Top 20 Pro Player Lists 4/19/22

AI’s Pickleball Potential

Sports aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. However, AI in sports is now synonymous with big business. Estimates value the sports AI market at more than $2 billion, and research suggests that it may reach more than $7 billion by 2027. Currently, AI is being used for everything from training NFL players to shaving time off their 40-yard dash to predicting and preventing injuries on the basketball court. And it’s poised to have a significant impact on the sport of pickleball.

‍

Harnessing the Power of AI for Pickleball

AI systems use mathematical algorithms that generate highly accurate analysis in real time. For pickleball, data can be collected via wearable sensors and high-definition motion capture cameras to record players' footwork, paddle angles, and shot choices. This data can be transformed into a format processed by an algorithm and can be used to train the AI model, allowing it to learn patterns and relationships. The model is then integrated into an application or program and is the basis for making predictions on new data that is collected. The more data it acquires, the more the algorithm adapts and the better its ability to simulate human intelligent processes. Coaches can then reference the data and immediately adjust a player’s mechanics and techniques, repeat the drill or session, and compare results.

But AI isn’t just for pickleball pros. Recreational players are already enjoying the benefits of AI. Training tools like SwingVision and PB Vision bring the power of AI to local courts without the need for high-end equipment or professional-grade video. By uploading footage shot on a smartphone, these systems can analyze player movements, pinpoint problems in swing speed and follow through, and provide suggestions for improvement. In addition, AI is becoming an integral part of emerging pickleball virtual reality (VR) simulations that produce engaging immersive, customized training programs.

In addition, the recent partnership between leading global pickleball rating system DUPR and sport and AI analytics technology pioneers Playsight has opened up new possibilities. PlaySight’s AI automated highlights also allow players to relive their best moments in a match instantly. The collaboration promises to redefine how players experience and interact with the sport.

‍

Preventing Injury and Speeding Recovery

Off the court, AI is showing great benefits in improving player health and conditioning. Systems can evaluate heart rate and joint stress and alert players to potential injury. Next-generation pulse oximeters incorporate AI into handheld devices that measure respiratory rate, temperature, and blood saturation levels. 

AI can also help accelerate recovery times from injuries. Trainers and physical therapists are increasingly relying on AI-generated results to create personalized rehab programs to get players back on the court faster and prevent re-injury.

In addition, manufacturers of pickleball equipment, especially paddle companies, are using AI-powered systems to determine material specifications and performance metrics for the design of their newest products. Because of its ability to perform analysis on a microscopic level, AI can identify the optimal materials for improved power, control, and durability and give manufacturers next-level customization options to develop paddles suited for a variety of playing styles. These advancements are poised to propel paddle sales, which are projected to reach $253.8 million by 2028 and are currently more than $125 million in the US alone.

It's an exciting time for pickleball and AI will continue to play an ever-expanding role in the sport’s future. As more players tap into AI’s ability to achieve better results on the court, it’s likely there’ll be a corresponding increase in their DUPR ratings.

‍

‍

In the dynamic world of DUPR, the journey to unlocking your full potential begins with understanding the fundamentals. From earning your initial rating to honing your skills through gameplay, every step shapes your pickleball experience. 

‍

In this chat, Dave and Sarah will tackle common questions players encounter when starting their DUPR journey. Let's explore starting out, finding good playing partners, and understanding match count.

‍

Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways:

‍

1. Getting Started:

• Question: How do I get my first rating as a DUPR user?
• Answer: Simply play a match! Once you've recorded your first game on DUPR, your rating will be generated based on factors like the skill level of your opponents and the outcome of the match.

‍

2. Playing Partners:

• Question: Who should I play with to get an accurate rating?
• Answer: Playing with rated players is ideal. However, playing with unrated players is still beneficial, even though it is less precise. The more matches you play, the more accurate your rating becomes.

‍

3. Match Count:

• Question: How many matches do I need to play for an accurate rating?
• Answer: Aim for at least 10 to 20 matches. Quality matters too; ensure you're playing at the right level and experiencing a mix of wins and losses in close games.

‍

4. Playing Dynamics:

• Question: Can my rating go down if I win?
• Answer: No, winning ensures your rating won't decrease. However, the magnitude of rating changes depends on factors like the disparity between player ratings and the match outcome.

‍

5. Fair Play:

• Question: How do I handle concerns about playing with unrated players?
• Answer: DUPR considers the reliability of players based on factors like match count and recency. Playing with unrated players won't negatively impact your rating significantly.

‍

6. Strategy Matters:

• Question: Should I aim to beat lower-rated players to boost my rating?
• Answer: While winning against lower-rated players will increase your rating, the most significant improvements come from competitive games against opponents at or slightly above your level.

‍

7. Recording Matches:

• Question: What if my match partner refuses to validate scores?
• Answer: It's crucial to uphold fair play standards. Communicate with your partner beforehand and report any violations to DUPR for investigation.

‍

8. Club Participation:

• Question: How can joining a DUPR club benefit my rating?
• Answer: Club matches provide consistent opportunities to play at a competitive level, contributing to the accuracy of your rating with verified match results.

‍

9. Match Dynamics:

• Question: How does match format (e.g., one game vs. best two out of three) affect my rating?
• Answer: Longer match formats yield more data and have a greater impact on your rating, as they provide a better indication of your skill level.

‍

10. Past Results:

• Question: Can I input past match results to improve my rating?
• Answer: Yes, past results can be added to your profile, but recent matches hold more weight in determining your current rating.

‍

11. Rating Decay:

• Question: What happens if I stop playing and logging matches?
• Answer: Your rating remains stable, but the reliability of your rating decreases over time due to the decay of match recency. Returning to regular match logging will restore reliability.

‍

DUPR isn't just a rating system; it's a community-driven platform designed to elevate your pickleball experience. 

‍

For more insights and updates, please stay connected with DUPR through our app, website, social media channels, and newsletter. We're here to support you on your pickleball journey, one match at a time.

‍

Disclaimer: The responses provided in this blog post are based on the conversation between Dave and Sarah, and are subject to updates and revisions by DUPR.

‍

‍

After months of research and gathering feedback from users, we are excited to announce that on January 30th, we will release key updates and improvements to the DUPR algorithm. We are confident these updates will create even more accuracy within our rating and a better experience for pickleball players everywhere.

Tomorrow, we're releasing a new blog post that provides a behind-the-scenes look at DUPR's research process and how it contributes to the continual advancement of the algorithm.

As of January 30th, DUPR takes into account:

1. Points Matter. Was this a tight match or a blowout? DUPR now evaluates the closeness of the match, so a score of 11-0 will have a bigger impact on your rating than a close match of 11-9 against that same opponent
2. Recency Matters. A match you played today will impact your rating more than a match you played six months ago.
3. Total Match Count Matters. If you've played in a lot of matches, your rating will fluctuate less compared to a player with a lower match count.
4. Every Match Matters (even against unrated players). Every match counts towards your rating, even if you are playing against someone who is unrated or new to DUPR.
   

FAQs

So what does the updated rating mean for you? We’ve tried to answer the most common questions from our community below.

Do these changes start now or will they be applied to all my past matches?

These updates will be applied across all your match results in our platform on January 30th, as well as to all future results you submit. Want to ensure your rating is accurate and up to date? Hit the court and share your results.

Why is DUPR updating the algorithm again? Is this going to happen frequently?

Our team of data scientists is dedicated to ensuring DUPR is the world’s best and most accurate global pickleball rating. As we get more players and results onto the platform, and have more data at our disposal, we are able to make improvements and updates to the system to ensure that DUPR is providing the most accurate assessment of level. We’re confident that each of these updates will improve the foundational accuracy of the rating. On 1/26/2024, we're releasing a blog post that provides a behind-the-scenes look at DUPR's research process and how it contributes to the continual advancement  of the algorithm. Will be linked here.

When do matches start to matter less? Is there a certain number of matches that count more (ie my most recent 5 matches)? When do matches start losing their value?

The weight of each match decays with each day that passes by. That means that any match played on the same day will have the same weight before considering the number of sets in the match. The match weight decays smoothly, so there is no cutoff for when a match is no longer counting.

What if all the players involved are not rated?

If all players are unrated, we do not know the level of the match, so we take a guess that the level is 3.5. The outcome of the match will push one team above 3.5 and the other below to properly reflect the levels displayed by the scores of the match. With each player’s next few matches, they will be able to move quickly toward their appropriate level, especially once they are playing rated players around their skill level.

Can my rating go down if I win?

No! You will be awarded a rating increase for each win, but the amount depends on many factors including your win probability, all players’ reliability, the score, the result type, and more.

Will my rating change if I haven’t logged in matches for a long period of time? I have 200 games entered but haven’t played in a year. How does that affect my rating?

A pause in playing will not directly affect your rating, but rather your reliability. In order to keep a reliable rating, we recommend that you continue to participate in DUPR logged or reported matches on a regular basis. If you jump back in after a break, you can expect some fluctuations in your rating in your first few matches back since your rating reached a low level of reliability. Once you record more matches, your rating will start to stabilize again and more accurately represent your current skill level.

Still have questions? Our support team is here to help. Fill out our new form: HERE