Tomorrow marks a groundbreaking moment in the world of pickleball as the first official DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) event inside a prison takes place at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield, Connecticut. This historic occasion highlights the adaptability and inclusivity of pickleball, as well as the potential of the sport to inspire hope and transformation in unexpected places. At the forefront of this initiative is Angelo Rossetti, who has dedicated himself to sharing the game’s transformative power.

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The First DUPR Prison Event

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DUPR, the official global pickleball rating system, provides a fair and accurate measure of players’ skill levels. It has been instrumental in uniting the pickleball community by offering a universal standard for competition and progress tracking. By bringing this system into prisons, Rossetti is breaking new ground, creating opportunities for incarcerated individuals to engage with the sport in a meaningful way.

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“Pickleball is more than a game; it’s a way to inspire people and bring them hope,” said Rossetti, a certified pickleball coach.

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During tomorrow’s event, he will document games with pen and paper, following strict prison regulations that prohibit electronic devices. These results will later be entered into a DUPR digital club, preserving the anonymity of players while allowing them to track their progress. This event is a significant milestone in showcasing how pickleball’s universal rating system can bridge gaps and create connections, even within the walls of a correctional facility.

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Bringing Pickleball to Prisons

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A year ago, Rossetti was introduced to Pickleball for the Incarcerated League (PICL), a program founded by Sarah Gerstein, one of his former students who brought PICL to the state of Connecticut. PICL’s mission is to introduce pickleball to incarcerated individuals, providing them with a constructive outlet and a sense of community. Although initially hesitant after a daunting orientation, Rossetti honored his promise to help. His first visit to a correctional facility proved transformative, solidifying his commitment to the program.

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“When I first stepped into a prison for this program, I was intimidated. But that first session was transformative,” Rossetti shared.

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Rossetti now coaches at nearly all of Connecticut’s correctional institutions that can accommodate pickleball. His sessions emphasize more than just gameplay; they instill life lessons, resilience, and the power of controlling one’s attitude and effort. For many inmates, the program offers a rare source of hope and joy.

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From Racket Sports to Pickleball Pioneer

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Rossetti’s journey to this moment began with a lifelong love of racket sports, nurtured by his grandfather, who built a ping-pong table in his basement. Sundays after church were spent playing table tennis with his brother, Ettore, a partnership that would become the cornerstone of his athletic journey. Transitioning to tennis in high school, Angelo played competitively for the University of Connecticut’s Division 1 team.

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“Pickleball clicked for me when I saw how easily different ages and levels could play together,” said Rossetti.

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Pickleball entered his life six years ago, almost serendipitously. After giving tennis lessons to his daughter’s friends, Rossetti introduced them to pickleball in his driveway. The instant connection the young players felt to the sport ignited Rossetti’s curiosity. He recognized pickleball’s unique appeal—its accessibility for players of all ages and skill levels—and decided to shift his focus from tennis to pickleball full-time.

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“I’ve completed every certification out there because I want to be the best for the people I coach,” said Rossetti.

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Rossetti’s commitment to the sport has been extraordinary. This dedication also led to a Guinness World Record: on August 17, 2024, Rossetti and Ettore completed 10,532 consecutive volleys without a miss, raising funds for Save the Children. This accomplishment, alongside his earlier tennis world records, highlights the brothers’ philosophy of blending sport with purpose.

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A Family Bond Rooted in Sport

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Angelo’s bond with Ettore has been instrumental in his journey. The duo’s approach to sports transcends competition. They’ve always embraced the “infinite game”—playing for joy, improvement, and connection rather than simply to win. Their shared experiences, from childhood table tennis matches to world record pursuits, have fostered a relationship that Rossetti describes as deeper than typical sibling ties.

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“He’s my best friend, my confidant, my mentor,” Rossetti said, reflecting on his relationship with Ettore.

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Their connection has fueled many of their shared milestones, including their Guinness World Records and charity work. Ettore's unwavering support and shared love for racket sports have been a constant source of strength and motivation for Angelo. Together, they continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved through sport, both on and off the court.

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For Angelo, having Ettore by his side also means having someone to hold him accountable and challenge him to be better. It’s a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and the joy of shared successes, making their journey even more meaningful.

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Inspiring Through EAGLES and Effort

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Rossetti’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his acronym “EAGLES,” which stands for Effort, Attitude, Gratitude, Learning, Enjoyment, and Sportsmanship. He shares this mantra with inmates to encourage them to focus on controllable aspects of life and to play with freedom and joy. At one correctional facility, his teachings left such an impact that inmates painted a mural of two eagles alongside the acronym, symbolizing hope and inspiration.

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“Focus on your EAGLES: Effort, Attitude, Gratitude, Learning, Enjoyment, and Sportsmanship,” said Rossetti.

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The mural serves as a lasting testament to the impact Rossetti’s words and actions have had on the inmates. For many, the concept of EAGLES becomes more than just an acronym—it’s a framework for rebuilding their lives, even within the constraints of incarceration. It reminds them of their capacity to grow, adapt, and find joy in the small victories.

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This philosophy also reflects Rossetti’s broader mission: to teach life lessons through pickleball. Whether on the court or in life, focusing on controllable factors helps players—and people—find peace and purpose despite challenges.

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Changing Lives with Pickleball

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While many of the inmates Rossetti coaches may never be released, his efforts are making a tangible difference. One standout player, who is set to reenter society, represents the potential for programs like PICL to bridge the gap between incarceration and reintegration. Rossetti envisions a future where more inmates can use their pickleball skills to connect with communities outside prison walls.

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“This is about more than pickleball—it’s about changing lives,” said Rossetti.

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Tomorrow’s DUPR event marks a significant step forward. It not only highlights the adaptability and inclusivity of pickleball but also demonstrates how a universal rating system can foster connections in the most unexpected places. As Rossetti continues his work, his story serves as a powerful reminder of pickleball’s potential to change lives, one rally at a time.

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Photo Credit: Tyler Russell/Connecticut Public

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PodPlay is excited to announce the launch of DUPR Challenge Matches for clubs with PodPlay Pro Monitors. Just choose “Submit Results” at the beginning of a match and results are automatically reported to DUPR at the end of the match. 

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Players no longer need to login to DUPR, find the other players, enter scores, and wait for confirmations. All those steps are condensed into a single press of a button at the beginning of the match. For clubs that choose to default to Submit Results for a court or event, the single button press is eliminated, and what is left is totally frictionless reporting to DUPR. 

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Why it Matters

DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. Putting Universal in the name turned out to be prescient, as DUPR has become the universal standard for pickleball ratings. 

• >1 million players
• >5 million matches records
• >5,000 pickleball clubs and facilities
• 158 countries represented

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DUPR is a rating system designed to provide accurate and dynamic player ratings. Unlike traditional static rating systems, DUPR's algorithm continuously adjusts ratings based on match results, ensuring that ratings reflect current skill levels. 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.

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DUPR promotes fair and balanced gameplay by accurately assessing player skill levels. Accurate and accessible ratings help drive:

• Skill Development. Players can track their progress and identify areas for improvement through their DUPR ratings.
• Precise Programming. DUPR allows clubs to create programming for specific skill levels and require a DUPR rating to participate, eliminating the issue of matching players with very different skill levels. 
• Community Engagement. DUPR fosters a vibrant pickleball community by providing a platform for players to connect, compete, and grow together.

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DUPR has achieved broad adoption across the pickleball community. The biggest barrier to greater adoption and more games being reported is the friction currently involved in submitting scores. PodPlay’s DUPR Challenge Match feature eliminates all of that friction.

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Eliminating Friction is a Core PodPlay Design Principle

In Your App is Your Front Door, we wrote about PodPlay’s obsession with creating the kind of customer experience for end users that is so good they want to tell others about it. An insanely great technology experience is one that allows customers to get what they want with as little work as possible. When it comes to the user experience, less is often more. Some of the areas where PodPlay has made dramatic improvements over legacy systems are:

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• Onboarding. Customers are able to browse court availability, programming, and more before creating a customer account. We don’t make customers fill out a long form and give you their payment info before they know what you offer. Create too much friction at onboarding and customers may give up before they even get started.
• Quick Replays. Customers love capturing magic moments and sharing them with their network. They DO NOT love doing any work to get those replays. Make them set up a camera, scan a QR Code, or create a login on a separate system to get their highlights and usage plummets. PodPlay’s game-changing replay functionality is designed to allow players to capture great moments without taking them out of the flow of their game. 
• Coach Connect. Using PodPlay’s Coach Connect feature, customers are able to discover, coordinate and pay coaches with a couple of clicks. No e-mails, no texts, no need for Venmo after the lesson. By eliminating friction, the feature drives large increases in coaching activity. 

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With DUPR Challenge Matches, we can add reporting scores to DUPR to the list of functions where PodPlay has collapsed a multi-step process into a single step. 

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The Pickleball Tournament of the Future

PodPlay does not yet offer tournament and league management, but these are areas we plan to tackle in 2025. By combining tournament and league management with PodPlay Scoreboards and the DUPR Challenge Match feature, it is not hard to imagine a massive reduction in the need for tournament and league staffing. Stay tuned for future developments!

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The PodPlay Advantage

PodPlay gives venue operators all the tools they need to digitally manage a physical space - integrating video replays, automated scoreboards, and autonomous functionality with a reservation engine, event management, coach connect, membership module, and payments. 

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Originally built to power PingPod, the network of futuristic autonomous ping pong clubs, PodPlay is now being used to manage venues across pickleball, padel, ping pong, golf simulators, racing simulators, soccer and pool, with more experience verticals to come in the future.

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If you’re interested in learning more, request a demo.

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If you're new to pickleball, one of the first questions you might ask is, what does a pickleball look like? The pickleballs appearance is one of the most distinctive aspects of the sport. Let’s break down the pickleballs design, shape, texture, and other important features to give you a better idea of what makes this ball so unique.

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Pickleballs Shape and Size

The most obvious feature of a pickleball is its shape. It is round, like most balls, but it’s design sets it apart. Pickleballs typically measure between 2.87 and 2.97 inches in diameter, making them slightly smaller than a tennis ball but still large enough to handle comfortably. The pickleball ball sizes are standardized for most play, whether you're on an indoor or outdoor court.

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Pickleballs Material and Texture

When you look at a pickleball up close, you'll notice it’s made of a durable plastic material. Unlike a traditional tennis ball that’s covered in felt, the pickleballs material is hollow and solid plastic, with holes strategically placed around the surface. This perforation affects its texture, creating a smooth yet slightly dimpled surface. The texture is crucial because it helps the ball glide smoothly through the air and bounce predictably on the court. The holes in the design also reduce the ball’s bounce compared to other sports balls, creating a more controlled game.

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Pickleballs Colors

As for the pickleballs’ colors, they are often quite bright and vibrant. Most commonly, outdoor pickleballs are yellow, making them easy to see under the sun. However, you can also find pickleballs in other bold colors, such as orange, green, pink or even white. These pickleball colors are designed to enhance visibility, which is essential for fast-paced games.

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Pickleballs Features

What truly sets the pickleball design apart is its combination of features that make it perfect for the game. Pickleballs features include the hole pattern—typically 26-40 holes depending on whether the ball is designed for indoor or outdoor use. The outdoor balls usually have more holes to help reduce wind interference, while indoor balls tend to have fewer holes, resulting in a slightly different flight and bounce.

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Pickleball Ball Sizes for Different Environments

There’s a subtle difference in pickleball ball sizes depending on the type of court you're playing on. Indoor pickleballs are generally lighter and have fewer holes, making them better suited for the calmer environment of indoor courts. Outdoor pickleballs, on the other hand, are heavier and have more holes to better resist wind. The slight differences in pickleball ball sizes ensure that the game plays fairly no matter the conditions.

Pickleball has taken the world, and whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s no denying its rapid growth. Indoor pickleball has become a popular choice, providing year-round play regardless of the weather. Whether you're practicing for your next match or diving into competitive indoor pickleball tournaments, understanding the aspects of indoor play can take your game to the next level. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential factors that make indoor pickleball exciting, from the rules to the equipment to the strategies.

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Indoor Pickleball Courts: Surfaces and Weather-Proof Play

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One of the main differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball is the court surface. Indoor pickleball courts are typically made from smooth, hard surfaces like wood or specialized sports flooring, which can create faster ball movement compared to the more textured outdoor courts. Indoor pickleball courts measure 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, just like outdoor courts, but the environment plays a key role in shaping the dynamics of the game.

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The lack of wind indoors means the ball doesn’t get pushed around by the elements, which leads to more consistent play. However, without wind or weather disruptions, players need to rely on precision, good footwork, and sharp strategies to win.

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Indoor Pickleball Equipment: What You Need

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For indoor pickleball, the equipment is slightly different from outdoor play, primarily when it comes to the ball and paddle.

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Indoor Pickleball Balls: Indoor pickleballs are made of a lighter plastic and feature fewer holes than their outdoor counterparts, which reduces air resistance. These balls tend to be softer and bounce higher, making them perfect for the controlled indoor environment. Choose balls designed specifically for indoor play to ensure a better, more consistent experience.

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Indoor Pickleball Paddles: The type of paddle you use plays a crucial role in your performance. While outdoor paddles are often designed for more durability, indoor pickleball paddles can be slightly lighter, providing better control for fast, precise movements. There are a variety of indoor pickleball paddle types to choose from, including composite, wood, and graphite paddles. Each type offers a different balance of power and control, so finding the right one for your playstyle can significantly impact your game.

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Indoor Pickleball Strategies: Master the Court

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Indoor pickleball offers unique strategic opportunities. The faster pace and controlled environment allow players to focus on skillful shot placement and consistent rallies. Here are a few key strategies to keep in mind:

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• Shorter, more controlled shots: Since the ball bounces higher on indoor courts, you’ll want to master softer, more controlled shots like drop shots and dinks.‍
• Movement and positioning: With the lack of wind, players can rely more on precise footwork and strategic positioning. Always anticipate the ball’s trajectory and be ready to move quickly.

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Indoor Pickleball Drills: Practice Makes Perfect

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Indoor pickleball drills are key to improving your skills in this controlled environment. Here are a few drills designed specifically for indoor play:

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1. Target Practice: Set up targets on different spots of the court, like the corners or the back of the baseline, and practice hitting them with your forehand and backhand.
2. Dink and Volley Drills: Work on your dinks and volleys by pairing up with a partner. Stand at the net and focus on precise shots without powering the ball too much.‍
3. Serve and Return Practice: Indoors, you can perfect your serve and return, especially since there’s no wind interference. Focus on consistency and placement during these drills.

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Indoor Pickleball Tournaments: Compete and Improve

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Indoor pickleball tournaments have become a major aspect of the sport's growth. These events often take place in specialized indoor pickleball facilities. 

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As you start competing in indoor tournaments, it's important to have a reliable tool to track your progress and improvement. This is where DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) comes in. DUPR offers an accurate, standardized rating system that allows players of all skill levels to measure their performance and progress over time. Whether you're new to indoor pickleball tournaments or a seasoned competitor, DUPR helps ensure that your matches are competitive, fair, and reflective of your true skill level.

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Indoor Pickleball Leagues: Community and Competition

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Joining an indoor pickleball league is an excellent way to build your skills while enjoying the pickleball community. Leagues are offered at various skill levels, so no matter your experience, you can find a group that suits your competitive drive. Indoor pickleball leagues tend to be very structured, often with regular matchups and season-long play. These leagues provide great opportunities for growth, as they allow players to gain valuable experience in real-world competitive environments.

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Indoor Pickleball Facilities: Where to Play

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Finding the right indoor pickleball facility can make all the difference in your experience. Look for facilities that offer high-quality courts, proper net height, and good lighting. Many sports complexes and recreation centers are now adding indoor pickleball courts to their offerings, creating more opportunities to play year-round. Some facilities even host leagues, tournaments, and social events, providing a great way to connect with other players.

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Conclusion

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Indoor pickleball is a great way to enjoy the sport regardless of the weather. From the specialized indoor pickleball equipment, including paddles and balls, to the fast-paced strategies and precision required on indoor courts, there’s plenty to learn and enjoy. Whether you’re practicing your skills with drills, competing in indoor pickleball tournaments, or joining a league, the indoor environment offers endless opportunities for fun, growth, and competition.

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And with DUPR, you can easily track your progress and elevate your game. Whether you're playing casually or aiming for a competitive indoor pickleball tournament, DUPR’s rating system ensures that your performance is always measured accurately. So, find your local indoor pickleball facility, grab your paddle, and get started today!

Dual Matches Redesign

After observing dual matches in 2024, we’ve made some edits to the dual match format to better accommodate team sizes and schedules! Regularly scheduled head to head games are the foundation of nearly every sports league, so it’s something we want to implement as well. All dual matches will be recorded on our collegiate website, including a standings section. 

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Dual Match Presentation, Rules, and Results

View the following links to see in more detail the dual match format presentation, rules, and results:

• Dual match format presentation
• Dual match rules
• Dual match results

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Bids

For the 2025 season, the top 2 teams with the most dual match wins will get a bid to nationals. Ties will be broken by overall dual match performance, including match/game/point/win %. Dual Matches played on or before March 30th, 2025 will count towards this. Submit your Dual Match results to this form as soon as possible, and on or before March 30th, 2025 to guarantee they will be counted.

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For counting dual match wins, a school can only gain 1 win per semester from beating a particular opposing school. All other stats will count to help your tiebreaker, but only 1 win can be gained. 

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Showcase Matches

We’re bringing the college action under the lights on championship court at PPA tour stops in 2025. Showcase Matches will feature college teams competing in dual matches against each other on PPA livestream. Certain stops will showcase top teams playing against and with PPA Pros and the top PPA Juniors talent. Matches played between schools will be counted as official dual matches.

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Below is the schedule of these matchups:

• Mesa Cup Feb. 22 ASU vs Grand Canyon
• Cape Coral Open March 8 Florida vs Florida State
• North Carolina Open April 5 By Invitation
• Red Rock Open April 9 By Invitation
• Atlanta Slam May 17 By Invitation

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Dual Match Weekends

To facilitate many dual matches at once, we recommend schools organize Dual Match Weekends to have 3-4 schools all play dual matches against each other. 

• All schools involved need to bring the same number of teams
• We estimate each match taking 75 minutes, so use that number to schedule out the Dual Match Weekend depending on how many teams each school brings.
  • 1 team - 75 minutes (1.25 hours) per dual match
  • 2 teams - 150 minutes (2.5 hours) per dual match
  • 3 teams - 225 minutes (3.75 hours) per dual match
• For both 3 and 4 schools in attendance, 3 “rounds” of dual matches will be played. If it is 3 schools, have the host take the bye in the middle so the visiting schools can leave or arrive early.
  • 3 schools - (R1) A vs B; (R2) B vs C; (R3) A vs C
  • 4 schools - (R1) A vs B, C vs D; (R2) A vs C, B vs D; (R3) A vs D, B vs C

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Exhibition Games

We are always looking for ways to get players not on the starting team involved in the action! We recommend creating an exhibition bracket or pools to get games for these players. This can take any form you think will work best. 

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One way to do this is to use “inverse groups”: groups where you play no one of your group but everyone from a different group. School A and School B could create groups of 4 that only contain players from their school, and then they would play everyone from the opposing group, ensuring maximum cross-school play. 

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We are also working on creating the No-Same-School Scheduling Tool (NoSSST for short). When functioning, NoSSST will create a round robin with players from different schools but omit rounds where players from the same school face each other. This will allow for higher flexibility in scheduling exhibition games while also maximizing cross-school play!

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To learn more about DUPR Collegiate Pickleball, visit our website.

If you're diving into the world of pickleball, understanding the differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs is crucial. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, choosing the right indoor pickleball can make all the difference in your game. This guide will explore the unique features of indoor pickleballs, the best brands available, and essential equipment, so you can optimize your gameplay.

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What Makes Indoor Pickleballs Unique?

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Indoor pickleballs are designed specifically for indoor play on smooth courts. Unlike outdoor pickleballs, which are built to withstand wind and rough surfaces, indoor pickleballs are optimized for controlled indoor environments.

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Weight and Control: Indoor pickleballs tend to be lighter than their outdoor counterparts, making them easier to control. This lighter weight allows for more precise shots and greater maneuverability. It’s particularly helpful for players who prefer finesse and control rather than power.

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Larger, Fewer Holes: Indoor pickleballs typically feature fewer holes and larger openings. This reduces drag and creates a more predictable flight pattern. Since there’s no wind indoors to affect the ball’s movement, the larger holes provide a balanced trajectory.

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Softer Bounce and Impact: Indoor pickleballs are crafted to provide a consistent bounce, making them ideal for indoor courts. They also feature a softer impact, which contributes to a smoother playing experience and less noise during matches. This is important in indoor settings, where sound levels can be more noticeable.

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Best Indoor Pickleballs on the Market

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When selecting indoor pickleballs, personal preference and playing style play a significant role. High-quality indoor pickleballs are designed for durability, visibility, and performance. Below are some of the top-rated brands:

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ONIX Fuse Indoor Pickleballs

ONIX Fuse balls are known for their durability, true flight, and consistent bounce, making them a favorite among competitive players. Their design ensures that the ball maintains a steady path throughout the game, providing excellent control.

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Gamma Photon Indoor Pickleballs

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These pickleballs are praised for their visibility and balanced feel, offering precision and consistency. The unique hole pattern and the soft feel make them ideal for players who rely on control.

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Jugs Indoor Pickleballs

Jugs balls are lightweight and soft, perfect for recreational play. Their softer construction makes them a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a less aggressive playing style.

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When selecting the best indoor pickleballs for you, consider the material used, bounce consistency, and hole pattern that best aligns with your style of play.

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Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs: Key Differences

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Understanding the differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs can help you adapt your strategy for each environment. Both types are designed with specific needs in mind, so it's essential to recognize how they impact gameplay.

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Bounce: Indoor pickleballs have a softer bounce compared to outdoor balls. This is ideal for finesse shots, where precision and control are crucial. The softer bounce also makes it easier to perform delicate shots like dinks and drops.

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Noise: Indoor pickleballs are quieter than outdoor ones, which is important in indoor environments where noise can be disruptive. This quieter performance makes indoor balls more suited to the acoustics of indoor courts, where sound tends to echo.

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Visibility: Indoor pickleballs often come in bright colors, such as neon green or yellow, to improve visibility under artificial lighting. This ensures that players can track the ball more easily during fast-paced rallies, especially in gyms or courts with low lighting.

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Hole Pattern: Indoor balls generally have fewer, larger holes. This reduces drag and makes the ball fly with greater consistency. In contrast, outdoor pickleballs have more, smaller holes to better withstand wind and other elements outside.

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Surface Compatibility: Indoor pickleballs are made for smooth surfaces, allowing for a more predictable bounce. In contrast, outdoor balls are designed to withstand harsher surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete, which makes them more rugged and durable.

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Indoor Pickleball Reviews: What Players Are Saying

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Indoor pickleball reviews often highlight the importance of selecting the right ball for your playing style. Competitive players typically prefer balls with consistent performance, while recreational players may opt for lighter, softer balls. Reviews also mention that the best indoor pickleballs deliver a dependable bounce and durability over time.

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Competitive Players: Many competitive players favor ONIX and Gamma balls due to their consistent flight and durability. These brands are recognized for their ability to maintain control even in high-intensity games.

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Recreational Players: Recreational players often prefer Jugs for their lightweight feel and affordability. These balls are easy to play with and provide a great experience without the high cost.

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Feedback from players consistently emphasizes the importance of choosing indoor pickleballs with a good balance of durability, visibility, and consistent bounce.

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Why Brand Matters in Indoor Pickleballs

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The brand of your indoor pickleball can have a significant impact on your gameplay. Trusted brands invest in quality materials and conduct rigorous testing to ensure their products meet the expectations of players at every skill level. Popular brands like ONIX, Franklin, and Gamma are known for their consistency, durability, and innovation.

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ONIX: ONIX is a leading brand known for producing durable balls with excellent flight characteristics. Their indoor pickleballs are designed to provide precision and consistency, making them a popular choice for competitive play.

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Gamma: Gamma pickleballs are known for their balance and precision. They offer excellent visibility and are ideal for players who want a reliable ball for recreational and competitive play.

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Franklin Sports: A trusted name in pickleball, Franklin Sports provides high-quality indoor pickleballs that are perfect for casual and competitive players alike. Their commitment to durability and innovation makes them a top choice.

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Dura: Dura is a great choice for competitive players. Known for their durability and consistent flight, Dura balls are designed to withstand intense gameplay and provide reliable performance.

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Pickleball Now: Pickleball Now balls are designed with recreational players in mind. They provide an affordable option for casual games without sacrificing playability.

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Specifications to Look For in Indoor Pickleballs

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When choosing indoor pickleballs, understanding their specifications can help you make an informed decision. Indoor pickleballs are typically about 2.87 inches in diameter and weigh between 0.8 and 0.9 ounces. These measurements provide an optimal balance of control and durability for indoor courts.

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Hole Pattern: Indoor balls generally have larger, fewer holes, which helps reduce drag and makes the ball fly more smoothly. This design is ideal for indoor conditions where wind isn’t a factor.

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Bounce Quality: The bounce of an indoor pickleball is softer than that of an outdoor ball, which is crucial for indoor play. The softer bounce ensures that the ball reacts predictably on smooth surfaces, making it easier to control during play.

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Material: Polyethylene is the most common material for indoor pickleballs. It offers a good balance of durability, softness, and consistent bounce, making it the preferred choice for most indoor balls.

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Key Differences Between Indoor Pickleballs

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While all indoor pickleballs are designed for smooth courts, they are not all the same. Some are made for competitive play, offering precision and durability, while others are better suited for casual games due to their softer feel and affordability.

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Material: Polyethylene is widely used in indoor balls for its balance of softness and durability. It ensures a consistent bounce while maintaining the ball's structural integrity.

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Visibility: Bright colors like neon green or yellow improve visibility, ensuring players can track the ball easily in indoor settings, even under artificial lighting.

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Control: Indoor pickleballs are designed to provide better control and spin, thanks to their smooth surfaces and predictable bounce. This allows for a more strategic game focused on placement and precision.

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Indoor Pickleball Buying Guide

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Purchasing indoor pickleballs doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are a few steps to help you choose the right ball for your needs:

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1. Assess Your Needs: Determine whether you play recreationally or competitively. Competitive players may prioritize durability and consistent performance, while recreational players might look for affordability and a lightweight design.

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2. Research Brands: Stick to trusted names in the pickleball industry. ONIX, Gamma, and Jugs are all well-regarded brands known for producing high-quality indoor pickleballs.

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3. Read Reviews: Check player reviews to get an idea of how the ball performs in real-world conditions. This can give you valuable insights into bounce quality, durability, and overall playability.

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4. Test Different Balls: Try out different balls from various brands to see which one feels best for your style of play. You may find that one ball’s bounce or weight suits your game better than another.

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Features That Make Great Indoor Pickleballs

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The best indoor pickleballs deliver consistent bounce, durability, and excellent visibility. High-quality indoor balls also feature smooth surfaces for better control and spin, and their durability minimizes the need for frequent replacements. Bright colors help players keep track of the ball during fast exchanges, while lightweight designs enhance maneuverability.

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How DUPR Enhances Indoor Pickleball Matches

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For serious players, DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) offers a tool to track performance and find opponents of similar skill levels. DUPR allows players to measure their improvement and ensures competitive fairness in matches. Whether using ONIX Fuse Indoor Pickleballs or competing in a league, DUPR helps players set goals and achieve steady progress, making every match more rewarding.

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The professional pickleball world was recently met with the news that Ben and Collin Johns, one of the sport's most dominant partnerships in this era of of the sport, will be parting ways heading into 2025. As this chapter closes on one of pickleball's most successful teams, we want to take a look at the remarkable statistics that defined their partnership and explore how they have helped shape the game.

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By the Numbers

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The statistics behind the Johns brothers' partnership tell a story of unprecedented dominance. From 2020 through 2023, they maintained win percentages that redefined excellence in professional pickleball. Their peak came in 2023 with an extraordinary 93.51% win rate, securing 72 victories against just 5 losses. This followed equally impressive showings in 2020/2021 (91.38%) and 2022 (90.11%).

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With an 81.71% win rate in 2024 (67 wins, 15 losses), the Johns brothers showed signs of change while maintaining a level of success most partnerships dream of. Their consistency across seasons set competitive standards in professional pickleball. Meanwhile, competition is tougher than ever. Ben remains number 1, but Collin, once ranked in the mid-teens for male doubles, has dropped to 33rd over the last year. The sport has evolved around them with new talent raising the bar.

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Medal Count and Tournament Dominance

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Their tournament achievements paint an even more compelling picture. Across 66 tournaments, they accumulated 52 medals - 43 golds, 8 silvers, and 1 bronze. This translates to a remarkable 79% podium percentage and a 65% rate of securing gold medals. Their year-by-year consistency tells its own story:

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• 2024/2025: 8 gold medals (tour-leading), 2 silvers
• 2023: 13 gold medals, 1 silver - their most dominant year
• 2022: 13 gold medals, 4 silvers - establishing their dynasty
• 2021/2020: 9 gold medals, 1 silver, 1 bronze (in just 12 tournaments)

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To put these numbers in perspective, Ben Johns has accumulated 43 career gold medals in men's doubles, while Collin has 33. The next closest competitor, Matt Wright, stands at 18. As a team, their 33 gold medals significantly outpace other partnerships - Frazier/Johnson and Newman/Wright follow with 10 and 8 golds respectively (Pickleball.com).

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The 2024 Transition Year

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The 2024 season marked a notable shift in their dominance, coinciding with broader changes in professional pickleball. The sport's evolution toward a more power-driven style presented new challenges to their traditionally patient, strategic approach. Their 81.71% win rate, while still impressive, represented the first time in four years they performed below the 90% threshold.

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This transition reflected larger changes in professional pickleball, where the emphasis shifted from the dinking game to a more aggressive, power-based style. The introduction of new equipment and evolving tactics meant that the patient, methodical approach that had served them so well faced new challenges. 

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The Johns brothers' adaptation to these changes, while successful by most standards, couldn't quite match their previous levels of dominance.

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Tournament-by-Tournament Analysis

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A closer look at their tournament performances reveals remarkable consistency. In their 58 tournaments together, they reached at least the semifinals in 51 events - an 88% rate of deep tournament runs. This level of consistency is particularly impressive given the increasing depth of talent in professional pickleball and the physical demands of the modern game.

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Their ability to perform under pressure was equally notable. In gold medal matches, they maintained a winning percentage above 80%, demonstrating their capacity to elevate their game when the stakes were highest. This clutch performance helped establish their reputation as the team to beat in any major tournament.

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Individual Achievements and Partnership Synergy

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While both players brought individual strengths to the partnership, their success stemmed from exceptional teamwork and complementary skills. Ben's aggressive style and dynamic shot-making paired perfectly with Collin's steady defensive play and consistent resetting ability. This combination created a partnership that could adapt to any opponent's strategy while maintaining their own high level of play.

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Their individual achievements within the partnership are equally impressive. Ben's 43 career gold medals in men's doubles set a standard that may never be matched, while Collin's 33 gold medals would be a career-defining achievement for most players, highlighting the extraordinary nature of their partnership.

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Looking Ahead to 2025

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As both players look toward 2025, the professional pickleball landscape enters a new era. Ben Johns, widely regarded as one of the sport's premier players, has several potential high-profile partnerships on the horizon. For Collin, who has demonstrated particular strength on the right side, opportunities exist to forge new partnerships that could showcase different aspects of his game.

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The dissolution of this partnership will lead to changes across professional pickleball as players adjust their strategies for the 2025 season. The season is expected to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory, with new partnerships and rivalries forming.

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It has been rumored that Ben will team up with Gabe Tardio, Hayden Patriquin, and Maxwell Freeman, a left-handed player, along with potentially others not mentioned. The combination of an aggressive right-handed player with a lefty-righty duo will be closely watched, as Ben has previously stated that this type of pairing could be the future of the game’s top partnerships.

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Overall, the Johns brothers' partnership represents more than just statistical excellence - it established a benchmark that may stand unchallenged in professional pickleball. Their consistent performance over multiple years, maintaining extraordinary win percentages and accumulating medals at an unprecedented rate, speaks to a level of dominance rarely seen in any sport.

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Their legacy extends beyond their on-court achievements. They helped establish professional pickleball's competitive standards, influenced training methodologies, and contributed to the sport's growing popularity. While their partnership may be ending, their impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.

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Attribution: Data and background information sourced from DUPR and Pickleball.com

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