Disclaimer: This blog post may reference a previous version of the DUPR algorithm. Our system is constantly evolving to provide the most accurate and fair ratings possible. For the most up-to-date information on how your rating is calculated, please visit our How It Works page.

In 2024, we introduced several exciting features and updates to improve your user experience: 

• Algo Updates: To start the year 2024, we updated the algorithm to consider match count, match recency, win intensity and improve initial ratings.
  
  
• Reliability: We launched the Reliability Score, giving players a new way to measure how active and consistent they’ve been in shaping their DUPR rating. Clubs can choose what level of reliability score they wish to mandate for participation in events.
  
  Find out how to boost your reliability score in 2025.
  
  

• Feeds: The new Feeds feature allows users to share photos and updates directly on the platform, fostering greater connection within the community.
  

• Partner Platforms: We’ve strengthened our integrations with partner platforms to seamlessly import tournaments and match data from Pickleballtournaments.com, Pickleball Brackets, and many others. Additionally, we have incorporated historical data from these partners into the DUPR ratings. 

Throughout 2024, we’ve worked tirelessly to keep improving DUPR as the most reliable, connected, and user-friendly rating system in the world. Here's to an even bigger 2025!

[Delray Beach, Florida] — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is thrilled to announce the launch of the first-ever High School Pickleball National Pathway, established to provide high school athletes across the country with a pathway to compete at state and national levels. This program is set to revolutionize the sport by fostering young talent, building community, and bringing the excitement of pickleball to high school campuses nationwide.

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Inaugural Event 

The inaugural event will be hosted at Life Time Lakeville, MN, from April 25-27, showcasing the pathway's commitment to fostering young talent, building community, and bringing the excitement of pickleball to high school campuses nationwide. This program is set to revolutionize the sport by providing new opportunities for student-athletes to compete and grow in pickleball.

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Building a Pathway for All Levels of Play

The 2025 DUPR High School National Pathway introduces a competitive structure tailored for both Varsity and JV1 teams, ensuring athletes of all skill levels have the opportunity to participate and shine. State championships will feature coed, men’s, and women’s divisions across both levels, with winners advancing to the highly anticipated National Championships. 

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“DUPR’s High School Pickleball National Pathway is a key step in our mission to make pickleball the most inclusive and accessible sport in the world. By creating structured opportunities for high school players, we’re laying the foundation for a vibrant, competitive ecosystem that nurtures talent and fosters lifelong passion for the game."

Tito Machado, CEO DUPR

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State and National Competitions: A Unified Vision

State Championships: In 2025, DUPR aims to host 15 state-level championships, providing a clear path for Varsity and JV1 teams to compete for national recognition. Open to high school teams across the country, these events will highlight the growing talent and enthusiasm for pickleball at the grassroots level.

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National Championships: The National Championships will feature the top-performing Varsity and JV1 teams from state competitions, with divisions for Coed, Men’s, and Women’s teams. To accommodate high schools with all-girl or all-boy teams, the competition will include a unique 3-person gender format, offering a tailored opportunity for these schools to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. Additionally, individual competitions for singles players will highlight the best high school athletes in the country. Coed Teams will follow the popular MLPlay format — also a signature of DUPR’s Minor League Pickleball format — emphasizing the fast-paced, dynamic style of play that has captivated pickleball fans worldwide.

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“We are thrilled to launch a pathway for high school pickleball players that not only provides opportunities to compete locally and nationally but also lays the foundation for their future in the sport. This initiative gives the next generation of collegiate, post-collegiate, and Major League pickleball players a starting point for growth, fostering community, and developing a lifelong passion for a sport that enriches lives at every age."

Ryan Maher, VP of Partnerships and Programs, DUPR

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Get Involved

Interested in starting or joining a high school club? Contact Ryan Maher, DUPR VP of Partnerships and Programs, at ryan@mydupr.com.

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About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the most accurate and trusted global rating system in pickleball, empowering players of all levels to track their progress and compete with confidence. DUPR is committed to growing the sport by creating opportunities for players, clubs, and organizations worldwide.

Scott Fliegelman’s story is one of passion, persistence, and a love for competition. From his early days as a competitive tennis player to his rise as a top 10 senior pickleball player, Scott has embraced every twist and turn in his athletic journey. Let’s dive into what inspired Scott to start playing pickleball, what motivates him, and his advice for aspiring players.

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Discovering Pickleball: From Tennis Pro to Pickler

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Scott’s athletic journey began at just 8 years old when he started playing competitive tennis. His talent led him to a successful D1 college career and a stint in the professional tennis world, but by his mid-20s, he decided to hang up his racket. Moving to Boulder, CO, Scott immersed himself in endurance sports, competing in triathlons and enjoying mountain sports like snowboarding. Then, in 2019, everything changed. A friend suggested he try pickleball, and though he initially dismissed it as a casual backyard game, Scott quickly realized its potential.

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“At first, I thought pickleball was just some backyard BBQ game, like cornhole,” he admits. “But within a week, I’d sold two bikes, dropped out of all my upcoming races, and set off on becoming a pickler!”

Scott fondly calls pickleball his “Back to the Future sport,” saying, “It feels like it was custom-designed for me, blending my tennis background, endurance sports, and even the silly after-school games I used to play as a kid.”

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Now in his late 50s, Scott is thriving in the sport, competing at the highest levels and feeling grateful for every moment on the court.

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What Keeps Scott Motivated

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For Scott, pickleball offers more than just athletic competition. The camaraderie, especially in doubles play, is what he treasures most. While he enjoys the physical grind of singles, doubles is, in his opinion, “the essence of pickleball.”

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“I really dig the camaraderie that exists in the game,” Scott shares. “In doubles, it’s not just about athleticism; it’s about trust, teamwork, and strategy. That’s what makes it so special.”

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Over the past two years, Scott has competed in the National Pickleball League (NPL), a team-based league for players aged 50 and over. As the captain of the Denver Iconics, Scott thrived on the intense competition, team spirit, and mentoring opportunities.

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“I loved the amazing competition against the best senior pro players in the game,” he says. “But the coaching, mentoring, and team bonding throughout the season made it an unforgettable experience.”

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Tracking Progress with DUPR

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As a competitor, Scott values measurable progress, and DUPR has become an essential tool. Reflecting on his junior tennis days, Scott recalls waiting weeks to see ranking updates. In contrast, DUPR provides real-time data, allowing him to track his performance and progress.

“I love how DUPR gives feedback within days—or even sooner,” Scott says. “After a strong outing, I get excited to check the DUPR app and geek out on my matches to see how they’ve impacted my rating. Then I cross my fingers, hoping I’ve moved up a spot or two on the rankings page!”

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Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible progress from senior pro player Scott, proving that improvement has no age limit! His DUPR rating increased by 0.3 in doubles (from 5.578 to 5.874) and 0.2 in singles (from 5.422 to 5.675), while his average opponent rating also climbed as he consistently sought out higher-level competition. By challenging himself with tougher matchups, Scott not only elevated his game but demonstrated that you can keep improving—no matter your age. It’s inspiring to see players 50+ continue to thrive, push boundaries, and grow through DUPR. In addition, his games and points won % went up - meaning he continued to win against tougher competition.

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For Scott, DUPR isn’t just a rating system—it adds a fun, gamified element to his competitive journey.

“It’s like a game within the game,” he says. “It keeps me motivated between tournaments.”

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Future Goals and Growing the Game

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Scott and his wife, Kari, are not just players but also ambassadors for the sport. They own a 5-court indoor pickleball facility in Boulder, CO, where they foster a thriving community of players. Through DUPR programs and events, their members focus on improving their skills and ratings.

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“My goal is to continue representing our community at the top of the pro game while sharing everything I can with players of all levels,” Scott explains. “Whether it’s through our club or online platforms, I want to help others experience the joy and growth this game offers.”

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Advice for Aspiring Pickleball Players

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Scott’s advice for newcomers is simple but invaluable: find your community and seek proper guidance.

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“When I started, I was lucky to have seasoned players who adopted me and didn’t let me fall into bad habits from my tennis background,” he recalls. His recommendation? “Join open play sessions, seek out proper instruction through clinics, and take private lessons.”

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One of Scott’s favorite learning formats is the “3-and-me” session, which includes three players and a teaching pro.

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“You get a lot of play, and the coach can see and critique you during live action. These sessions are super fun and highly productive,” he shares.

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Scott Fliegelman’s journey from competitive tennis to senior pickleball is a testament to his love of sport, community, and growth. Whether competing at the highest levels, mentoring players, or fostering his local pickleball community, Scott is making a lasting impact on the game.

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As Scott puts it, “Pickleball has been the perfect sport for me. It’s given me the chance to compete, connect, and grow—both as a player and as a person.”

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Follow Scott’s journey on Instagram or visit his Boulder facility to learn from one of the sport’s most passionate ambassadors. You can find Scott sharing his knowledge on Instagram (@scottfliegelmanpickleball and @boulderpickleball) and YouTube (BoulderPickleball).

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The 2024 pro pickleball season delivered epic partnerships and standout performances across MLP Premier and Challenger as well as the PPA Tour—join us as we dive into our DUPR Year-End Series to relive the highlights and celebrate the top teams and players!

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PPA Tour 2024 Season Recap

PPA Tour 2024 Season Recap

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These teams have consistently delivered world-class performances throughout the year, showcasing great team chemistry, cohesive play, and unmatched energy on the court!

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Take a look at the top 5 doubles partnerships by win percentage and the standout singles performers!

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MLP Premier 2024 Season Recap

Let's highlight the MLP season's top partnerships in Premier! Here’s a look at the standout stats:

• Top Women's Doubles Partners:
  • Anna Leigh Waters & Mari Humberg led the way with an impressive 29-2 record.
• Top Men's Doubles Partners:
  • Augie Ge & JW Johnson came out on top with a solid 71.4% win rate.
• Top Mixed Doubles Partners:
  • Anna Leigh Waters teamed up with Will Howells to achieve an incredible 86.7% win rate.
• Top Teams:
  • The New Jersey 5s claimed the top spot, with a 64.8% win rate!

A huge shoutout to all the players and teams who made 2024 unforgettable.

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MLP Challenger 2024 Season Recap

This season brought exciting new partnerships and big wins for teams this year!  Here's a look at the standout stats:

• Top Women's Doubles Partners:
  • Allison Harris & Megan Fudge are your top Women's team with a 72.7% win rate!
• Top Men's Doubles Partners:
  • Daniel De La Rosa & Pablo Tellez led the way with a 15-3 record and an impressive 83.3% win rate!
• Top Mixed Doubles Partners:
  • Susannah Barr & Jaume Martinez Vich went undefeated during the season, achieving a perfect 14-0 record!
• Top Teams:
  • Chicago Slice came out on top with a solid 58.5% win rate!

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Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years, and with players of all skill levels joining the court, the demand for high-quality pickleball paddles has skyrocketed. 

Choosing the right paddle is essential to success on the court, as it can greatly influence your game and confidence. 

Here, we'll guide you through finding the best pickleball paddle for your skill level based on the DUPR rating scale, which classifies players from beginners to advanced (rated from 2 to 8).

Key Factors in Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

Before diving into the best paddles for each skill level, let’s review the main features to consider:

1. Grip Size: A proper grip size provides better control and reduces the risk of strain. Smaller grips offer more wrist flexibility for spin, while larger grips add stability.

2. Paddle Weight: Lighter paddles are ideal for precision and control, while heavier paddles provide power.‍

3. Paddle Shape: Some paddles offer wider sweet spots for forgiving shots, while others are designed to focus power, making them best for advanced players.

Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle Based on Skill Level

Beginner (DUPR Rating: 2-3.5)

For those just starting, pickleball can feel challenging enough without worrying about advanced paddle specifications. Beginner players benefit from paddles that prioritize control and forgiveness, helping them make consistent contact and learn the basics.

Recommended Paddles for Beginners:

• The Rally: The Rally paddle by Rally Republic is ideal for new players looking for control and consistency on the court. Its lightweight design at 8.0 oz allows beginners to play longer with reduced fatigue, making it great for improving accuracy.
• GAMMA Fusion Power: Known for its widest-hitting surfaces, the GAMMA Fusion Power provides a generous sweet spot for better precision. Its mid-weight design supports beginners by offering a blend of versatility and power.
• ACE Heart Paddle: The ACE Heart paddle is crafted with new players in mind. It provides more power and precision with each shot. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it helps build confidence.

Intermediate (DUPR Rating: 3.6-5.5)

Intermediate players usually have a feel for their game style, allowing them to start experimenting with power and spin. They often prefer paddles that deliver a balanced mix of control and power, offering flexibility for both defensive and offensive shots.

Recommended Paddles for Intermediate Players:

• JOOLA Ben Johns 3S: Featuring a carbon fiber surface, the JOOLA Ben Johns 3S enhances spin and durability, making it ideal for players looking to add precision and more aggressive shots to their game. Its mid-weight design (about 7.8 oz) provides a blend of power and finesse, perfect for advancing players.
• HEAD Boom Team EX Paddle: The HEAD Boom Team EX paddle is designed for intermediate players seeking a balance of control and power. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while the graphite face ensures durability and a responsive feel. The paddle features a forgiving sweet spot, which helps improve consistency on off-center hits, making it ideal for players still refining their technique.
• HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle: The HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle is designed to provide excellent spin and control. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfort, making it ideal for players seeking to enhance their game with power, precision, and reliability on the court. This high-performance paddle is perfect for those looking to elevate their play to the next level.

Advanced (DUPR Rating: 5.6-8)

Advanced players have mastered control and technique and may benefit from a high-performance paddle that amplifies power and precision. These paddles often have a smaller sweet spot and require skillful control, making them ideal for experienced players.

Recommended Paddles for Advanced Players:

• JOOLA Vision CGS 16: For players who prioritize power, the JOOLA Vision CGS 16 delivers explosive shots. Its lightweight design with an elongated shape enhances reach, perfect for players who have mastered control and are ready to dominate on offense.
• GAMMA Airbender 16: The GAMMA Airbender 16 offers unmatched customizability with its adjustable end cap weighting system and Zorbicon Shockbuster gel insert to reduce vibrations. Its design enhances maneuverability, maximizes spin and control, and provides the perfect balance of power, comfort, and precision.‍
• ACE Club: The ACE Club Paddle offers a perfect balance of power, control, and comfort. Its 8.1 oz weight design delivers maximum power without the added weight, while the comfortable grip reduces fatigue, ensuring reliable performance during extended play.

Types of Pickleball Paddles: Control vs. Power

Beyond skill level, understanding whether you prioritize control or power in a paddle is essential to selecting the right one. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Control Paddles

Control paddles, sometimes called “touch” paddles, feature a larger, consistent sweet spot that helps players control placement and accuracy. These paddles generally have a thicker core and are a great fit for players who focus on defense and strategic placement.

Recommended Control Paddles:

• JOOLA CGS 14: Ideal for intermediate players, with excellent shot accuracy.‍
• GAMMA Fusion React: Great for beginners learning control.

Power Paddles

Power paddles deliver added speed on each hit, making them perfect for players who want to put their opponents on the defensive. They often have a thinner core and a smaller sweet spot, making them a better match for advanced players who have developed their control and need a paddle that enhances their power game.

Recommended Power Paddles:

• JOOLA Vision CGS 16: Best for advanced players who want a powerful edge.‍
• ACE Diamond: A high-performing option for advanced players.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re new to pickleball or aiming for the next level in your game, choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial to maximizing your performance. From beginner-friendly options to high-powered paddles, finding the right paddle can transform your game and help you boost your DUPR to unlock the best player inside you.

Take this quiz to find the perfect pickleball paddle for your game.

Your DUPR rating reflects more than just your on-court performance. It represents your progression as a complete pickleball athlete.

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Many players focus solely on drills and gameplay, neglecting the crucial physical and mental foundations. This oversight often leads to plateaus, injuries, and competitive frustration. Let's change that.

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This guide will show you exactly what to focus on at each stage of your pickleball development, from novice to pro.

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Novice (2.000 - 2.999): Master the Fundamentals

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Many new players rush straight into gameplay, skipping essential preparation routines.

This eagerness often results in preventable injuries and slower skill development.

• Establish a consistent 10-minute dynamic warmup to help you start fast, improve mobility, and prevent injury
• Develop a 5-minute post-play cooldown routine to enhance recovery and improve flexibility

Research demonstrates significant injury rate reductions among those who perform structured warm-ups compared to those who don't (1,2,3).

Here's the key: higher compliance with warm-up programs correlates with greater injury prevention. Even warming up once a week is beneficial, with increased frequency providing additional protective effects (4,5).

If you don’t know where to start, our partners at AIM7 have built a free warmup guide with video instructions. You can download it here.

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Intermediate (3.000 - 3.999): Physical Resilience

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Intermediate players face a critical transition in their physical and mental demands.

This stage presents the highest injury risk due to increased court time and competitive play.

To mitigate injury and to take the next step in your global development, you should introduce a structured resistance training program into your regiment. Add at least two total-body strength sessions weekly to build robust tissues, foundational balance, strength, and power. In addition, strength training develops resilient muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, which is critical for longevity in the sport.

Consistently engaging in structured warmups, cooldowns, and bi-weekly resistance training will create a solid foundation for long-term physical resilience.

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Now, let's examine what advanced players need to focus on.

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Advanced (4.000 - 4.999): Mental Game and Recovery

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Advanced players must integrate basic psychological skills with systematic fueling and recovery protocols.

This dual focus will determine performance consistency in high-stakes competitive environments.

• Implement research-backed mental preparation techniques (breathwork, visualization, mindfulness)
• Develop comprehensive match-day nutrition and hydration strategies
• Create structured recovery routines that enhance sleep quality and tissue repair

At this level, technical mastery alone won't secure victory. The psychological battleground becomes paramount, where strategic decisions under pressure define match outcomes. Your ability to maintain mental clarity while managing physical resources becomes the critical performance differentiator.

The advanced player's success framework integrates three core domains:

Mental Performance Architecture:

1. Self Regulation: Mastering pre-point breathing patterns and emotional control
2. Attentional Focus: Developing robust visualization and mindfulness practices
3. Decision-Making Under Press: Building systematic decision-making frameworks for crucial moments

Fueling & Recovery Fundamentals:

1. Hydration Protocols: Personalized pre/during/post-match fluid strategies
2. Nutritional Timing: Strategic fueling for matches and tournament progression
3. Sleep: Evidence-based routines for restful and fulfilling sleep

Players who invest in this integrated approach will experience more consistent performance.

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The professional level demands even more sophisticated performance optimization strategies.

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Pro (5.000 - 8.000): High-Performance Systems

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Professional players must manage multiple performance variables simultaneously.

Success requires systematic monitoring and adjustment of all training elements.

• Track subjective and objective performance metrics daily (e.g., HRV, training load,  subjective wellness, etc.)
• Work with qualified specialists (e.g., nutrition, mental game, strength, etc.)
• Implement science-backed recovery tools and protocols.

Top professionals work with a high performance team to improve the physical, psychological, technical, and tactical elements of the game. 

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The Path Forward

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Your pickleball journey requires a different focus at each stage. Identify where you are now, and simply take the next step. 

References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

At the forefront of pickleball’s rising popularity in St. Louis, the St. Louis Shock is tapping into the power of DUPR to not only grow their brand but also foster a loyal community of pickleball enthusiasts. The Shock is one of the teams in Major League Pickleball (MLP) dedicated to engaging local players and fans while building a dynamic community around the sport. According to Andrew Haines, Chief Operating Officer of the Shock, these events are pivotal in the team’s strategy.

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"We’re really trying to build our brand both locally and nationally," Haines said. "Anything we can do to engage players, whether at an amateur or advanced level, funnels into our long-term plans.”

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DUPR events are one of the primary vehicles for building that local fan base, attracting players who want to get rated and improve their game. The events are structured around maximizing playing time, keeping the energy high and the downtime low. The Shock has tried various formats to optimize each session.

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"On Friday, we changed it up to two sessions so players could get almost non-stop playtime," Haines explained. "Our goal is to do these weekly and create a community of Shock followers who feel like they're part of the family and team."

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Why DUPR?

For teams like the St. Louis Shock, DUPR is more than just a rating system—it’s a marketing tool that brings people together and boosts brand recognition. Ryan Maher, Vice President of Partnerships & Programs at DUPR and local to St Louis, noted these events' power:

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"These rating sessions are incredible. For a professional team to be promoting DUPR as their partner is all we could ask for,"

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Maher said, emphasizing how these sessions benefit both organizations. As more players get rated, DUPR grows its user base, while the Shock builds brand loyalty and draws more local fans into the fold. The events are not only attracting players—they’re selling out quickly. For instance, the first two events filled up in less than 24 hours. As Haines described,

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"We charge a small fee that covers registration and a Shock item, like a shirt or hat, and it’s been incredibly popular. We even had people asking about future events before we’d wrapped up the current one."

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The Future Vision for St. Louis Shock

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The St. Louis Shock has ambitious plans, not just locally but nationally. Haines and his team are working on establishing their own venue, aiming to host pickleball events year-round and to become the community hub for pickleball in St. Louis.

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"We hope to open our own facility soon, we want it to be the go-to spot for pickleball in St. Louis," Haines said. “And this will coincide with some larger goals as well, we want to do everything possible to host MLP at Chaifetz, a 10,000-seat state-of-the-art venue at Saint Louis University”. Maher was enthusiastic about the venue’s potential, adding, "There will not be an MLP event that rivals this. Central Park was amazing, but this arena will be unbelievable."

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The team is also exploring ways to involve its players more directly with the community. However, with team members spread across the country, flying everyone in is both time-consuming and costly.

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"All the teams are in the same boat,” said Haines. "But by the time we bring players in, we want to make sure it’s a huge event that really leverages the local fan base we’ve built through these DUPR sessions.”

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Cultivating Connections and Expanding Nationally

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As the Shock deepens its local presence, it’s also looking to set the standard in the MLP. By sharing its success with other teams, Haines hopes the Shock can inspire similar community engagement efforts across the league.

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"I’m getting a lot of calls from other teams wanting to set up their own DUPR events," Haines said. "We share ideas on what we’re doing in the community, and I’m a big proponent of these DUPR sessions. It’s a no-brainer for all the teams."

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The collaboration between St. Louis Shock and DUPR is setting a model for what’s possible when professional sports teams work directly with the communities they represent. The St Louis Shock is the first MLP team to have an Official Club on DUPR. The Shock’s dedication to building this community isn’t just about expanding its brand—it’s about elevating pickleball as a sport, engaging new players, and creating fans who feel a personal connection to the team.

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With DUPR sessions selling out and pickleball fever spreading in St. Louis, the Shock is well on its way to becoming the heartbeat of the city’s pickleball scene. As Haines put it:

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"Our goal is to build a community of Shock followers, and this is just the beginning of something bigger for St. Louis.”

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Check out the St Louis Shock schedule for the upcoming season, and find out more on how to set up your DUPR rating session here!

Paddle tennis and pickleball are two racquet sports that have gained significant popularity over the years, each offering unique gameplay experiences. While they share some similarities, they differ in terms of rules, equipment, and court design. This article explores the distinctions between these two exciting sports.

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1. Origins and Popularity

Paddle Tennis: Originating in the early 20th century, paddle tennis was developed in the United States as a smaller version of tennis, often played on smaller courts. It has evolved with various regional variations, but the basic premise remains similar to tennis with adaptations for a unique playing experience.

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Pickleball: Pickleball was created in 1965 by three dads in Washington state who wanted to entertain their kids. Combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, it quickly grew in popularity, especially among older adults. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., known for its accessibility and social nature.

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2. Court Size and Design

Paddle Tennis: The standard paddle tennis court is smaller than a traditional tennis court, measuring 50 feet long and 20 feet wide. The net height is set at 31 inches in the center. Paddle tennis courts can be found in outdoor settings, often with a hard surface that allows for consistent ball bounce.

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Pickleball: A pickleball court is even smaller, measuring 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, which is the same size for both singles and doubles play. The net height is slightly lower, at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Pickleball courts can be made of various materials, including concrete, asphalt, and even indoor gym floors.

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3. Equipment

Paddle Tennis: Players use solid paddles, typically made of composite materials, and a depressurized tennis ball. The solid paddle provides a unique feel and control during play, while the ball's reduced pressure makes it less bouncy, facilitating longer rallies.

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Pickleball: In pickleball, players use a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball) and a paddle that is slightly larger than those used in paddle tennis. The paddles are also made from a variety of materials, including wood and composite, which affect the ball’s speed and control.

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4. Rules and Gameplay

Paddle Tennis: The scoring system in paddle tennis typically follows traditional tennis scoring. Matches can be played as singles or doubles, with a focus on rallying and strategic placement. Players serve underhand, and the ball must bounce once before being returned.

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Pickleball: Pickleball has its own unique scoring system, usually played to 11 points, win by 2. The game features both underhand and overhand serves, and it includes a “non-volley zone” (or kitchen) where players cannot hit the ball in the air. This adds an additional layer of strategy to the game.

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5. Style of Play

Paddle Tennis: Paddle tennis emphasizes control and strategy, with longer rallies and more opportunities for placement. Players can make use of the walls in some versions of the game, adding a dynamic element to shot-making.

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Pickleball: Pickleball is known for its fast-paced, quick exchanges and strategic placement. The non-volley zone encourages players to engage in soft shots and net play, creating an exciting mix of power and finesse.

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Conclusion

While paddle tennis and pickleball share some similarities, such as being played on smaller courts and using paddles, they are distinct sports with unique characteristics. Paddle tennis leans more toward traditional tennis elements, while pickleball incorporates a variety of influences, making it a dynamic and engaging game. Both sports offer opportunities for social interaction, fitness, and fun, catering to players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you prefer the strategic gameplay of paddle tennis or the fast-paced action of pickleball, both sports promise a rewarding experience on the court.