A player rating is a numerical measure of a player’s skill level and performance on the court. Ratings ensure fair, competitive, and enjoyable matchups by grouping players based on ability — regardless of age, gender, or playing background. While many of our Open Play sessions require a rating, we also offer opportunities such as clinics, private lessons, and select Open Play sessions that are open to all skill levels. There are 2 ways to qualify for a certain level of play at our club, 1) By obtaining an in-house player rating by being evaluated in a rating session by one of our staff members, or 2) By having a DUPR Rating with at least 40% accuracy.
If you don’t yet have a DUPR or Playground rating, our staff can provide one through a Player Ratings Session. Here’s how it works:
Review our Rating Descriptions (below).
Register for a 30-minute Player Rating Session here
Check in at the front desk when you arrive, and you’ll be directed to your court for evaluation.
This process gives you a clear starting point and helps you register for events and programs at the appropriate level. Once you have a Playground rating, you may request additional Player Rating reviews in the future to update your rating and receive feedback from our instructors. We also encourage all players to create a DUPR account for the most accurate rating.
The most widely used system in pickleball is DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating). DUPR provides accurate, real-time ratings by using algorithms that update continuously based on match results. It evaluates players on a 2.000 – 8.000 scale, ensuring consistency across age groups, genders, and locations.
You can easily download the DUPR app and establish your rating after entering just a few scores.
At The Pickleball Playground, we will accept DUPR ratings with at least 40% accuracy, which typically requires around 15 recorded matches (through tournaments or DUPR match play).
Creating a DUPR account is free — just start entering your scores and watch your accuracy improve with each match.
Playing casually with friends? Enter your results directly into the DUPR app.
Playing at The Pickleball Playground? Since we’re a DUPR Club, we can record your scores for you. Simply pick up a scorecard at the front desk, fill it out, and return it after your session.
Playing in one of our sanctioned tournaments? Your scores will automatically upload to DUPR.
You can also link your DUPR account to your Pickleball Playground profile for seamless tracking. Just open your profile in the Playground app, click “Link DUPR Account”, and follow the prompts. Your DUPR rating will always be displayed in your Playground account.
Only 5 days left to register for the 3rd Annual Rocky Top Classic!
The countdown is on! Join us for an incredible weekend of competition, community, and fun at The Pickleball Playground.
July 31st- Singles and Junior Division
August 1st- Gender Doubles
August 2nd- Mixed Doubles
Whether you`re chasing a medal, looking for great competition, or just want to experience one of East Tennessee`s favorite tournaments, we`d love to have you!
Registration closes in just 5 days! Don`t miss your chance!
Click the registration link below to secure your spot! ⬇️
https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/knoxvilles-3rd-annual-rocky-top-classic
Have you been wanting to learn pickleball but aren`t sure where to start?
Our Beginner Clinics are the perfect place to learn the game in a fun, welcoming, and no-pressure environment. We`ll teach you the basics, help you build confidence, and have you rallying in no time!
✨ No experience needed
🏓 Paddles are available to borrow
Just bring yourself and we`ll take care of the rest!
Only $20 per session
We offer two beginner clinics every week:
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Pickleball is more than a game. It`s a community waiting to welcome you 💚
#beginnerpickleball #knoxvilletn #learnpickleball #hardinvalley
Rally, laugh, repeat 🏓 Join us for Tuesday night open play tonight!
7:30-9:30pm
📲Register in the app!
Ready to level up your game? Why not start tomorrow? 🏓
You`ve learned the basics, now it`s time to build confidence, improve consistency, and start playing smarter.
Whether you`re working toward open play or just want to feel more confident on the court, these clinics are the perfect next step!
Register in the app today!
🇺🇸 America 250: Courts, Cookout & Community 🇺🇸
Kick off your Independence Day weekend with us at The Pickleball Playground!
🏓 Open Play | 🍔 Hot Dogs & Hamburgers | 🍺 Half-Price Beer
📅 Friday, July 3
🕖 7:00–10:00 PM
We`re firing up the grill, serving hot dogs and hamburgers, pouring half-price beer all night, and filling the courts with great games and even better company.
✨ No non-member fee! Bring a friend, meet some new people, and celebrate with the Playground community.
Register in the app today and come celebrate with us! 🇺🇸🔥🏓🍔
🏓 Ever thought about teaching pickleball?
Here`s your chance to make it official.
We`re excited to host the IPTPA Level I Instructor Certification at The Pickleball Playground on Saturday, July 11th from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM with IPTPA Founder and Master Teaching Professional, Stephanie Lane.
Whether you want to coach beginners, lead clinics, or simply deepen your understanding of the game, this certification is a great next step.
✅ Online coursework
✅ On-court evaluation
✅ Official IPTPA Level I Certification
📍 The Pickleball Playground
💲 $390
⚠️ Only 8 spots remain!
Registration ends June 28th.
Please be sure to explore the IPTPA website before the workshop and familiarize yourself with the certification process. If you have questions, reach out directly to stephanie@iptpa.com
