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DUPR ratings

Pure Pickleball Club uses DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), a numeric skill rating to help players find matchups, leagues, clinics, and more that are tailored to their current experience level. Not sure where you fit in here at Pure Pickleball Club? Use the following self-assessment to estimate your skill rating – it takes just 90 seconds and will help ensure you find the people and events that are right for you! (…not sure what any of this means? Don’t sweat! Everyone starts somewhere, and we love to help newbies begin their pickleball journeys.)

At 2.5 (Novice) level, you…

  • Know how to set yourself up at the start of each point
  • Are learning how to keep score
  • Can reliably land serves “in” and keep the ball in play
  • Are starting to learn the pickleball-specific vocab (you know what “dink shot” means!)
  • Can maintain a short rally with other players of your skill level

At 3.0 (Low-Intermediate) level, you…

  • Have a handle on all the basic rules and scoring
  • Are actively practicing to improve basic techniques, like getting your serves deeper and dinks lower
  • Are starting to learn more intermediate techniques, like backhand shots and controlling power
  • Can return a few dinks in a row, but are still learning to sustain a dink rally

At 3.5 (High-Intermediate) level, you…

  • Fully understand the rules of pickleball, including net rules, the No Volley Zone (NVZ), etc
  • Are comfortable with most types of shots and can make conscious choices about when to use each
  • Have mastered consistently deep serves and returns
  • Can think on a higher strategic level, including what type of shot to use and when, where to place the ball, and how to coordinate with a partner to cover openings.
  • Are starting to understand how to transition to the NVZ

At 4.0 (Advanced) level, you…

  • Are actively practicing patience and anticipating opponents’ shots
  • Can frequently take a point after spotting an opening
  • Consistently play at the non-volley line
  • Are comfortable and consistent with dinks and drop shots
  • Can work with a partner to consistently cover your opponents’ shots and keep rallies going

At 4.5 - 5.0 (Expert) level, you…

  • Rarely make unforced errors
  • Consistently sustain significant, lengthy rallies with your partner
  • Maintain patience to spot openings and press advantages
  • Have full, consistent, and intentional control over your shot type, strength, placement, etc.
  • Compete in (and maybe occasionally win!) tournaments at the 4.5 level

At 5.0+ level, you…

  • Already know your skill level, so go back out and hit the courts. You’re practically a pro!

DUPR Official Skill Rating (for official rated play)

An estimated skill rating is plenty sufficient for your standard open and league play, so don’t stress if you aren’t officially rated! If you’re looking to bring things to the next level and participate in officially sanctioned tournaments or rated play, we offer match sessions to get you an official rating through DUPR, a free-to-use pickleball skill rating system.

To ensure everyone is able to play at their skill level, we’re offering a weekly assessment opportunity every Saturday. For example, if you know you’re a 5.0 player but haven’t participated in a rated tournament recently—or ever—your DUPR rating might restrict you from registering for 5.0 open play. By completing a one-hour assessment with one of our pros, they can evaluate your skill level and, if appropriate, override the restriction to grant you access to 5.0 open play. 

If you’re new to pickleball and want to learn the basics, we’ve got you covered! Check out our blog post here for a complete breakdown of the rules—everything you need to get started and play with confidence!

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