DUPR Day Reflections: A Father’s Quiet Victory at Pelican Park
Pelican Park’s DUPR Day: More Than Just a Score
Every now and then, a moment sneaks up on you and quietly becomes unforgettable. That’s what happened on a recent DUPR Day at Pelican Park in Mandeville. I didn’t play a single point, an injury had me sidelined, but I watched my son AJ step into the spotlight with grit and patience I hadn’t seen from him before. As both a dad and a pickleball coach, that day stuck with me in a way no tournament ever has. It really just clicked for me.
This article isn’t just a recap; it’s a reflection. If you’ve ever wondered what a DUPR Day actually feels like, or what it can reveal about a player’s growth, this is for you. I’ll take you through the entire experience, from the early morning uncertainty to AJ’s final match, and the quiet ride home that meant more than any medal.
Starting Off With Wet Courts and Patient Waits
We woke up early and checked our phones, was the event still on? Rain had passed through the area, and although it wasn’t pouring anymore, the courts were soaked. A quick confirmation came in from Bud, the organizer: the DUPR Day event was still a go. So AJ and I made the 40-minute drive across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, unsure what to expect.
When we arrived, Pelican Park was quiet. A few other players were already helping dry the courts. With only four courts playable, Bud started grouping players. I explained my injury and stepped aside from playing, but AJ signed in, grabbed a squeegee, and got to work. That quiet hustle from him, no complaining, just helping out, was the first sign it might be a different kind of day. Most players miss this crucial early moment of resilience.
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First Matches: A Slow Start, Then a Shift
AJ wasn’t in the first wave of players, so we sat and watched. Eventually, Bud slotted him into a group with two others. They were short a fourth, so Bud himself jumped in; he’s a 4.0-rated player and can keep things competitive. The plan was round-robin doubles: each player partners with every other player once.
- First match: AJ and his partner lost 9–11. It was tight, but he wasn’t discouraged.
- Second match: win.
- Third match: another win.
You could see it. The game was slowing down for him. Instead of rushing, AJ took more time between points, communicated clearly, and made smarter decisions. I’ve coached players for years, but there’s a different kind of pride when you see it click for your own kid.
Going Beyond the Minimum: Extra DUPR Day Rounds
Most players were done after three games, but two more players showed up needing matches. Bud asked if AJ wanted to jump into another group. He said yes without hesitation; more court time meant more learning.
With three more wins under his belt, AJ ended the day at 5–1.
PickleTip Pro Insight: Here’s what I’d tell any parent or coach bringing a player to their first DUPR Day, don’t obsess over the rating. Focus on their reactions between points, their willingness to adjust, and how they handle downtime. Those moments tell you more than the final score.
I saw AJ stay composed during tight calls, compliment his partners, and shake off mistakes like a seasoned player. And none of that had anything to do with a rating system, it was just pure growth, plain and simple.
Curious about how DUPR ratings work? You can learn more about the official system at mydupr.com.
The Ride Home: Quiet Wins After a Full DUPR Day
We left around lunchtime. AJ had to dogsit for some friends back in New Orleans, so we made our way back across the bridge. No blaring music, no big celebration. Just a quiet, content energy. It was one of those days that whisper, not shout, “Remember me.”
“You played smart today,” I told him. He nodded. “Yeah, it felt different.”
That was the real win. DUPR Day wasn’t just a test, it was a mirror. It gave AJ a platform to be tested, and he passed, not because he won, but because he grew.
Waiting on the DUPR Rating Update
One of the nice things about DUPR Days is the immediate feedback loop. Matches are submitted, processed, and often reflected in your DUPR score within days. As of the ride home, AJ’s profile hadn’t updated yet, but we weren’t chasing the number.
What we really gained from this particular DUPR Day:
- Consistency in his play.
- Improved decision-making under pressure.
- Unshakable composure in tough moments.
When his rating updates on Tuesday, we’ll check it, but we already know what truly changed. For more ways to elevate your pickleball game, check out our guide on effective pickleball strategies.
Interested in hosting your own DUPR Day?
Read about my experience with the New Orleans Pickleball Club to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUPR Day
A DUPR Day is a local event where players are grouped to play matches that count toward their DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating). It provides structured, competitive match play in a short, manageable timeframe.
Players are typically placed in groups of four. Each player partners with each other player once in three doubles games. Scores and results are submitted to the DUPR system for rating updates.
Yes, but it’s most helpful for players who already know the basics and are ready to compete. It’s a great way to start getting a verified rating and meet others at your skill level.
Final Thoughts: DUPR Day Means More Than Just Numbers
If you’ve never been to a DUPR Day, I’d encourage you to go, even if you’re not playing. Watch the dynamics, how players grow under quiet pressure, and how even a single match can change someone’s confidence. For me, it was a front-row seat to my son becoming a better player, and maybe a better person too.
And if you’re still obsessing over your DUPR number, here’s a gentle reminder: numbers can measure skill, but they can’t measure character. That part happens between the lines, point by point.
Curious what your own DUPR Day would look like? Sign up, show up, and see what surprises you.
