where they want to go.”
DUPR helps the club with:
It also helps parents understand the difference between perceived skill and verified performance:
“Some parents say, ‘My kid’s a 3.5 because a coach told me so,’” Vernick explained. “But DUPR gives an unbiased, data-driven rating based on actual match results. That clarity is huge for families.”
Monster Athlete Juniors is already building relationships with universities like Grand Canyon University and Arizona State University, providing clinics and connecting youth players to collegiate pickleball opportunities. The program also has its eyes on charter schools, high school club programs, and long-term integration with scholastic athletics.
With plans to expand into Tucson, Flagstaff, California, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and even Naples, Florida, Monster Athlete Juniors is positioning itself as the national model for youth pickleball. Franchising and satellite clubs are on the horizon, bringing structure and opportunity to even more kids.
Monster Athlete Juniors has cracked the code on how to grow youth pickleball:
For other club directors and leaders, Monster Athlete Juniors offers a blueprint for building sustainable youth programs that keep kids engaged and push the sport forward.
“We’re preparing kids for competition, building community, and creating future pickleball athletes,” Vernick said.
The result? A youth program that’s not just filling courts, but shaping the future of the sport.
The 8–18 age group is one of the fastest-growing segments in pickleball, with over 14,000 middle and high schools primed to support youth play and competition.
Las Vegas, NV - July 29, 2025 - National Junior Pickleball (NJP), the premier competitive platform for youth pickleball in the U.S., has announced a groundbreaking partnership with MyJourney Pickleball (MJP), the developer of DUPR Coach to ensure every junior player enters NJP events with a trusted and accurate rating. Through the launch of Coach-Assigned DUPR Ratings, junior athletes will now have the opportunity to be rated by credentialed DUPR Coaches via the My DUPR Coach app. This program establishes a new standard for youth-level competition and player development.
This initiative marks a major milestone in the evolution of junior pickleball. At the heart of NJP’s mission is the belief that every player, whether it’s their first tournament or they’re still chasing the podium, deserves to compete in a fair, skill-based environment. The Coach-Assigned DUPR Rating is a key step toward making that vision a reality.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to making sure every junior has the chance to compete against peers at their skill level, using the most trusted rating system in the sport,” said Courtney Loughridge, Founder and CEO of National Junior Pickleball. “With MyJourney Pickleball and DUPR, we’re giving families a reliable way to prepare for events, grow in the sport, and connect with a larger community of junior players.”
Through this collaboration, MyJourney Pickleball will provide NJP players access to credentialed Master DUPR Coaches who will assess submitted film and assign Coach-Assigned DUPR Ratings through the My DUPR Coach app. This process allows non-rated players to become rated in advance of tournaments, ensuring accurate matchmaking, smoother seeding, and a more competitive, enjoyable experience for all.
“This is a major step forward for the sport of pickleball,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “The Coach-Assigned DUPR gives juniors a path to get rated before they even step into their first match. It also helps coaches guide development, parents and players track progress, and events maintain the integrity of competition.”
This partnership reflects a shared mission to grow the game the right way: through youth, through coaching, through community, and through DUPR.
“National Junior Pickleball is critical to the future of pickleball, representing the 8–18 age group that makes up a large and rapidly growing segment of the millions entering the sport,” said Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball. “With DUPR Coach, credentialed coaches can now assign a DUPR Rating to junior players anywhere in the world, simply through uploaded match film. It’s remote, scalable, and purpose-built to support their development. We’re proud to help bring this level of access and opportunity to the next generation of players.”
National Junior Pickleball has redefined what it means to be a junior competitor. These events are more than tournaments. They are communities of like-minded players and families building friendships that last well beyond the final match. With the addition of Coach-Assigned DUPRs, those connections are now backed by the sport’s leading rating system, giving juniors the structure, clarity, and competitive experience they deserve.
National Junior Pickleball (NJP) is the leading tournament series dedicated exclusively to youth pickleball players ages 8–18. NJP provides a positive, competitive environment that supports player development at every level—from first-time participants to elite junior athletes. With regional and national events across the U.S., NJP is building a true pathway for junior athletes to grow in the sport. NJP fosters a community grounded in sportsmanship, inclusion, and lifelong love for the game.
MyJourney Pickleball is the developer of DUPR Coach and the My DUPR Coach app, empowering coaches to perform detailed skill assessments and assign official Coach-Assigned DUPRs. The platform supports player development while unlocking new revenue opportunities for coaches and clubs.
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.
Getting stuck in the transition zone after your return? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common struggles in pickleball, no matter your DUPR rating. Most players know that the team that reaches the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) first usually takes control of the point. Thanks to the double-bounce rule, returners often have the advantage to get there first. But too often, you end up stranded halfway, scrambling to reset instead of attacking.
Maybe your return was too short, or maybe the server ripped a deep, heavy ball that pushed you back, just like the one the world’s No. 1 pro recommends in our Pro Serving Tips article.
The good news? Pro pickleball player Bobbi Oshiro has a simple way to fix it.
Instead of blindly running to the kitchen after your return, stop and perform a split step right before your opponent makes contact with their shot.
Why?
Bobbi Oshiro explains, “A common mistake is rushing to the NVZ after your return, which often leads to unforced errors or pop-ups because you’re off balance and out of position. That split step helps you stay grounded and ready.”
Your return shot is your best friend when trying to transition forward. Hitting your return deep does two big things:
Because of the double bounce rule, the serving team is obligated to let your return bounce on their court side, so take advantage of that!
“Don’t be afraid to hit with a little more height over the net. A deep return buys you those extra steps and puts you in control of the rally, ” Bobbi said.
Most players focus heavily on their return, but Bobbi Oshiro stresses that the fourth shot is just as important because it sets the tone for the rally:
Stop rushing:
With these tips, you’ll stop feeling “stuck in transition” and start winning more points, helping you boost your pickleball ratings.
Interested in learning more pro tips? Check out Bobbi Oshiro’s Road To Pro Guide.
Florida Atlantic University’s own Zack Card is no stranger to the court, but even for a seasoned collegiate athlete, stepping into the national spotlight at a Major League Pickleball (MLP) event offered a whole new kind of intensity.
We caught up with Zack to hear about his experience at the MLP Mid-Season Tournament, where his team, after qualifying through the Collegiate National Championship, faced off against some of the biggest names in pickleball. Zack shared how the FAU squad rose to the challenge under pressure, and what lessons they're bringing back to collegiate pickleball this fall.
For Zack, the opportunity to compete at the professional level was more than just a career milestone; it was validation to continue his journey.

"I’m so glad I can continue to play and represent my school in a sport that’s growing exponentially, especially at the college level,” Zack said.
The FAU team went head-to-head with challenger squad Florida Smash, ultimately falling 1–3 in the overall matches, with Zack's match being the last one of the four. When asked if he felt pressure to prove himself, Zack admitted:
“I did put a lot of pressure on myself at the MLP event, which is unfortunate because it prevented me from giving my best possible performance. I usually try to go into events with no expectations, which helps relieve pressure, but I failed to do that at MLP."
Many athletes can relate to this kind of moment. It's a true “make or break” test when stepping onto the professional stage for the first time. Zack’s reflection on how he handled the pressure reveals a strong sense of self-awareness and personal growth under high-stakes conditions.
The mental game plays a major role, and often, it’s the mindset that makes the difference against the opposing team. Find out more about how to build mental strength on the pickleball court!

The speed and intensity of the MLP environment surprised even a player as seasoned as Zack.
“The level at MLP is a lot different than college pickleball. I practice with top-level players, so that part wasn’t new, but the pressure changed everything. The game at MLP is much faster and more relentless. In college, players have to slow things down because they can’t create the same level of offense.”
Once the excitement, hype, and atmosphere of the big leagues faded, Zack finally had time to reflect, and a powerful realization hit him on the flight home.
“The second I took my seat on the plane going back home, I thought, ‘I can’t ever let this [the pressure and overthinking] happen to me again.’ I learned a lot from that tournament, and I’ll carry those lessons with me in everything I do on and off the court.”
Zack believes the MLP experience won’t just shape him; it’ll elevate the entire FAU team.
“This experience will absolutely help our college team this fall. I think we’re all going into the season with a better attitude and a deeper understanding of what it takes mentally to perform in big situations like these.”

Zack’s advice to other college players dreaming of going pro? Stay true to yourself.
“Become the best player you can be, not the best version of someone else. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Maximize what you're good at and minimize your weak spots. Trying to copy someone else’s game actually hurts your own. Watch and learn from the pros, but don’t try to be them.”
Zack Card’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about growth, self-awareness, and learning to rise under pressure. As pickleball continues its rapid rise at the collegiate level, athletes like Zack are showing the world what the next generation of competitors looks like: passionate, focused, and ready to evolve. Keep up with Zack’s journey at the FAU Pickleball team this fall season!
July 22, 2025 — Delray Beach, FL — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) announced today that the Vulcan V-PRO FLIGHT is now the Official Ball of DUPR across all its verticals and events, including High School Pickleball, Collegiate Pickleball, Minor League Pickleball (MiLP), as well as more than 8000 DUPR clubs and facilities all over the world.
This new partnership sets a standard across the sport, as all DUPR events and events operated by DUPR’s partners leagues, tours, clubs and event organizers will be required to use the Vulcan V-PRO FLIGHT pickleball. This reinforces DUPR’s commitment to consistency, quality, and the highest level of competitive integrity.
“DUPR is built on accuracy and trust. We only align with partners who meet that standard,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Vulcan has proven to be the best ball in the game, and this partnership raises the bar for every player who steps on the court.”
Vulcan’s V-PRO FLIGHT technology is regarded as best-in-class, delivering elite performance, durability, and accuracy. Already trusted as the Official Ball of Major League Pickleball (MLP), Vulcan now strengthens its position as the leading brand in pickleball ball technology.
“We’re proud to become the Official Ball of DUPR,” said Jeremy Nef, President of Vulcan Pickleball. “DUPR is the backbone of competitive pickleball, and this partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting players at every level — with the most advanced ball on the market.”
Together, DUPR and Vulcan are shaping the future of competitive pickleball.
Vulcan Pickleball is the premier equipment brand in pickleball and the creators of the V-PRO FLIGHT pickleball. The V-PRO FLIGHT is the official ball of DUPR, High School Pickleball, Collegiate Pickleball, Minor League Pickleball, and Major League Pickleball. Trusted by recreational players and professional pickleball players alike, the V-PRO FLIGHT is “The Official Ball of Pickleball”. Learn more at vulcanpickleball.com
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.
Kyrill Hartog
VP Marketing & Communications
kyrill@mydupr.com
Jimmy Miller
Director of Club & Partnerships
jimmy@vulcanpickleball.com