Pickleball players in the United States are about to see their training landscape shift in a rather interesting way. DUPR, the sport’s global rating system, has teamed up with PIQLZ, an interactive wall technology developed by RAQTS, to bring structured off‑court skill assessment into clubs and facilities.
The idea is straightforward but clever. DUPR remains the official rating system based on competitive match play, while PIQLZ provides a complementary environment where players can measure, refine, and track their skills away from the court. Think of it as a bridge between casual practice and formal competition—standardised, computer‑automated, and designed to make development both consistent and enjoyable.
For newcomers, this partnership is particularly useful. Instead of waiting for match results to establish a rating, players can step up to a PIQLZ wall, complete a short assessment, and walk away with a provisional DUPR rating in about five minutes. It’s a quick entry point into organised play, giving them context and confidence before they even hit the court.
Tito Machado, DUPR’s CEO, emphasised the importance of fairness and accuracy in ratings, noting that PIQLZ’s structured environment supports onboarding without compromising the integrity of the system. Alex Johansson, founder of RAQTS, echoed the sentiment, highlighting how PIQLZ was designed to add reliability and structure to off‑court experiences.
The technology is already live in several major club networks, with more installations on the horizon. For players, this means a chance to blend competition with measurable progression, while for facilities, it offers a way to integrate development seamlessly into the player journey.
In short, DUPR continues to anchor pickleball’s rating framework, while PIQLZ adds a fresh layer of engagement and skill‑building. Together, they’re shaping a more holistic approach to how players train, compete, and grow in the sport.
