A Parent’s Guide to Building Confidence, Not Pressure

High school pickleball is becoming more competitive every season. With new opportunities to track official pickleball ratings and compete in High School Pickleball Tournaments, today’s teen athletes are more motivated—and more pressured—than ever before.

But here’s the thing: they’re still kids. They’re still figuring out how to manage nerves, disappointment, and the very real emotional rollercoaster of competitive sports — all while making sure their grades don’t suffer.

As a parent, coach, or sibling, your words matter more than you might think. One comment can either lift your teen up… or stick with them in the worst way.

You’re Not the One Playing—And That’s Okay

It’s easy to have strong opinions when you’re watching from the sidelines. Maybe they missed a shot they normally make. Maybe they didn’t seem aggressive enough. Maybe their partner didn’t play well and it threw them off. We get it—it’s frustrating to watch, especially when you care.

But here’s the truth: there are so many factors in a pickleball match that are invisible—mental pressure, teammate chemistry, even just a bad day. Reacting as if you were the one competing only adds more stress.

Be mindful of your body language before, during, and after your child’s pickleball match. Try to stay present—avoid distractions like checking your phone, shouting from the sidelines, or showing visible frustration or discomfort, like covering your face or turning away. 

Your job isn’t to be a coach (unless you actually are one). Your job is to support, guide, and help your teen learn how to manage both victory and defeat. 

Why Tough Losses Matter More Than Wins

Tough losses tend to stick with us longer than big wins—and there’s actually a psychological reason for that. Our brains are wired to hold onto negative experiences more than positive ones. It’s called negativity bias, and it’s a natural part of how we process emotions. We’re more likely to replay a loss in our minds than to relive the high of a win.

For high school athletes, this can be especially true. A match that didn’t go well might feel like it defines their whole season—or affects how they view themselves as a player.

But here’s the flip side: because losses tend to stick with us longer, they often become the most valuable learning experiences. What makes the difference is how we respond to them.

Help your teen understand that one tough match doesn’t erase all their progress—or their potential. Even the best players have off days, and no single result will define their pickleball rating or future in the sport. Plus, if your child plays in tournaments regularly, their reliability score improves—meaning their rating is less likely to swing drastically after one loss.

What matters most isn’t the outcome—it’s how they respond the next time they step on the court.

Should You Say Something… or Not?

You might be asking:

• “Should I talk to my kid after the match?”
• “What if my kid doesn’t want me to watch him play?”
• “What if my kid always blames his doubles partner after a loss?”
• “How should I handle it when my kid starts throwing or breaking their pickleball paddle after a tough match?"

There’s no perfect script, but there are better ways to approach these situations. Start by recognizing that your teen is trying to figure it out just like you are. Be the steady presence they can rely on.

What to Say and What Not to Say

Let’s walk through a few scenarios and how to respond:

The High School Pickleball National Pathway: Big Dreams Start Here

The High School Pickleball Tour was designed to give student-athletes across the country a chance to compete at the national level. As they play more sanctioned matches and build their DUPR pickleball ratings, teens are developing real goals, accountability, and a deeper love for the game.

But it’s not just about the rating. It’s about helping young players grow into confident, emotionally mature individuals—who can win with humility and lose with perspective.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Every high school athlete will experience a tough loss at some point. What matters most is how we, as the adults in their corner, respond.

Be their safe space. Let them feel what they’re feeling. And remind them that no single match defines who they are—or where they’re headed.

Support them, believe in them, and help them see the big picture. Because in the end, it’s not just about improving pickleball ratings—it’s about raising strong, resilient young people.

The most confident athletes aren’t the ones who’ve never lost—they’re the ones who keep showing up, learning from every mistake, and trusting themselves through every setback.

Every tournament is a chance to grow. Encourage your teen to stay in the game, even when it’s hard. That’s how champions—on and off the court—are made.

Sign up your kids for the next high school pickleball tournament and build their way up to collegiate pickleball.

‍

UVA Pickleball has signed a historic multi-year sponsorship deal with HEAD USA, marking the largest partnership in collegiate pickleball to date. 

‍

This agreement—covering paddles, shoes, bags, accessories, and key program support—underscores both UVA’s leadership in the sport and HEAD’s commitment to the growing collegiate scene.

‍

A Partnership Sparked at DUPR Nationals

‍This collaboration took shape at the 2023 DUPR Collegiate Nationals, where UVA first connected with HEAD’s sponsorship team. From an initial shoe sponsorship and tournament support, the relationship has now expanded into a long-term commitment that will provide UVA’s 24-person tournament team with equipment for all competitions, including the 2025 Nationals in Atlanta.

‍

Elevating Collegiate Pickleball Through DUPR’s Platform

‍UVA Pickleball’s rapid growth is part of a broader movement powered by DUPR’s national exposure. The team’s success on and off the court continues to attract major brands to the space. HEAD’s investment reflects the increasing significance of collegiate pickleball, with UVA leading the charge.

‍

“UVA Pickleball is proud to partner with HEAD USA as it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for collegiate programs,” said Conor Burns, Head of Sponsorships. “With DUPR as the driving force behind the sport’s growth, this partnership is another step toward a bigger and brighter future for college pickleball.”  

“We are so excited to expand our relationship with UVA Pickleball,” said Katie Benson, Pickleball Promotions & Partnerships Manager for HEAD USA. “Over the past 2 years we’ve watched this team perform at the highest level of collegiate pickleball while also building an organization that pays just as much attention to building the sport recreationally on campus for the entire student body. The team’s energy is unmatched and we look forward to chasing this new horizon with them.” 

‍

‍

About UVA Pickleball 

The University of Virginia (UVA) Pickleball Team is one of the most competitive and fastest-growing collegiate pickleball programs in the country. With a strong tournament presence and a thriving campus community, UVA Pickleball continues to push the sport forward, setting new standards for collegiate play.

‍

About HEAD

HEAD is a leading global provider of premium, high-performance equipment and apparel for athletes and players, at all levels. HEAD has five divisions: Winter Sports, Racquet Sports, Water Sports, Sportswear and Licensing. Since our launch in 1950, we’ve achieved a reputation for cutting-edge design, engineering excellence and a passion for championing all sport, everywhere. World-class performance demands the very best equipment and that’s why, at HEAD, our purpose is to give athletes and players at every level, exactly what they need to win. To learn more, visit head.com.

‍

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 or follow DUPR on Instagram to learn more.

‍

About DUPR Collegiate Pickleball

DUPR Collegiate Pickleball is the leading platform for college programs nationwide, providing structure, rankings, and tournament opportunities for student-athletes. Through high-profile events like DUPR Nationals and conference championships, DUPR is driving the growth of collegiate pickleball and helping teams secure major sponsorships.

Delray Beach, Fl. Mar. 20, 2025 - Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is now the official rating system of Pickleball Australia (PA), ensuring that all PA sanctioned tournaments, leagues, and events use the most accurate and globally recognized player rating system.

‍

This partnership will bring a new level of consistency and fairness to Australian pickleball, giving players a data-driven, real-time way to track their progress. DUPR’s advanced algorithm evaluates players based on match results—regardless of age, gender, or location—providing a rating on a universal scale from 2.000 to 8.000.

‍

"Pickleball Australia has been liaising with Tito, Ryan and the DUPR team for some years and we’re delighted to now formally enter into a monumental partnership with DUPR which will have such a significant, positive impact on pickleball in Australia," said Brendan Lee, Executive Officer of Pickleball Australia. "DUPR has shown that they are the gold standard when it comes to player ratings and this partnership ensures Australian players have access to the most accurate rating system, which will enhance competition and level the playing field."

‍

Through this collaboration, DUPR will be integrated into Australia’s premier tournaments and leagues, including:

• ✅ The Australian Pickleball Championships, which drew over 1,200 competitors in 2024; making the APC the second largest pickleball tournament outside of the US.
• ✅ The Australian Masters Cup, which recently launched with over 1200 participants nationwide aged 50+.
• ✅A further 100 sanctioned tournaments across Australia under the Pickleball Australia umbrella in 2025.

‍

By equipping tournament directors, clubs, and leagues with the best rating system, DUPR ensures that Australian pickleball continues to grow with a structured, level-based approach to competition.

‍

"DUPR is beyond excited to be the official rating system of Pickleball Australia,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Pickleball Australia has done an incredible job growing the sport, building a thriving competitive scene, and creating opportunities for players at every level. Their commitment to structured, high-quality competition is unmatched, and we’re honored to support their vision. With DUPR, every Australian player will have access to the most advanced, data-driven rating system in the world—ensuring fair, competitive, and exciting pickleball from local clubs to national championships. We can’t wait to continue working alongside Pickleball Australia to take the game to even greater heights!"

‍

Get Your DUPR Rating

Players can create a free DUPR profile at www.dupr.com or download the DUPR app to start logging match results. Ensure your profile is linked to Pickleball Australia: click here.

‍

About DUPR

Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is the most accurate and widely used rating system in pickleball. It provides a real-time, global standard for players of all levels, from beginners to pros. DUPR is the official rating system of Major League Pickleball (MLP), the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and thousands of clubs, leagues, and events worldwide. Learn more at www.dupr.com.

‍

About Pickleball Australia

Pickleball Australia (PA) is the peak governing body for pickleball in Australia, working with their State Member Associations and affiliates to grow the sport nationwide. With over 17,000 members and nearly 300 clubs, PA is committed to making pickleball one of Australia’s most popular participation sports. Learn more at www.pickleballaus.org.

‍

Pickleball is rapidly growing, and understanding how pickleball ratings are calculated is essential for players looking to improve and compete at the right level. The most accurate and widely used rating system today is DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating). This system enables the entire pickleball ecosystem, including professional tours, amateur tours, clubs, and recreational groups, to consistently group players by skill level.

‍

What Is the DUPR Pickleball Rating System?

DUPR is the first objective rating system in the sport, using actual match results to measure player skill levels with accuracy and consistency. Trusted by the world’s leading clubs, professional tours, and recreational players alike, DUPR delivers a fair and transparent way to rate and group players by true ability.

How Does DUPR Calculate Pickleball Ratings?

DUPR assigns a numerical rating to players based on match results, using an advanced algorithm that accounts for:

• Match Performance: Your performance vs. the expected score determines whether your rating goes up or down.
• Result Type: Club and Tournament Matches carry more weight than recreational ones.
• Match Count: The more matches you’ve played, the more stable your rating becomes.

Match Recency: Recent matches have a greater influence to reflect your current level of play.

Understanding Pickleball Skill Levels in DUPR

The pickleball skill levels within DUPR range from 2.00 to 8.00, ensuring every player is accurately placed in the right competitive category.

• 2.00 - 2.99: Beginner to early intermediate, developing basic shot consistency.
• 3.00 - 3.99: Intermediate players with improving strategy and shot control.
• 4.00 - 4.99: Advanced players with strong tactical awareness and execution.
• 5.00 - 8.00: Elite and professional-level players competing in high-level tournaments.

As of March 2025, Ben Johns leads Men's Singles and Doubles with DUPRs of 7.218 and 7.254, while Anna Leigh Waters tops Women's Singles and Doubles with DUPRs of 6.561 and 6.410.

‍

How to Get Your DUPR Pickleball Rating

‍

1. Download the DUPR App

Start by downloading the DUPR app for free on your IOS or Android  mobile device. This is the easiest way to track and manage your rating.

‍

2. Log Your Match Results

Once you have the app, enter your match results or play in events where results are automatically recorded. That’s it! DUPR will instantly calculate your rating based on your performance.

‍

3. Keep Playing to Improve Your Rating

The more matches you play, the more accurate your rating becomes. To improve your pickleball rating, focus on:

• Playing regularly in DUPR-tracked matches and tournaments.
• Enhancing consistency and strategy in competitive games.
• Winning as many points as possible to outperform expectations.

‍

‍

Why Choose DUPR?

Understanding pickleball ratings allows you to track your progress accurately and compete at the right level. DUPR is the most trusted and accurate pickleball ratings system because it removes guesswork and provides real-time skill assessments. By focusing on actual match performances, DUPR ensures a fair, competitive, and evolving ranking system for all players.

Download the app and start climbing the ranks today!

‍

Major League Pickleball’s 2024 Champions, the Dallas Flash, partner with DUPR to Launch “Road to Minors” - A Team-Based Opportunity for Amateur Players to Compete and Represent the Flash.

‍

The Road To Minors Tournament Series is the first-ever year-round program dedicated to identifying and developing local talent, creating a pathway for amateurs to play for the Dallas Flash in Minor League Pickleball DUPR-rated Teams, and compete in Road to Minors sponsored tournaments, along with MLP Dallas Event special perks in July 2025.

‍

Dallas, TX — March 22, 2025 — Major League Pickleball (MLP), the Dallas Flash Pickleball team, and Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) are excited to announce the launch of their highly anticipated Road to Minors (RTM) series for North Texas, kicking off next week on March 22nd through March 23rd, 2025. This series will offer players the opportunity to try-out for a coveted spot on the Dallas Flash team to compete at the Minor League Pickleball Midsouth Regional Showdown June 28th & 29th.

‍

The Road to Minors series will continue in 2025 with an RTM Cup tournament, providing further opportunities for players to qualify and represent their region at The Dink Minor League Pickleball National Championship in December 2025. This multi-stage series promises to be a thrilling journey for aspiring pickleball players, culminating in the chance to compete on the national stage.

‍

In addition to the RTM series, the Dallas Flash will host the highly anticipated MLP Dallas Event from July 23rd to 27th, 2025. This exciting event will feature top pickleball talent from around the world, showcasing the best of Major League Pickleball in the heart of Dallas. All RTM players, as well as competitors at the Minor League Pickleball Midsouth Regional Showdown, will receive special perks to attend the MLP Dallas Event.

‍

“We are excited to continue developing our community engagement and creating pathways for players to develop their pickleball game,” said Mark Molthan, owner of the Dallas Flash. “The Road to Minors series is an incredible opportunity for players in Texas and surrounding states to elevate their game and be part of the growing pickleball movement.”

‍

As the official pickleball rating system of Major League Pickleball and Minor League Pickleball, DUPR plays a pivotal role in identifying and ranking the top emerging talent in the sport. Through the Road to Minors series, DUPR continues its mission to create a seamless competitive pathway for amateurs and aspiring professional players of all ages and at every skill level.

‍

“DUPR is committed to expanding the accessibility of competitive pickleball at every level,” said Caroline Luelf, Director of Minor League Pickleball at DUPR. “By partnering with Major League Pickleball and the Dallas Flash, we are ensuring that players have the best opportunities to develop their game, compete at a higher level, and ultimately progress through the ranks in a fair and structured way.”

‍

Registration for the Road to Minors events is now open! Players eager to be part of the action can sign up directly through Pickleball.com. Don’t miss your chance to compete in this exciting series and take your game to the next level.

‍

For more information on the Road to Minors series, the Minor League Pickleball Midsouth Regional Showdown, and the MLP Dallas Event, please visit Pickleball.com or follow us on social media @roadtominors @officialminorleaguepb @dallasflashpb @duprpb @majorleaguepb for the latest updates.

‍

About Dallas Flash‍

Dallas Flash Pickleball was formed in 2023 by Mark Molthan, Todd Wagner, and Mark Cuban. Mark Molthan is a successful business leader and entrepreneur based in Dallas, known for his expertise in luxury home building and interior design. As the owner and managing director of Dallas Flash Pickleball, Molthan brings with him a wealth of experience in business management and a passion for sports. Molthan sees a unique opportunity to foster and rally the community around Dallas Flash Pickleball.

‍

In 2024, the Dallas Flash achieved a historic milestone by being crowned the inaugural season-long champions of the 2024 Major League Pickleball Season. The No. 3 seed Dallas Flash secured their championship title with a dramatic 2-1 series victory over the No. 1 seed New Jersey 5s at the Vulcan MLP Playoffs Orlando, held at the USTA National Campus. Their journey to the Championship included an impressive Semifinal series win against the No. 2 seed St. Louis Shock. The Dallas Flash continue to inspire fans with their cohesive teamwork, unwavering resilience, and dedication to growing pickleball.

‍

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 and follow us on Instagram to sign up and learn more.

About MiLP 

Minor League Pickleball (MLP), owned and operated by DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), is the premier amateur pickleball tour and a one-of-a-kind platform offering players a “play like the pros” experience. Modeled after Major League Pickleball, MiLP has been empowering amateur teams to compete at the highest level for several years. Teams participate in a series of local events that culminate in the highly anticipated Nationals event each year, with $XXX prize money on the line.

‍

With its unique team-based format, Minor League Pickleball has not only grown to become the largest amateur pickleball tour but has also served as a proving ground for future professional players. Notable alumni like Connor Garnett have made the leap to the pro ranks, showcasing the league’s ability to develop talent. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills or compete for glory, Minor League Pickleball is the ultimate pathway for passionate players to elevate their game.

‍

About Major League Pickleball

Major League Pickleball is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique coed format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

‍

For more information, please contact megan@dallasflashpb.com

‍

‍

Competitive club pickleball just got a major upgrade. DUPR is excited to announce a new partnership with the Cross Club Pickleball League (CPL), a fast-growing, structured league in the Northeast and beyond, where players represent their indoor pickleball clubs and battle against others in their region. 

‍

With playoffs, championships, and even all-star games, CPL is redefining club-based competition—bringing a fresh, high-energy format to the sport.

‍

“Through this partnership, CPL will integrate DUPR’s trusted rating system into league play, ensuring accurate, universal, and dynamic player ratings across all matches,” said Robert Oddy, Co-Founder at Cross Club Pickleball League.

‍

As CPL expands beyond its origins in New Jersey and Pennsylvania into new regions, players can expect a seamless, data-driven way to track their progress and compete at their level.

‍

“CPL is bringing a new level of excitement and structure to competitive pickleball in the Northeast, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support their growth,” said Ryan Maher, DUPR’s VP of Partnerships. “By integrating DUPR, players will have a consistent and reliable way to measure their skill, improve their game, and compete on a broader scale. This partnership is another step forward in making pickleball more accessible, competitive, and connected than ever.”

‍

‍

‍

‍

With DUPR powering the competition, players in CPL can enjoy fair matchups, clear progression, and a pathway to higher-level play—whether they’re battling for club pride or a championship title.

‍

Stay tuned for more updates as CPL and DUPR continue to shape the future of club-based pickleball competition!

‍

Columbus, OH – 05/10/2025 – The Columbus Sliders, a premier franchise in Major League Pickleball (MLP), are thrilled to announce the launch of their own Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) event, scheduled for April 19. This milestone event will be organized by Fernando Esquivel, who has been appointed as the Tournament Director, bringing extensive expertise in event management and competitive play.

‍

The MiLP event marks a pivotal step in the Sliders’ mission to foster talent development, expand community engagement, and create a direct pipeline for players aspiring to reach the professional ranks. By hosting their own MiLP event, the Columbus Sliders are investing not just in their franchise's future but also in the broader growth of the sport at the grassroots level.

‍

"We’re excited to host our first The Dink Minor League Pickleball event and provide players with a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive environment," said Fernando Esquivel, Director of Operations. "Fernando Esquivel’s leadership as Tournament Director ensures a top-tier event that aligns with the Sliders’ commitment to excellence on and off the court."

‍

This event also strategically aligns with the upcoming Major League Pickleball event in Columbus just weeks later on May 1st-4th, creating a seamless pathway between MiLP and MLP for fans, players, and sponsors alike. The synergy between these events offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage the local pickleball community, attract new fans, and spotlight emerging talent.

‍

"The Columbus Sliders’ commitment to hosting their own Minor League Pickleball event is a testament to the rapid growth and impact of MiLP within the pickleball community,” said Caroline Luelf, Director of Minor League Pickleball at DUPR. “By creating more opportunities for players to compete at a high level, they’re not just developing talent—they’re helping to build the future of the sport. We’re thrilled to support this event and look forward to seeing the energy and competition it brings to Columbus." 

‍

Event Highlights:

• Date: April 19
• Location: Pickle & Chill in Columbus, OH
• Format: Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) tournament, with top talent competing for recognition and advancement opportunities
• Player Opportunities: all players who sign up for the amateur tournament presented by the MLP on May 1-4, will receive a discount and be able to play in MiLP for $5 per player, and winners of each division will earn medals for their division. 
• Tournament Director: Fernando Esquivel, known for his expertise in organizing high-caliber pickleball events

Registration details are available via dupr.com/minorleague for players interested in competing. Fans can look forward to an action-packed day of pickleball, community activities, and opportunities to connect with the Sliders family.

‍

About Columbus Sliders‍

The Columbus Sliders are a proud franchise in Major League Pickleball, dedicated to excellence, community engagement, and the growth of pickleball at every level. Through innovative events, player development programs, and a passion for the game, the Sliders are shaping the future of pickleball in Columbus and beyond. They are going into 2025 with a strong roster and ambitious mentality.

‍

About MiLP

Minor League Pickleball (MiLP), owned and operated by DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), is the premier amateur pickleball tour and a one-of-a-kind platform offering players a “play like the pros” experience. Modeled after Major League Pickleball, MiLP has been empowering amateur teams to compete at the highest level for several years. Teams participate in a series of local events that culminate in the highly anticipated Nationals event each year. With its unique team-based format,

‍

Minor League Pickleball has not only grown to become the largest amateur pickleball tour but has also served as a proving ground for future professional players. Notable alumni like Connor Garnett have made the leap to the pro ranks, showcasing the league’s ability to develop talent. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills or compete for glory, Minor League Pickleball is the ultimate pathway for passionate players to elevate their game.

‍

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.

‍

For media inquiries, please contact:

‍

Kyrill Hartog
VP Marketing & Communications
kyrill@mydupr.com

‍

What is a 3.0 pickleball player? What’s the rating for a beginner? How good is a 4.5 player? With so many different rating systems, it can be confusing to know where you truly stand. But here's the thing—only one rating system helps you track your progress accurately while also letting you compare yourself with players worldwide and that’s DUPR. The rest are mostly used for local U.S. tournaments, taking away the chance to compare yourself with the best players around the globe.

‍

It all depends on which pickleball rating scale you’re using. In this guide, we’ll break down all the different pickleball rating systems so you can start signing up for the right open plays and tournaments while tracking your progress more conveniently.

‍‍

What You Must Know Before Selecting a Pickleball Rating System

‍

There are three primary pickleball rating systems, each differing in scale, calculation methods, accuracy, accessibility, and reach:

1. Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR)

• Scale: 2.000 to 8.000
• Calculation: Uses a modified elo algorithm, factoring in opponent strength, match score, recency, and match type.
• Accuracy: Adjusts dynamically based on both recreational and competitive play.
• Accessibility: Free to use, allowing players to self-report and log matches from anywhere.‍
• Reach: Global system, making it the most widely accepted rating in pickleball.

‍

2. UTR-Pickleball (UTR-P)

1. Scale: 1.0 (beginner) to 10.0 (pro).
2. Calculation: Ratings based on match performance, with a distinction between verified (sanctioned) and unverified (casual) matches.
3. Accuracy: It correlates with a high frequency of participation in sanctioned events. 
4. Accessibility: Verified ratings require participation in official matches.
5. Reach: Mainly used in the U.S.

‍

3. USA Pickleball Tournament Player Ratings (UTPR)

3. Scale: 1.0 (beginner) to 6.0+ (pro).
4. Calculation: Based solely on results from USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments.
5. Accuracy: Limited as it does not account for recreational play or non-sanctioned matches.
6. Accessibility: Only updates when players compete in official USA Pickleball events.
7. Reach: Strictly U.S.-based and used only for USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments.

Understanding Pickleball Skill Levels

Players are classified into different skill levels based on their ability to rally, control shots, and strategize in a match:

• Beginner : Just learning the game, developing basic strokes, and understanding rules.
• Intermediate: Can rally consistently, understands court positioning, and is learning strategy.
• Advanced: Strong shot accuracy, solid strategy, and the ability to handle fast-paced play.
• Expert/Pro: High-level tournament players with exceptional skills, court awareness, and strategic execution.

‍

Now, let’s take a look at how each system categorizes players

‍

‍

‍

‍

UTR-P and UTPR are USA pickleball ratings that do not line up, and players are explicitly expressing their frustration about it on pickleball forums.  A 4.0 UTR-P player is actually a 3.0 in UTPR, making it difficult to understand where you really belong. This mismatch affects tournament sign-ups and player comparisons. 

‍

Check out what players are saying on pickleball forums about their experience with ratings:

‍

‍

‍

‍

To skip the confusion, and ensure a simpler and more accurate way to define skill levels and track progress, the majority of players worldwide—including those in the U.S.—use the DUPR rating scale system.  Unlike other rating systems that are only used in the U.S., DUPR is recognized worldwide—so you always know where you stand, no matter where you play.

‍

Another big win? DUPR is free and accessible. You don’t need to play in official tournaments to get a rating—just log in your recreational matches and your rating adjusts automatically. The more you play, the more accurate it becomes.

‍

No matter what level you’re at, having the right rating will help you sign up for the correct divisions, track your improvement, and play against the right competition. So why guess when you can get it right? Sign up for DUPR today and start tracking your progress the right way!

‍