Capital Area Pickleball Association
Serving Dane County Wisconsin

USA Pickleball recently designated the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) as its exclusive, official rating system. Previously, it had been using a rating system many people were unfamiliar with called Universal Tennis Rating-Pickleball (UTR-P). The UTR-P was mainly U.S.-based and was used to track wins and losses of players who primarily competed in official USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments.

By now using DUPR, USA Pickleball is embracing a much more widely-adopted, global rating system that uses a more sophisticated algorithm to calculate a player’s skill rating. Skill ratings are not just based on simple win/loss records but are also impacted by things like opponent ratings, the player’s actual margin of victory, and a comparison of actual to expected match results. DUPR’s algorithm is therefore able to provide a more precise measure of a player's true skill rating than UTR-P could. USA Pickleball’s adoption of DUPR therefore promotes fairer play and more accurate tournament seeding.

USA Pickleball's switch to DUPR further consolidates the sport’s use of DUPR as the preeminent rating system and is a critical step in the sport's maturation. The DUPR rating system will now be used by USA Pickleball, The PPA Tour, Major League Pickleball, Minor League Pickleball, Pickleball Canada, The Global Pickleball Federation, and thousands of other clubs and leagues around the world.

For more information about USA Pickleball’s adoption of DUPR as its official and exclusive rating system, click here.

With Washington (Bainbridge Island) being the birthplace of pickleball, it seems only fitting that the state would get its own specialty license plate to celebrate this unique aspect of its heritage. As of November 2025, Washington officially has a new “State Sport: Pickleball” specialty plate, cementing its place alongside Tennessee and Montana as having a license plate dedicated to the world's fastest-growing sport.

This wasn't an easy win, however. The journey to get a specialty pickleball plate took three years, beginning with a petition and legislative effort spearheaded by the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA). The organization collected thousands of signatures and pushed for the plate through the state legislature before it was finally approved in an omnibus bill that consolidated several specialty plates.

The plate features a stylish design titled “Pickleball Rising,” created by local Seattle artist Jason Laramie. The design is inspired by the ferry ride leaving Bainbridge Island, with a pickleball rising like the sun over Washington, symbolizing both the sport's origins and its growing popularity.

For Washington's pickleball community, this new plate isn't just a decorative accessory; it's a means for funding the sport's future. Proceeds from the plate's sales will go directly to the SMPA to support the construction and maintenance of dedicated public pickleball courts throughout the state. This funding is crucial for sustaining pickleball's explosive growth and ensuring it remains accessible and inclusive for players of all ages and backgrounds.

While Washington may be the newest state to roll out a pickleball plate, it joins two other states that have already embraced the sport on their roads.

Tennessee offers a pickleball specialty license plate that helps support youth programs. The license plate was designed by a non-profit called the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association (TJPA), and proceeds from plate sales are used to fund pickleball equipment purchases, teacher training, and program development in schools and parks across the state.

Montana offers a specialty “406” license plate, on which the “0” is in the likeness of a pickleball. The plate is sponsored by a non-profit called 406 Pickleball Missoula, Inc. Proceeds from license plate sales are used to support the promotion of pickleball within the state by funding activities like advocating for the sport, maintaining public courts, and developing qualified officials.

The growth of pickleball license plates in states like Washington, Tennessee, and Montana highlights the sport's increasing mainstream appeal and its ability to mobilize local communities. Enthusiasts are using their passion to create tangible, lasting impacts on the sport, all while showcasing their love for pickleball on the road.

The movement to support the sport through this unique fundraising method is a testament to pickleball's passionate community and its ability to drive positive change, one vehicle at a time. With the success seen in these states, it's fair to wonder which state will be next to get a pickleball license plate. Might I suggest Wisconsin?

If you have ever shopped for a pickleball paddle and felt overwhelmed by the specs—swing weight, twist weight, balance point, core thickness—it’s not just you. Paddle companies love numbers, but players mostly want to know how a paddle will actually feel in their hand. Here is a simple, no-nonsense guide to what those specs really mean, and how to use them to choose a paddle you will love.

Swing Weight: The “Effort Level” Meter

Swing weight measures how heavy a paddle feels when you swing it. Two paddles may weigh the same on a scale, but the one with more mass toward the top will feel heavier in motion.

• Paddles with a higher swing weight will give you more power and stability, but less maneuverability.
• Paddles with a lower swing weight will allow you to have “quicker hands” (because they feel lighter and are easier to swing), and enable easier resets, but will have less power.

If you prioritize power, a higher swing weight might be beneficial. However, if you frequently find yourself late on hands battles at the kitchen, a lower swing weight might save your sanity (and your wrist).

Twist Weight: The Stability Score

Twist weight measures how much the paddle resists twisting when you mishit toward the edges.

Wider paddles generally have higher twist weights, with a larger effective sweet spot, allowing more forgiveness. Longer, thinner paddles tend to have lower twist weights and require more precision when hitting the ball. Players who want more consistency or who hit off-center often will benefit from a paddle with higher twist weights. It is essentially your margin-of-error spec.

Balance Point: Where the Weight Actually Sits

This tells you where the paddle’s center of mass is.

• Head-heavy paddles have a higher balance point and generate more power but can feel sluggish.
• Handle-heavy paddles are fast and nimble but may have less power on drives.

Static Weight: The Number on the Scale

This is the total mass of the paddle, usually between 7.5 and 8.5 ounces. By itself, it is not the whole story. A heavier paddle can still feel quick if the weight is low in the handle. Still, static weight matters for comfort; some players prefer a heavier paddle, and some players prefer a lighter paddle. You should experiment with both before deciding which to purchase.

Core Thickness: Cushion vs. Pop

Core thickness changes the feel dramatically:

• Thicker cores (16mm+) absorb more shock, add stability, provide more control, and allow more dwell time for the ball on the paddle’s face.
• Thinner cores (13–14mm) give the paddle more pop, more power, and allow for a livelier bounce of the ball off the paddle.

If you play a control game built around dinks and resets, thicker cores are your friend. If you have more of a power game, you will prefer a paddle with a thinner core.

Face Material: The Spin and Feel Factor

Face material affects how the paddle interacts with the ball and the amount of spin you will be able to impart on the ball.

• Raw carbon fiber provides maximum spin and a controlled, gritty feel.
• Fiberglass provides a poppier and more powerful feel but generally allows for less spin than a carbon fiber paddle.
• Hybrid/composites attempt to blend both worlds.

Handle Length: Reach vs. Control

Paddles with longer handles (5.5 inches or more) enable you to hit two-handed backhands and also add reach and power. Paddles with shorter handles (under 5 inches-5.25 inches) give you a larger sweet spot and improve control.

Conclusion

Understanding your own game and paddle specs can help you find the ideal paddle. If you want power and stability, look for higher swing and twist weights. If you live at the kitchen line and value quick hands, favor a lighter swing weight and a handle-heavy design. Happy paddle-buying and happy pickling!

Are you wondering where to play pickleball indoors in the Madison area now that the colder weather is upon us? If you are looking for dedicated pickleball courts and live on the west side, Hitters Tennis & Pickleball Club in Middleton might be a good option. If you live on the east side, you might want to consider Pickle Pro Courts or Dill Dinkers. Also remember that Pickleball Kingdom will be opening in Sun Prairie in December as well. For a listing of all area indoor courts, click here.

Most pickleballs are made of plastic, which is sensitive to temperature extremes. Whether you are playing in frosty conditions or the sweltering heat, the temperature could be affecting the ball and your game. Let’s investigate what happens to pickleballs when the thermometer goes to extremes.

Cold Balls: Fast, Hard, and Fragile

Once the temperature dips down to about 45 degrees Fahrenheit and colder, your pickleball begins transforming into a little brick of brittle aggression.

Like most plastics, the material in a pickleball contracts in the cold. This makes the ball incredibly stiff, which has two immediate, and often unwelcome, effects on the court.

1. The Ball Becomes a Rocket: Stiffer plastic means less energy is absorbed on impact. The ball comes off the paddle face faster, and the balls bounce lower. What was once a graceful third-shot drop is now a speeding bullet that’s much harder to control. If you love a fast-paced game, the cold is your friend, but good luck trying to slow down a dink rally.
2. The Cracking Conundrum: The real danger in the cold is fragility. That stiff plastic becomes brittle, especially around the edges of the holes. Every hard strike against a paddle or the court creates a tiny shockwave across the ball’s surface. If you're an aggressive power player, you’ll be buying new balls frequently, as a crisp overhead smash in freezing temperatures will often result in a cracked ball.

Cold-Weather Hack: Keep some spare balls in your pocket! Your body heat will keep them slightly warmer and more pliable, letting you rotate in a fresh, less-brittle ball every few points.

Great Balls of Fire: Slow, Soft, and Mushy

The other end of the thermometer presents a completely different, though equally challenging, problem. In high heat, your pickleball goes from being a speedy projectile to a soft, sluggish marshmallow.

When it’s scorching outside, usually around 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the plastic in the ball begins to expand and soften. This changes the ball's properties in the following ways:

1. The Bounce Dies: A soft ball is an energy-absorbing ball. When you hit it, or when it hits the court, the soft plastic deforms and soaks up much of the power, killing the lively bounce you're used to. Volleys lose their pop, and your power serves and groundstrokes feel strangely muted. Hot conditions often produce a lower bounce, especially on outdoor courts that absorb heat. This means you’ll have to generate more effort in your swing to lift the ball, and you will physically have to get lower to stay in control of the ball. Generally, because of its effect on the ball, hot temperatures slow the game down considerably, favoring players who rely on defense, resets, and consistency over aggressive speed and power.
2. Ball Becomes Oblong: The softer the plastic, the more prone it is to deformation. Repeated, forceful impacts in the heat can cause the ball to lose its perfectly spherical shape. An oblong, or egg-like shaped, ball wobbles mid-air and produces a more erratic, less predictable bounce—the kind that makes you question your eyesight.

Hot-Weather Hack: To retain some firmness and consistency, try keeping your spare balls in an insulated cooler between games. A slightly chilled ball will perform much better.

Ultimately, the humble pickleball is a fantastic reminder that a little plastic can have a big personality. Next time the weather is working against you, remember to modify not just your layers or your water intake, but your strategy. The ball changes with the temperature, and a smart player knows how to adjust their game with the weather conditions.

Pickleball Kingdom – Sun Prairie, which is planning to open in mid-December, has just made Founding Memberships available for purchase on its website! You can join as a monthly or annual member, as an individual, team (duo), or family. Membership prices start as low as (Monthly: $44.99 / Annual: $419.99) and include unlimited private court reservations and open plays, as well as discounts on ball machine use, unlimited Podplay reviews, and free daily locker use. For more information, please visit their website.

The Grove Regional Community Center in Mazomanie will be providing three more indoor pickleball courts, starting October 11, 2025. With the new addition, there will now be five total pickleball courts there to play on. The Grove will celebrate the grand opening of its three new courts from 9:30-11:30 am on Saturday, Oct. 11. At that day and time, play will be free, and there will be a drawing for great prizes. The Grove is located at 314 Anne Street, in Mazomanie, WI, 53560.

The courts are on a multi-marked, wooden gymnasium floor. You can rent equipment, including balls and paddles, at The Grove if you don’t already have your own. Open play is currently available Monday and Thursday nights from 6-8 pm, and on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9-11 am. The cost to play is $5 per time, or you can buy a punchcard that would enable you to play ten times for $40. Sign-up for the open play is available through playtimescheduler.com or on the Playtimescheduler App, as well as on Meetup.com (through the Madison Pickleball Meetup Group). Click here for more information about pickleball play at The Grove.

Four new pickleball courts have been added at McGaw Park in Fitchburg, bringing the total number of courts there now to twelve. You can join the Fitchburg Mayor and City Council Members for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the official opening of the new courts at 3:00 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2025. At the ribbon cutting, you will have the opportunity to enjoy exciting high-level play from local talent (including pro-player Dave Weinbach), pick up tips to improve your own game, and then jump in to play with friends and neighbors! There will also be a raffle with great prizes, as well as delicious cake to eat! Although reservations are not required, if you would like to attend, please RSVP on playtimescheduler.com, by clicking here, so we have some general idea of how many people to expect. The general open play starts at 2 pm. All are welcome. You do not have to be a Fitchburg resident or a member of the Capital Area Pickleball Association (CAPA) to attend. McGaw Park is located at 5236 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI, 53711. Hope to see you there!

I have an update about the new pickleball courts coming to Warner Park in Madison. The City Parks Division has confirmed that 8 new dedicated pickleball courts will be constructed and will be located between the existing shelter and tennis courts in the southeast area of the park. The existing tennis courts are in poor condition and will be removed. The current lighting will remain in use until a future phase of construction in the same area. New paved multi-use paths will be constructed to provide access to the pickleball courts and to provide access to the existing shelter. Construction of the pickleball courts will begin in spring 2026 and is expected to be completed by fall 2026. To see a graphic of the proposed layout of the courts, click here.

The City of Madison will be holding a virtual public meeting on October 9, 2025, at 6 pm to discuss plans for the pickleball courts. If you are interested in attending the meeting, advance registration is required. To register and receive a Zoom link, click here.

You may recall that back in February 2025, I had written a Pickleblog about 6 new pickleball courts coming to Lakeview Park in Middleton that were expected to open in October 2025. Unfortunately, however, during initial excavation of the project site, unsuitable soil conditions were identified. Remediating this issue will include removing peat and installing granular backfill to establish a stable foundation for the new court infrastructure. Only after this work is completed can construction on the courts begin.

Due to the required soil remediation and the seasonal limitations of specialized court surfacing, the overall project schedule has been adjusted. Final completion is now anticipated in spring 2026.

Once completed, the courts will be located at Lakeview Park, 6300 Mendota Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562. To see a map and copy of the Site Redesign Plan, click here. Note that there will be space for spectator seating next to the courts.

You can stay apprised of the latest construction status of the courts by clicking here.