

If you’ve been around the pickleball world for even a minute, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about DUPR—the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. It’s the shiny new number everyone’s talking about, and for many, it’s become the ultimate badge of honor. But here’s the question: how much should you care about your DUPR, and is chasing a higher rating helping your game—or just stressing you out?
Let’s break it down, have some fun with it, and figure out if this number is worth the hype.
What Is DUPR, and Why Is Everyone Obsessed?
DUPR is like your pickleball report card, but instead of an “A” or “B,” you get a number that reflects your skill level. It factors in:
- Match wins and losses.
- The skill levels of your opponents.
- Scoring margins (if you’re wondering why that 11-3 win felt extra sweet, now you know).
The system aims to be fair and universal, so no matter where you play, your DUPR gives an accurate picture of your game. It’s a great idea in theory—no more debates about whether you’re really a 3.5 or a 4.0! But like anything, it has its pros and cons.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of DUPR
The Good
- It’s More Fair Than It Used To Be: By factoring in opponent skill and score margins, DUPR feels more balanced than the basic win-loss and tournament play only rating systems from the past.
- Motivates Improvement: Tracking your DUPR over time can be super motivating, especially when you see that number climb after a killer game.
- Useful for Tournaments: Organizers love DUPR because it helps seed players accurately, which means fewer lopsided matches and better competition.
- Rewards Effort: Played an epic match against a higher-rated opponent but lost? Your DUPR can still improve.
The Not-So-Good
- Too Much Pressure: Chasing a better DUPR can make every match feel like a final, which takes the joy out of recreational play.
- Data Drama: For DUPR to work, players need to log matches accurately and consistently—a tall order for casual games.
- Sandbagging Issues: Some players intentionally tank matches to keep their rating lower for tournaments. (Yes, it’s as sneaky as it sounds.)
- Overthinking: When you’re calculating how every game impacts your DUPR instead of just playing, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re on the court.
Should You Chase Your DUPR?


This depends on what you want from pickleball. Are you playing for the sheer joy of smacking a wiffle ball around, or are you dreaming of gold medals at tournaments? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Why Does Your Rating Matter?
If you need a certain DUPR to enter a league or tournament, then yes, it’s worth paying attention to. Otherwise, it’s just a number—don’t let it define you. - Does It Help You Play More?
If chasing a higher DUPR motivates you to get out on the court more often, that’s a win. But if it’s making you stress over every shot, it might be time to step back.
The Ratings Game: When It Helps and When It Hurts
Let’s be honest: there’s a dark side to ratings obsession. It can turn fun-loving pickleballers into people who refuse to play against anyone below their level. You’ve probably met them—they’re the ones who calculate every game’s impact on their rating like it’s the stock market.
But when used right, DUPR can be a tool, not a burden. For example:
- Tournaments: If you’re competing, DUPR ensures you’re matched against similarly skilled players.
- Tracking Progress: Watching your rating climb after weeks of practice is incredibly satisfying.
- Leveling Up: It helps you find partners and opponents who push your limits.
Who Should Focus on DUPR—and Who Shouldn’t
The truth is, DUPR isn’t for everyone. While it’s a fantastic tool for some players, for others, it might not add much value to their pickleball experience. So, how do you know if chasing a DUPR rating is right for you? Let’s break it down:
Who Should Focus on DUPR?
- Tournament Players: If you’re competing in tournaments, especially ones that use DUPR for seeding, it’s worth paying attention to your rating. A solid DUPR helps ensure you’re matched with similarly skilled players, making tournaments more competitive and fun.
- Players Aiming to Level Up: If you’re serious about improving your game, DUPR can be a great motivator. It offers a clear picture of your progress and highlights areas where you might need to improve. Watching your rating climb after weeks of hard work can feel incredibly rewarding.
- Data-Lovers and Goal-Setters: Some players thrive on structure and enjoy having a measurable way to track their progress. If you love stats, trends, and setting clear goals, DUPR is perfect for you.
Who Shouldn’t Worry About DUPR?
- Casual or Recreational Players: If you’re playing pickleball for fun, fitness, or socializing, DUPR probably doesn’t need to be on your radar. Logging every match and tracking your rating might add unnecessary stress to what should be a laid-back activity.
- Newer Players: For beginners, the focus should be on learning the game, not obsessing over a number. Your skill will improve naturally as you play, and chasing a DUPR early on might make the game feel overwhelming.
- Players Who Find It Stressful: If DUPR is making you avoid matches, overthink every point, or feel like you’re being judged, it’s okay to step away. Pickleball should be fun, not a source of anxiety.
Balancing Fun and Competition
The key to keeping DUPR from taking over your life is balance. Here’s how to stay grounded:
- Play for the Love of It: Remember why you started playing—probably not for a rating, right? Focus on the joy of the game.
- Be Selective: Only log matches when necessary, like for tournaments or league requirements.
- Let It Go: A lower-than-expected DUPR doesn’t mean you’re a bad player. It’s just a number.
A Real-Life Perspective
Across the board, players seem to agree on one thing: DUPR is a tool, not the heart of pickleball. Whether it motivates improvement, adds an element of strategy, or becomes a source of stress depends on how you use it. For most, the key is finding a balance—embracing the system when it’s helpful and setting it aside when it’s not.
At the end of the day, as one player summed up perfectly, “Pickleball is about connection, not competition. If you’re not having fun, what’s the point?”
How To Include DUPR Within Your Game
While DUPR is a powerful tool, it’s not the whole story of your pickleball journey. Incorporating it wisely into your game can help you improve without letting the number define you. Here are some actionable ways to use DUPR to your advantage:
1. Track More Than Your Rating
Your DUPR score reflects match outcomes, but there’s so much more to your game. Apps like Skiva go beyond ratings, offering insights into your fitness, performance trends, and progress over time. Use tools that give you a fuller picture of your game to focus on holistic improvement.
2. Record Matches and Training Sessions
Watching yourself play is one of the fastest ways to spot areas for growth. Record your games and practice sessions using tools like SwingVision, then review the footage to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. Are you hitting consistent third-shot drops? Are you leaving your backhand unprotected? These insights are invaluable for targeted training.
3. Employ a Coach Occasionally
A coach can provide an outside perspective on your game that no app or rating system can replicate. Even a few sessions with a skilled coach can help you uncover hidden inefficiencies, refine your strategy, and develop new skills. Think of it as an investment in your growth, not just your DUPR.
4. Enter Tournaments with Clear Goals
Instead of playing tournaments purely to boost your DUPR, set broader goals for your performance. Aim to improve consistency, test new strategies, or focus on mental toughness. These objectives will serve you well beyond any individual match and keep you focused on long-term growth.
It’s About the Game, Not the Number
The DUPR system is a great way to measure skill, foster fair competition, and grow the sport of pickleball.
All noble goals that we’re very much in favor of. Go download the app and get your rating!
But like any rating system, we see it as just one piece of the puzzle. Chasing, tracking and obsessing over your DUPR rating may be “part of the game”, but it should not be the only part of the game.
That number doesn’t capture your grit, sportsmanship, or joy on the court. It won’t highlight the strategic adjustments you’ve mastered or the camaraderie you’ve built with your doubles partner. These intangibles are just as important as any number.
So go, play your game – improve your rating – but remember what drew you to pickleball in the first place. If you need a reminder… reach out and we’ll set you straight 😉