What started as a college side hustle has now become one of the most active and successful DUPR clubs in the Midwest. Meet Ben Rasey, the Pickleball Director at Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball Club, and the driving force behind a community that blends high-level play, heart-pumping cardio, and genuine connection—all under one roof.

From College Club Founder to DUPR Tournament Director

Ben’s pickleball journey began in the most grassroots way possible—playing at public parks during COVID and being adopted into a local league. After returning to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 2020, he realized there was no official pickleball group on campus. So, he built one from scratch.

What began with just 7 players is now the largest club sport at UW–Whitewater, with over 100 active members. 

“In 2023, I helped raise $18,000 for the club. Back then, no club had that kind of money,” Ben says.

This experience laid the groundwork for what was to come next.

The Birth of Lake Geneva’s Pickleball Scene

Ben started working with Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball in late 2023, originally running a few events on the side. When the former head pro stepped down, Ben stepped up.

Today, he manages the DUPR club by running monthly tournaments, hosting everything from the Dink Minor League Pickleball events to state championships. Their Christmas tournament draws over 200 players annually, and even their smaller events average 120 players.

What makes Lake Geneva special?

 “We’re not just competitive. We’re fun. We’re a family,” Ben says.

Building Community, One Drill and Cardio Class at a Time

Lake Geneva’s programming is as diverse as its players. From drill & play sessions and free intro clinics to kids' classes, pizza parties, and the fan-favorite Cardio Pickleball, Ben has turned the club into a hub for players of all ages and levels.

“Cardio Pickleball is the most fun I’ve ever had running an event,” Ben shares. “We cap it at 20 people, play games like King of the Court and Beat the Pro, and just hype people up the whole time.”

The club recently opened a dedicated 6-court indoor pickleball facility with tournament-level specs: 10 feet of space behind and between courts, sliding court dividers, and upward-facing lights to reduce glare. It’s built for serious play—without sacrificing the social spirit.

A Culture of Belonging—and a Bit of Matchmaking

For Ben, the magic of pickleball goes beyond ratings.

“Pickleball changed my life,” he says. “It gave me my closest friends. I’ve seen couples meet at my events. It’s become this unofficial matchmaker.”

He texts hundreds of players personally before each event, adding little inside jokes and personal notes.

 “If you’re not sociable in this role, you’re going to fail,” Ben says. “People come back because they feel seen and valued.”

DUPR-First, Player-Focused

Ben has been a DUPR believer since day one—starting at the collegiate level and bringing it straight into Lake Geneva’s core programming.

“Players want their ratings to reflect who they really are,” Ben explains. “We use DUPR to highlight meaningful competition, not random matchups.”

Lake Geneva is now ranked in the top 1% of all DUPR clubs—with over 6,000 clubs on the platform. 

Most Clubs Hope for Retention— This DUPR Club Hit 80%. 

According to Ben, Lake Geneva’s Christmas-time PPA-style tournament brings in an average of 200 players each year. Their Minor League pickleball events, hosted every 7–8 weeks, consistently draw between 80 and 144 players.

“Our retention rates have been really exciting to track,” said Ben. “At one of our recent state championships, 60–70% of players were brand new—which was awesome. But the tournament before that? We had an 80% return rate. That’s pretty wild.”

He credits the strong turnout to running events frequently enough to match players' availability—without overwhelming them.

Advice for New Club Directors

Ben’s biggest piece of advice?

“Ask for help. Listen to players. Talk to other clubs who’ve done it. I had to figure out a lot on my own—but now that our club is a big success, clubs are coming to us asking what we’re doing right.”

He also keeps it simple: be present, be social, and build relationships. 

“Pickleball is the people's business,” he says. “If they like you, they’ll come back.”

What’s Next?

Ben’s still juggling a full-time job outside of pickleball—but don’t expect him to slow down. He’s got even more programming, tournaments, and creative events planned as Lake Geneva continues to grow.

And if you’re ever in Wisconsin, don’t be surprised if you meet your next doubles partner—or your future spouse—at one of Ben’s events.

Want to start a DUPR Club Like Lake Geneva?

Fill out this form and an account manager will guide you on how to succeed with your pickleball programming.

Everyone talks about how important dinking is —but how do you actually get to that point in a rally? It doesn’t just happen. One of the most important steps to get there is learning how to reset the ball from the transition zone.

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So what exactly is a reset—and why is it such a game-changer for players trying to level up their game (and their pickleball ratings)?

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Master the Reset in Mid-Court

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A reset in pickleball is a soft, controlled shot typically played from mid-court or the transition zone with the purpose of neutralizing your opponent's offensive advantage. It is used to “reset” the pace of the rally, often after a fast exchange or when a player is under pressure.

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Instead of hitting a hard counter, players use a reset to drop the ball gently into the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen), allowing time to recover and transition to the net.

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Why is Resetting Important?

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Mastering the reset shot is key for:

• Regaining control of the point 
• Moving up into the kitchen 
• Transitioning from defense to offense
• Improving overall court strategy

How to Perform a Reset

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1. Grip and Paddle Angle: Use a soft grip and open paddle face.
2. Body Position: Stay low with bent knees and keep your paddle out front.
3. Soft Hands: Focus on absorbing the pace of the ball.
4. Target Area: Aim for the kitchen with a gentle arc.
5. Recovery: Be ready to advance to the non-volley line.

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Practicing resets regularly will not only help with defense but also improve your confidence during pickleball tournaments where pressure situations are common.

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Resets vs. Dinks

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While both resets and dinks involve soft touch, they serve different purposes. A dink is typically used in an established kitchen rally, while a reset transitions a point into a dink rally. Both are critical shots to master and heavily influence your pickleball strategy.

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Reset To Improve Your Pickleball Ratings

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A solid reset can be the difference between a 3.5 and a 4.0 player. The ability to control the pace and force your opponent into neutral exchanges plays a significant role in pickleball ratings and success in pickleball tournaments.

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Looking to raise your DUPR? Start by adding resets to your training program. Keep practicing, study the best, and track your progress using DUPR.

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Let’s be honest: hitting every single ball hard is not going to make you a better player, but adding variation to your game will. 

Sometimes, the most annoying shot to deal with is the one that just... stays low and barely even bounces. That’s the magic of the slice.

And lucky for you, pro player Bobbi Oshiro dropped some gems on how to actually hit it right.

First, What Is a Slice in Pickleball?

In pickleball, a slice—or backspin shot—is made by swinging the paddle in a downward motion, which puts reverse spin on the ball. This causes the ball to travel slower, stay low after the bounce, and skid toward your opponent, making it tough for them to attack.

While everyone’s out there practicing their Erne or lining up a cheeky Nasty Nelson, don’t forget: mastering the slice (and knowing your pickleball rules) can win you just as many points—quietly and efficiently.

Pro Tips from Bobbi Oshiro: How to Hit the Perfect Slice

Pro pickleball player Bobbi Oshiro shared her go-to technique for slicing, and here's exactly how she breaks it down:

✅ Grip:

Use a continental grip for better control and natural slice mechanics.

✅ Paddle Angle:

Angle the face of your paddle slightly upward—this helps apply that crisp backspin.

✅ Swing Path:

• Start your swing high
  

• Follow a high-to-low trajectory
  
• Keep your wrist and elbow locked
  
• Use your shoulder to drive the motion, not your wrist
  

✅ Follow-Through:

Keep it low and forward toward your target. You’re not trying to hit a winner—you're placing a ball that’s tough to attack.

When Should You Use a Slice?

According to Bobbi, here are the best times to use a slice:

• When pulled wide or in a defensive position
  
• To reset the point and buy yourself time
  
• To mix up your spin game and keep opponents guessing
  
• To force a low bounce and make their next shot tougher

Slice Your Way to Higher Pickleball Ratings

Smarter shot selections lead to more wins—and that means higher pickleball ratings. Simple math.

The perfect slice is subtle, sneaky, and strategic. Use it to:

• Stay in more points
  
• Reduce unforced errors
  
• Force weaker returns and set up your counterattack
  

Want to see how your slice impacts your game?
Try out these tips on your next pickleball tournament and see your pickleball rating move up. 

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Whether you’re new to pickleball or just eager to learn pickleball rules, you’ve definitely heard about the NVZ - which stands for Non-Volley Zone.

The Non-Volley Zone—aka The The Kitchen—is one of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of the game. Master it, and you will be one step closer to improving your pickleball ratings. 

What Is the Non-Volley Zone?

The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)—better known as the kitchen—is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net.

Let’s be clear: It’s totally legal to stand in the kitchen—just not while hitting a volley, or if your momentum carries you into it after a volley.

Thinking about hitting an Erne or attacking up at the net?
Know the rules first—or risk giving up free points.

Because when it comes to your DUPR pickleball ratings, every point counts.

Why Is the NVZ Called "The Kitchen"?

There’s no definitive origin story for why it’s called “the kitchen” in pickleball, but the most widely accepted theory links it to shuffleboard. In shuffleboard, the “kitchen” is a penalty zone—land there, and you lose 10 points. While the rules are different, the concept is similar: it’s a restricted space where bad positioning can cost you. In pickleball, stepping into the kitchen at the wrong time—especially during a volley—results in a fault. (Thankfully, it’s just one point, not ten.)

The nickname isn’t officially documented, but it’s stuck—and for good reason. If you’re serious about your game (and your DUPR rating), you’ll learn to respect the kitchen.

The Importance of the NVZ in Pickleball Tournaments

Mastering your footwork around the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) is essential—especially in tournament play, where the pace is faster and margins are tight.

High-level players don’t avoid the kitchen—they use it. The NVZ becomes a tool to slow the game down, control tempo, reset points, and bait opponents into making mistakes.

🏓 Key NVZ Tips:

• Stay low and balanced—good footwork = fewer pop-ups
  
• Dink with purpose, not just to keep the rally going
  
• Use angles to pull your opponent wide and open up the court
  
• Know when to reset vs. attack—timing is everything
  

🎥 Check out Bobbi Oshiro’s tips on using the NVZ effectively in singles play.

NVZ Rules You Must Know

Here are some core pickleball rules regarding the NVZ:

• No volleying while touching the NVZ line: Your feet must be behind the line if you want to hit a volley.
  

• Momentum counts: Even if you hit the volley outside the NVZ, if your momentum carries you into the zone afterward, it's a fault.

• Dinking is legal: You can hit the ball inside the kitchen if it has bounced first. This opens up one of the most strategic plays in pickleball—the dink.
  

NVZ Strategy

Players who use the NVZ effectively tend to:

• Extend rallies
  
• Reduce unforced errors
  
• Win more dink battles
  
• Perform better in competitive environments

Whether you call it the Non-Volley Zone or the kitchen, mastering this space is vital for players looking to excel in pickleball. From casual play to competitive pickleball tournaments, understanding how to move, position, and strike in relation to the NVZ can give you a strategic edge.

Want to raise your pickleball rating? Start by mastering the NVZ—and let the numbers speak for themselves.

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A dink isn’t flashy. It won’t make the highlight reels. But ask any experienced pickleball players, and they’ll tell you—mastering the dink is what separates the good from the great, especially in official pickleball tournaments. 

Are you trying to improve your pickleball ratings? Then you better start dinking soon. 

But What Exactly is a Dink In Pickleball? 

In pickleball, a "dink" is a soft, controlled shot that lands in the non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the "kitchen".

At first glance, the dink shot seems simple. It’s a soft, controlled hit that barely clears the net, landing in the kitchen and forcing your opponent into an awkward position. No speed, no power, just placement. But don’t let its delicate nature fool you—the dink is one of the most strategic shots in pickleball, designed to set traps, build pressure, and force mistakes.

Why Are Dinks So Effective?

Pickleball is a game of patience. Sure, it feels great to crush a ball across the court, but smart players know that staying in control wins matches. The dink slows down the rally, dragging opponents into a battle of precision rather than power. When executed correctly, it forces them to bend, reach, and—if they’re not careful—pop the ball up for an easy putaway.

Check out this dinking battle from collegiate pickleball players at Nationals. 

The Art of a Perfect Dink

The beauty of the dink lies in its simplicity, but mastering it takes practice. A well-placed dink stays low over the net, preventing aggressive returns. The best players use the dink to set the pace, keeping their opponents off balance and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Soft hands, soft touch. Dinking isn’t about hitting hard, it’s about control.
2. Stay balanced, good footwork keeps your dinks consistent and keeps you ready for the next shot.
3. Use the angles; a well-angled dink can pull your opponent wide, creating openings for a winning shot.

Dink or Die: Why The Best Players Swear By It

Watch pro-pickleball tips, and you’ll see that the dink isn’t just a shot—it’s a strategy. It’s the foundation of smart play, the key to winning long rallies, and a weapon that keeps opponents guessing. If you’re serious about improving, learning to dink isn’t optional—it’s essential.

So next time you step onto the court, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed dink. It may not look intimidating, but trust us, it wins games.

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Rome, Italy — June 13, 2025 — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is proud to announce its official partnership with the Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel (FITP), making DUPR the rating system for all sanctioned pickleball activity in Italy.

This is a major milestone for DUPR and the global growth of pickleball. Italy has quickly become one of the most exciting pickleball markets in Europe — with thousands of new players, clubs forming every month, and serious momentum behind national and international competition.

“Italy is not just growing in numbers — it’s growing with ambition,” said Mortada Stitou, Vice-President of Commercial at DUPR. “FITP’s leadership is building a true ecosystem, and we’re honored they chose DUPR as the foundation. This gives every Italian player access to the same trusted, global rating used by pros and amateurs around the world.”

With this partnership, all FITP-sanctioned events and clubs will use DUPR to track player progress and seed matches. Italian players can now see how they stack up on a worldwide scale — with real-time updates, match history, and cross-border comparability.

“We believe that fair and transparent competition is essential to the sport,” said Giulia Soresina from FITP. “DUPR brings exactly that — a reliable rating, easy to use, and trusted internationally. This is a big step forward for the Italian pickleball community.”

Why It Matters

• Italy is a gateway to broader European adoption.
• DUPR helps standardize competition ahead of future international events.
• It brings player development, tournament planning, and talent scouting onto one platform.

“We’ve seen what happens when a country fully adopts DUPR — tournaments get better, players level up faster, and clubs thrive,” said Stitou. “Italy is next.”

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.

About FITP

The Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel is Italy’s governing body for tennis, padel, and pickleball. It organizes national competitions, oversees player development, and promotes the growth of racket sports throughout Italy. 

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If you've ever played or watched a competitive pickleball match, you may have heard players or commentators mention an "ATP" shot. But what exactly is an ATP in pickleball—and how can it improve your game and your pickleball ratings?

What does ATP stand for in pickleball?

ATP stands for Around The Post, one of the most exciting and skillful shots in pickleball. Unlike most shots that travel over the net, an ATP travels around the net post—completely outside the boundary of the net—and still lands inbounds on your opponent’s side.

Is the ATP Legal?

Yes! According to official pickleball rules, a ball does not need to go over the net, as long as:

• It crosses to the opponent’s side,
  
• Lands within the court boundaries, and
  
• The player does not touch the net or opponent’s court..
  

When to Hit an ATP Shot

ATP opportunities usually happen when your opponent hits a sharp-angled dink or drive that pulls you far off the court. If that ball bounces near the sideline, you may have a clean angle to hit an ATP.

Key tip from the pros: Be patient and wait as long as you can to hit the shot.  The longer you wait, the better angle you have to hit the ball around the post.

The ATP and Competitive Pickleball Tournaments

In high-level pickleball tournaments, the ATP isn’t just a flashy shot—it can be a momentum-shifting tactic. Players who master it can surprise opponents, win crowd-pleasing points, and show off a deep understanding of pickleball strategy.

Key Pickleball Rules for ATP Shots

• You can go around the net post, but cannot touch the net, posts, or your opponent’s court while the ball is live.
  
• The ball must land in bounds, even though it travels around the net.
  
• If your momentum carries you onto the opponent’s court—or if anything you’re wearing or holding (like a paddle or hat) crosses the line before your shot—it’s a fault.
  
• You can’t cross the imaginary extension of the net unless you’ve already made contact with the ball (unless the ball has already bounced on your end of the court and has bounced back to the opponent’s end. Yeah, it gets complicated!)
  

How to Practice the ATP

Want to add the ATP to your game? Try this:

• Drill wide-angle dinks with a partner to simulate real ATP scenarios.
  
• Focus on footwork—positioning early is everything.
  
• Work on paddle angle and follow-through to keep your shot low and in bounds.
  

The ATP is more than just a flashy highlight—it’s a powerful, legal weapon when executed correctly. Whether you're chasing higher DUPR ratings or just want to win more games, learning to hit the Around The Post shot gives you a serious edge.

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When Brad Lees first picked up a paddle, he had no idea it would change the dynamic of his entire family. What started as a "stupid little game" he tried with his kids in the neighborhood quickly spiraled into something much more. Today, Brad is a DUPR Coach, RPPK Master Instructor, and proud dad to a crew of five highly rated pickleball players.

A Family That Pickleballs Together

"We have five kids; my daughter is my mixed partner, and my sons coach as well,” Brad shared. “One's a 5.7 DUPR, the other is a 5.0 and my daughter is a 4.5"

Even cooler? Their pickleball skills helped them to transition to other sports. It took his daughter only 6 months to learn tennis and become #2 on her high school team, qualifying for the State Championship. According to Brad, the transition was seamless. "She picked up volleys and quick hands from pickleball. That gave her the confidence to rush the net in tennis while others stayed back."

Calling out the "Anyone Can Teach" Myth

"Anyone can teach... But not everyone can teach well," Brad joked.

What separates a great coach from a decent player, he explained, is patience, strategy, and an actual framework.

A lot of high-rated players think they can coach—but playing well doesn’t always translate to teaching well. “We need structure in this sport,” Brad explained. “Certification ensures you’re not passing down bad habits or outdated strategies.”

How DUPR Ratings Changed the Game

Brad doesn’t just coach—he rates. As a DUPR Coach, Brad runs multiple rating sessions each week, using them not only to help players get started, but also to build long-term relationships.

“A lot of the Picklr facilities are DUPR-limiting their leagues and open plays. If someone doesn’t have a DUPR, they can’t even get into those events.”

More and more clubs are making having a DUPR rating a requirement, and that gives certified DUPR Coaches like Brad the chance to connect with players right from the beginning.

“Players meet you during the session and see how you coach. It’s a great way to build relationships—and grow your coaching business.”

Once a player has a rating, the journey doesn’t stop there. Brad works with many players whose goal is simple: raise their DUPR.

“I have several athletes that I work with who are always trying to raise their DUPR. That’s their ultimate goal. So we’re coming up with strategies, matches, and game plans that can help them get there.”

For Brad’s students, coaching goes beyond technique—it’s about access. To better matchups, more competitive events, and a better overall experience. And it all starts with the right rating.

“Everyone thinks they’re better than they really are."

“People sign up for tournaments thinking they’re a 3.5, then get trashed and only play two games after paying a lot of money,” Brad noted.

That’s why getting rated by a DUPR Coach matters. It’s the fastest, fairest way to figure out where you actually stand—so you can start in the right bracket, have a great time, and build from there.

Why Arizona Is Leading the Pickleball Boom Right Now

According to Coach Brad Lees, Arizona’s rise as a pickleball hotspot comes down to three key factors: great weather, an active outdoor lifestyle, and a rapid increase in courts and events.

The state regularly hosts major tournaments like PPA and Major League Pickleball, drawing large crowds and growing interest at every level. Arizona is also home to many local pro players, adding to the region’s competitive energy.

“There are five Picklr facilities in the Valley already,” Brad shared, “and there are even plans for a new indoor facility with 50 courts.”

 With more events, more courts, and more talent, it’s no surprise amateur participation is surging across the state.

Why Coaching Education Matters

Coach Brad Lees believes structured programs like RPPK are essential for growing the sport the right way. “If you’re making up your own curriculum every time, players get inconsistent instruction—and that’s not good for anyone,” he shared. 

While it’s natural to adjust lessons for different players, a strong foundation helps ensure that players learn the right habits from day one and can actually progress.

RPPK Isn’t Just About Curriculum

Beyond the teaching framework, Brad pointed out the practical perks of certification—like liability insurance, which is often required at parks and facilities. “If you’re coaching without insurance, you’re taking a big risk. Accidents happen—better to be covered.”

RPPK also gives coaches credibility, structure, and tools that help them deliver more consistent, effective instruction—and stand out in a growing field.

The Future: DUPR + RPPK as the Standard

Brad envisions a future where every club and league uses DUPR ratings and RPPK certification as the norm.

“We’ve never had one clear coaching standard in pickleball. But with RPPK’s structure and DUPR’s reach, we finally could. That’s how we build long-term growth—and do it the right way.

Want to learn more about becoming a Master Instructor? Click here to explore your next step.

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