Your DUPR rating reflects more than just your on-court skills—it tracks your growth as a well-rounded pickleball athlete. Each stage of development, from novice to pro, requires a focus on physical and mental preparation. Early players should prioritize warmups and cooldowns to avoid injuries, while intermediates should add resistance training. Advanced players need to enhance their mental game and recovery routines. Pro players must manage performance with a holistic, data-driven approach. Every stage demands a tailored focus to reach your peak potential.

The St. Louis Shock is using DUPR to build a loyal pickleball community while growing its brand locally and nationally. Co-owner Andrew Haines sees these events as key to their long-term strategy, offering players of all levels a chance to get rated and improve their game. The Shock's DUPR events are designed for maximum playtime, and they’re quickly selling out, creating a buzz in the local pickleball scene. With plans for a dedicated facility and an MLP event at Chaifetz Arena, the Shock aims to be the hub of St. Louis pickleball while setting a national example for community engagement.

Paddle tennis and pickleball are two popular racquet sports with distinct differences. Paddle tennis, developed in the early 20th century, uses a smaller court, a solid paddle, and a depressurized tennis ball, focusing on control and strategy. Pickleball, created in 1965, features a smaller court, a perforated plastic ball, and a unique "non-volley zone," offering a fast-paced and dynamic game. While paddle tennis follows traditional tennis rules, pickleball has its own scoring system and adds a layer of strategy with its kitchen area. Both sports are accessible, social, and great for players of all ages.

Pickleball and tennis are both popular racquet sports, but they differ in several ways. Pickleball uses a smaller court, a paddle, and a plastic ball, making it more accessible and easier on the body, especially for beginners. Tennis, with its larger court and strung racquet, offers more intense rallies and a more complex scoring system. Pickleball’s simpler rules and shorter playtime make it a great choice for casual play, while tennis tends to be more fast-paced and strategic. Both sports are fun and active, but pickleball is often seen as easier and more social for newcomers.