What is New with Pickleball Ratings? Your DUPR Algorithm Update

Every serious and aspiring pickleball player has a DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating).

This rating reflects their skill level and performance. It helps to pair opponents of similar abilities for matches and helps you track your progress as a player.

DUPR is a system developed in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, the founder of Major League Pickleball. He based the system on how tennis and golf players use ratings. He sought to find a universal system that anyone can and would want to use.

The Paseo Club is the pickleball headquarters of Santa Clarita with 11 well-lit courts, leagues, drills, private lessons, and seasonal tournaments. In this article, you will learn about new changes in the DUPR rating system and how to get rated.

What is DUPR?

DUPR reports that over one million pickleball players have a rating. They are casual weekend players, intermediate picklers who compete in local tournaments, and the pros. As of July, it is also the Global Pickleball Federation’s official rating system. 

According to DUPR, they use “advanced algorithms and real match data” to provide a consistent and up-to-date measure of skill. However, the system is constantly evolving and becoming more refined. That is why it is important to stay current with the new changes. 

• Novice Player 2.000 - 2.999 
• Intermediate Player 3.000 - 3.999
• Advanced 4.000 - 4.999
• Expert Level 5.000 - 5.499
• Professional Level 5.500 - 5.999
• World-Class Professional Level 6.000 - 8.000

What is New in the DUPR System?

DUPR made a radical change in the rating system away from scoring based on wins versus losses and toward performance versus expectations.

In the past, your DUPR rating was impacted exclusively by your win-loss outcomes. When you won games, your rating went up. When you lost, your rating went down.

The new rating system is decided upon your actual performance compared to what DUPR expects your performance to be according to your rating. This algorithm factors in score, match type, recency, and other key elements.

What does this exactly mean? 

Each game has an expected score. If you score more points than expected, your rating will go up — regardless if you actually won the game. If you score fewer points than what DUPR expects of you, your rating will drop. This, again, is regardless if you win or not.

What does the New Scoring System look like in Real Life?

Here is an example of how the new scoring system works for doubles players:

DUPR calculates the ratings of the two doubles teams and expects Team A to win 11-2 against Team B. However, Team A ends up winning 11-9. Although Team A won, their scoring dropped because they performed below what was expected of them. Team B’s score goes up because they performed better — even though they still lost the game. 

Single players’ ratings are affected similarly. DUPR provides this example:

“If you’re a 3.5 playing against a 4.0, we expect the score to be 5-11. If you instead lose 9-11, you’ve overperformed expectations, so you will see your rating go up.”

This new system assesses how you actually perform and makes every point count. The intent is that your rating — and your opponents — will be even more precise than before.

How can you get a DUPR Rating?

It is quite simple to get a DUPR rating, and it is free. Begin by downloading the app to your mobile phone and creating an account. 

You then have three options to get a rating. 

1. You can attend a DUPR pickleball tournament or event. After playing your matches, the results will be uploaded and the DUPR algorithm will calculate your rating.
2. Submit a video of yourself playing and get a rating remotely from a certified coach. You need an additional app to do this called MyDUPRCoach. The coach will review the video and give you a rating.
3. Come to The Paseo Club on the first Saturday of the month from 12-2 pm and get rated by certified coaches for free!

The Paseo Club — Your Favorite Pickleball Spot in Santa Clarita

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States — and for good reason! It is easy to learn, social, super fun, and a great way to be active. 

The best way to improve your rating is to play more pickleball! The Paseo Club offers charity and seasonal pickleball tournaments, drop-in and reserved play. You can also boost your skills by attending drills, playing in leagues, or signing up for one-on-one private lessons with a knowledgeable pro. 

All athletes cross-train to improve strength, endurance, and coordination. Check out our fitness options and try out Pilates class, weight training, yoga, and more.  

If you are not yet a member of The Paseo Club, now is a great time to sign up! You can join the club online, and it will instantly grant you access to all eight acres of our facility. We can’t wait to see you!