DUPR Rating All Levels Guide: Pickleball

Wed Mar 18th | < 1 minute read

We want everyone to play at their level. Use this DUPR self assessment guide to find your rating before you book:

• Read through the guide and choose the level that best matches your current game
• If you’re between two levels, pick the lower one to start
• You can always move up as you improve

DUPR is a global rating system for pickleball that aims to measure your playing level.

Your rating updates based on match results and the ratings of the people you play.

The DUPR scale

Beginner (about 2.0–2.9)

• Learning rules, scoring, and basic positioning
• Working on serves and returns
• Working on control at the non volley zone (kitchen)

Improver / Lower Intermediate (about 3.0–3.4)

• Can sustain short rallies
• Getting comfortable with dinking (soft game) but inconsistent
• Comfortable moving up to the kitchen
• Recognises basic shot selection (e.g., return deep, don’t rush the net off a short return)

Intermediate (about 3.5–3.9)

• More consistent serve/return and third shot intent
• Can dink crosscourt with some purpose
• Begins to use drops instead of always driving
• Better teamwork (switching, covering middle, calling balls)
• Understands the “patience game” at the kitchen and waits for the right ball

Advanced (about 4.0–4.9)

• Reliable third-shot drop / fifth-shot drop under pressure
• Strong transition zone skills (resets, controlled blocks)
• Can speed up strategically (not randomly)
• Reads opponents’ patterns and targets weaknesses
• Uses spin and placement with intention, not as a gimmick

High Advanced / Pro Track (5.0+)

• Exceptional consistency, disguise, and decision making
• Wins neutral exchanges through small advantages (footwork, timing, hand battles)
• Creates pressure without gifting errors
• Elite teamwork, spacing, and countering