A good DUPR rating doesn't mean one that's high. It's one that accurately reflects your current skill level.
So long as your DUPR rating is accurate for your current level, improving over time, and helping you find better-matched games, then it's doing exactly what it's meant to do.
The DUPR rating scale explained
The DUPR scale goes from 2.000 to 8.000. The majority of players are in the 3.000 to 4.000 range, including some of us at Pickleheads, and we're not ashamed to say it. It's fun, competitive, and crowded here!
Coming soon!
Want to improve your rating? Try DUPR on Demand with our round robin tool.
Here's a quick summary of the DUPR rating scale:
- 2.00-2.99 (just getting started): you're a beginner to early intermediate. You're developing basic shot consistency.
- 3.00-3.99 (developing consistency and strategy): you're an intermediate player. Your strategy is improving, but you're still learning. Your shot control is improving.
- 4.00-4.99 (advanced player): you're an advanced rec or tournament player. You may coach or train regularly. You're competitive, and you have a high tactical awareness and execution.
- 5.00-8.00 (elite player): you're a professional or a high-level player competing at big tournaments.
What the average DUPR rating really is
Don't worry if your rating is between 3.00 and 4.00. You're in the average range, where most pickleball players are.
New ratings are weighted toward 3.00 until more data is collected. For your first few games, your rating will fluctuate until it settles more accurately. The more matches you play, the more you'll increase your Reliability Score. Just be patient and focus on improving your game. The rating will follow.
Why "good" depends on your goals
There's no such thing as a "good DUPR rating", just an accurate one. Instead of asking if your rating is good, ask if it's improving.
If you're a 3.00 player and you're steadily increasing your rating, you're in a great position – you're on a progressive path. Alternatively, you could be a 4.50 player, but you never play rated games, so your score never improves. Which is better?
It's not about comparing who has the higher rating. DUPR is a tool, not a judgment. It's there to help you find skill-based matchups and guide improvement on your pickleball journey.
How to get DUPR rated
If you're unrated, why not sign up? Once you play a match and input your results, you'll get a DUPR rating. Soon, you'll even be able to use Pickleheads' DUPR on Demand to send videos of you playing. A certified DUPR coach can then analyze your skills and give you an official rating.
Coming soon!
Get your DUPR rating. Unlock better games and track your progress.
How to move up (the right way)
There are practical ways to improve your DUPR rating, as well as behaviors to avoid. Here are some tips on how to improve your rating the right way:
Do:
Play more structured play like tournaments and round robins (these count more toward your rating than rec play).
Play against players at/above your skill level (beating higher-rated opponents impacts your rating more).
Play against those with a DUPR rating over unrated players.
Track your progress and work on your skills.
Don't:
Play against too many unrated players (match results are less accurate).
Always go for blowouts against lower-rated players (this won't impact your rating as much as more competitive matches).
Avoid tough matchups against higher-rated opponents.
Avoid DUPR after a few bad losses (play frequency improves your rating).
Bottom line
To put it simply, a good DUPR rating is one that reflects your true game. It isn't the highest number – it's an honest one that reflects your current skills.
Don't overdo it by trying to boost your rating quickly. Progress takes time. With consistency, steady improvement, and good matchups, you should have a DUPR rating that accurately reflects your true pickleball game.
Try our round robin tool
Set up a DUPR-rated match with the free Pickleheads round robin tool.
