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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This strategic partnership is a bold move that brings peak performance to the pickleball court, delivering premium health protocols and data-driven health plans to the fastest growing sport in America.

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 2, 2025 — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the most accurate and trusted global rating system for pickleball players of all levels, is proud to announce its official partnership with Vita Bella, the leading digital health platform for customized medical treatments that accelerate strength, stamina and recovery. 

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As the official health and wellness partner of DUPR, Vita Bella will offer exclusive access to a wide range of performance-enhancing protocols tailored specifically for pickleball athletes of all levels—from weekend warriors to elite competitors. This includes advanced peptide therapy protocols to help with muscle building and recovery, hormone therapy to optimize how patients feel, anti-aging solutions to reverse and slow decline, and more—all backed by a team of top-tier doctors to enhance personalized care.

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“Pickleball is no longer just a hobby—it’s a movement, a lifestyle, and a highly demanding sport,” said Phil Vella, Founder and CEO of Vita Bella. “Our mission is to ensure every DUPR-rated athlete feels and performs at their best, both on and off the court. This partnership brings science-backed wellness directly to the pickleball community like never before.”

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Through this partnership, DUPR+ members will have access to:

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• Exclusive discounts on a Vita Bella membership and its products
• Virtual consultations with medical professionals who specialize in performance and recovery
• Performance-Focused Protocols designed with pickleball-specific needs in mind

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This announcement marks another milestone in DUPR’s commitment to supporting the total athlete—from competitive play in leagues and tournaments, to physical wellness and long-term performance. Vita Bella joins a growing family of DUPR partners focused on advancing the sport of pickleball across all levels.

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"At DUPR, our mission has always been to support athletes at every level—on and off the court,” said Ben Van Hout, Head of Partnerships and Sponsorships at DUPR. “Partnering with Vita Bella allows us to give our community access to the health tools they need to play longer, recover faster, and elevate their performance. This collaboration represents a major step forward in how we serve our community."

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To celebrate the launch, DUPR+ members can now visit www.VitaBella.com/DUPR to unlock special offers and begin their wellness journey today.

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ABOUT VITA BELLA

Vita Bella is redefining what it means to live well—with a portfolio of premium treatments and advanced medications designed to elevate health, energy, and lifestyle. Backed by a data-driven clinical model, Vita Bella’s team of licensed physicians crafts personalized wellness protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs. More than a brand, Vita Bella is a movement. Through its innovative digital platform, the company delivers a one-of-a-kind blend of clinical-grade care and modern convenience—empowering individuals across the country to look, feel, and perform at their best, every single day. Visit www.VitaBella.com to learn more.

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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.

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Media Contact:

DUPR

Kyrill Hartog

VP Marketing & Communications

kyrill@mydupr.com 

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Vita Bella

Colin Jordan

Marketing 

colin@brotherlyseo.com

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MLP Midseason Check-In, Standings Breakdown & Playoff Predictions

We’re nearly halfway through the 2025 MLP season, and the pressure is building. Daytona (June 5–8) marks the fifth event on the calendar, with five more stops still to come before the postseason begins.

With pickleball ratings and team performance shaping the playoff picture, let’s break down where teams stand after Phoenix—and who’s in (and out) of contention.

Current Standings (Post-Phoenix)

The Battle for the Final Playoff Spots

It’s shaping up to be a three-team race for the final two playoff spots. The Utah Black Diamonds, Miami Pickleball Club, and Chicago Slice are all within striking distance heading into the second half of the season.

Shoutout to Chicago, who had to completely redraft their roster after last season and still managed to stay in the hunt. With five events left, momentum swings, injuries, burnouts and a sense of urgency could shake things up quickly. And if sports have taught us anything—it’s that passion and grit can go a long way!

Lack of Parity: A Growing Concern?

A recent stat shared by Matty Pickles (and featured in The Dink newsletter) highlighted something striking: 

The top 8 teams are a combined 42–0 against the bottom 8. 

Yep—undefeated. That’s a huge gap.

All four teams that moved up from last season’s Challenger division currently sit in the bottom 8, showing just how tough it is to draft well when depth in the MLP talent pool is still developing. Many of these teams had to take chances on new talent, which often takes time to pay off.

That said, if any bottom-8 team is going to pull off an upset, my bet’s on Miami. Any team going against them must be mentally present to fight. They’ve got fire and fight—two things you can’t coach.

Newbies vs. Veterans

Back in March, I published a blog on the MLP roster updates following the Premier and Challenger Drafts held on March 2–3. I highlighted the wave of new talent entering the league this season — and now that we’re halfway through, let’s take a look at how those players have performed so far.

At the time, I noted 34 new players had been drafted across both Premier and Challenger divisions—none of whom had played an MLP match in 2024. Most were picked in the 5th or 6th round, so many haven’t seen any court time yet.

Those who have broken into the starting lineups include:
Victoria Di Muzio, Liz Truluck, Max Freeman, Mya Bui, Alex Walker, and, yes—¾ of the NY Hustlers. 

From that group, Victoria, Max, Mya, and the Hustlers trio have consistently started matches for their teams. Mya Bui stands out as the strongest performer so far, though all five are currently ranked outside the Top 50 in the player standings.

It’s worth remembering: most veteran players have been competing at a high level for years. These newcomers are still adjusting to the pace and pressure of top-tier play. With time, mentorship, and experience, several of them could absolutely become key contributors in future seasons.

🏆 Semifinal Predictions: Early Call

You can prove me wrong later, but I’m seeing a repeat of last season’s semifinals. 

Right now, my top four picks heading into August are:

• St. Louis Shock
  
• New Jersey 5s
  
• Dallas Flash
  
• Texas Ranchers
  

These teams have shown the most consistency and depth so far this season.

As for the final? I’d put my money on a Dallas Flash vs. St. Louis Shock matchup. Two strong, well-balanced rosters that know how to close.

Let’s see how it plays out.

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Ever lost a point after a killer volley—only to hear “momentum fault”?

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It’s one of the most frustrating ways to lose a point in pickleball. You hit a winning shot near the kitchen line, but your foot—or even your paddle—ends up in the non-volley zone. The point? Gone.

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If you're aiming to improve your pickleball ratings,, don’t just learn the lesser-known  pickleball rules—apply them.

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What Is a Momentum Fault in Pickleball?

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A momentum fault happens when a player's motion—such as their follow-through after a volley—causes them or anything they’re wearing to touch the non-volley zone or “kitchen.” It’s a fault because the player’s momentum wasn’t fully stopped before making contact with the NVZ. 

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Momentum isn’t considered complete until you’ve regained control and balance—enough to safely step away from the NVZ. There’s no time limit: if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley at any point, it’s still a fault.

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This includes:

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• Your foot or any body part touching the kitchen line or floor after a volley.
  
  
• Your paddle, hat, or any part of your body or gear touching the kitchen—even after the ball is “dead.”

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👉 Rule of thumb: If your body or gear ends up in the kitchen because of momentum after a volley, it’s a fault.

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What’s the Non-Volley Zone (AKA The Kitchen)?

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The non-volley zone, or "kitchen," is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net marked by a line. You cannot volley the ball while standing in—or stepping into—this zone, including the line itself.

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Note: You can stand in the kitchen, just not while volleying.

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Common Examples of Momentum Faults

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Here’s how momentum faults sneak up on even experienced players:

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1. Singles Match

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You are playing a pickleball tournament and you stretch to volley a ball near the kitchen. The shot lands—clean—but your toe lands on the line a split second later. Fault.

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2. Doubles Play

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Your partner finishes a great volley at the net, but they stumble forward into the kitchen. Momentum fault, even if the ball was unreachable.

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3. Equipment Drop

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Your paddle drops into the kitchen after a volley—still a momentum fault.

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How to Avoid Momentum Faults

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Improving your footwork and body control near the kitchen line can help you avoid losing points.

Try these tips:

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• Stay balanced after every volley—don’t overreach.
  
  
• Avoid lunging unless you’re sure you can stop safely.
  
  
• Drill footwork near the kitchen so it becomes second nature.
  
  
• Practice “freeze” drills to control forward movement after contact.
  
  
• Watch for “line creep”—inching forward during fast-paced points leads to accidental faults.

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Momentum faults are avoidable—but only if you know what to watch for.

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Whether you're training for a local pickleball tournament or playing socially, minimizing avoidable faults is key to progress as a player and start boosting your pickleball ratings.

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Next time you’re chasing that perfect volley, don’t let your momentum turn a winning shot into a kitchen disaster.

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