If you have been watching pickleball games for quite some time, you may already have heard announcers and the crowd talking about DUPR ratings. As an aspiring pickleball player, you can ask advanced players, and they'll explain it to you.
However, it can be confusing if you don't know the basics and the updated version. But don't worry; below is the ultimate guide that can help you learn everything about DUPR ratings.
Origin of DUPR Pickleball Rating
In pickleball, DUPR is the acronym for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. However, some call it Dreamland Universal Pickleball Rating since it originated in Dreamland, a famous pickleball complex in Dripping Springs, Austin, Texas. Incidentally, Major League Pickleball (MLP) founder Steve Kuhn invented the DUPR rating in 2021 and owns Dreamland.
How Can I Get My DUPR Rating?
Kuhn claims that DUPR is pickleball's most accurate global rating system. It can be used by all players, from amateurs to professionals. Based on their match results, each player is rated on the same 4-digit 2.000-8.000 scale.
The higher the number, the more excellent skills a player has. The best thing about DUPR ratings is that they are given to any pickleball player, regardless of age, gender, skill, and even location.
With DUPR ratings, beginners or novices can have a rating between 2.0 and 2.9. Intermediate players can have a rating from 3.0 to 3.9. On the other hand, advanced and pro players have a rating of 4.0-4.9 and 5.0-8.0, respectively.
Starting in August 2023, there has been a redesigned assessment of DUPR rating for new players. An NR (No Rating) will now appear on newly created accounts. After the debut match, the algorithm will observe the player's input for the next seven days' singles and doubles game results.
The weight of each match shall depend on the skill of the players, and the values are as follows:
- 1 Point - If the new player is the only 'unknown' entity in a match.
- 0.5 Points - If the new team does not have a rating, but the opponent team does.
- 0.25 Points - If the teammate has a rating, but one opponent still does not.
- 0.125 Points - If only one player in the entire match has a known rating.
- 0.0625 Points - If the rating of all the players in a match is up in the air.
If you want to get your DUPR rating, sign up at MyDPUR.com for free or download the DUPR app at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
How Do DUPR Skill Ratings Work?
The DUPR algorithm incorporates all the matches you played, whether recreational plays or tournaments. Previously, the number of points you won against your opponent (winning margin) was one of the factors.
But starting in late 2023, the score no longer affects how much you move up or down as long as all the players are rated. The new calculation of the DUPR rating involves the following factors:
- Victory: Did you win or lose? If you win, your rating will go up. But if you lose, your rating will go down.
- Type of Result: Was the match a self-posted rec play score, a club match, or a tournament result entered by DUPR? Rec play games will count less towards your rating change, though.
- Rating Difference of Opponent: If your opponent's rating is higher than yours and you win, your rating will increase. But if your opponent has a lower rating, the increase will be higher, and vice versa.
Screenshot Credit: MyDPUR.com
In short, DUPR is about winning or losing, regardless of the point difference.
There's an exception, though. For beginners and unrated players, the match scores and ratings of other players give them an initial rating without affecting their rating.
DUPR will use your last 30 singles competitive matches or 60 doubles if you're a rated player. For a point to count in your DUPR rating, you should score at least 6 points in that match. For instance, 6-0 or 3-6.
Will My DUPR Rating Increase Every Time I Win?
Yes, your DUPR will always increase every time you win. But again, the amount of the increase depends on the type of match, your rating, and your opponent's rating. The DUPR algorithm shall compute for the EV (Expected Value).
Where is the Expected Value Based?
As mentioned earlier, the expected value used to depend on how many points you won against your opponent. But now, it is solely based on the number of games won or lost in a tournament or club match. The EV is calculated per game played for a self-input match since most rec plays are only on a game-by-game basis.
Which Matches Can Help Increase My DUPR Rating?
Tournament, club, and league matches can help your DUPR rating increase. Each match is worth 0.10 points. On the other hand, each game of a rec play has 0.05. Therefore, if you are a massive underdog in a tournament and win the match, you can earn up to a 0.10 rating.
Can My DUPR Rating Still Increase Even If I Stop Playing?
Yes, your DUPR rating can still increase even if you stop playing or have not played for a while. As mentioned above, the increase or decrease of a rating also depends on the opponent's DUPR. For instance, you outperformed your opponent's EV, and that opponent continues to increase their EV in future matches. It automatically follows that your rating will also increase. Withdrawals/forfeits don't affect your DUPR rating, though.
Is DUPR Rating Different From UTPR Rating?
Yes, DUPR ratings are different from UTPR ratings and are even opposite in some ways. To start with, the MLB and PPA Tour use the DUPR. PickleballBrackets.com and other subsidiaries of Pickleball.com have been using it since November 2022.
On the other hand, UTPR (USA Pickleball Tournament Player Rating) is a rating system used by USA Pickleball (USAP), the country's governing body. Therefore, it is only for players who join tournaments sanctioned by USA Pickleball. To learn more, check out our UTPR Ratings Comprehensive Guide.
DUPR Rating Pros and Cons
Some players like the DUPR Rating, while others think it may be unfair sometimes. If you're new to pickleball, here are some advantages and disadvantages you should know.
DUPR Pros
- Free
- Players are rated on the same scale
- Accepts both rec and tournament scores
- Joining tournaments is not required
DUPR Cons
- Ratings can fluctuate even if you don't play
- Opponent’s ratings matter a lot
- More applicable to non-professionals
- The number of points won is not a factor
Final Thoughts
Despite the controversial update, the DUPR rating system is rapidly being embraced by players from all walks of life. Well, its algorithm still has some loopholes, and some players argue that the score difference in a match now appears useless.
If you're using the DUPR rating, what's your experience? Do you think it can really help prevent sandbagging? Are you satisfied with the changes made? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
