What is Minor League Pickleball?
MiLP Format, Divisions, & Team Building Tips
Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) is an innovative team-based competition designed specifically for amateur and recreational pickleball players. Unlike traditional tournaments, MiLP emphasizes the social and competitive excitement of playing on a team.
Each team in MiLP is made up of four players—two men and two women—who face off against other four-person teams in a series of dynamic matches. A full MiLP match includes men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and two mixed doubles games, all played to 15 points. If there’s a tie, the teams go into an exciting tiebreaker round known as a “DreamBreaker,” which adds an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
To ensure players are matched against similarly skilled teams, MiLP has a tiered division system based on skill ratings, called “DUPR” ratings. Teams are divided into levels (18, 16, 14, and 12), based on the sum of each player’s DUPR rating.
These MiLP events are a fantastic opportunity for amateur pickleball enthusiasts to experience the camaraderie and thrill of team play while competing at their skill level!
Not at all! MiLP is all about inclusivity, welcoming players of every level, from weekend warriors to seasoned paddlers. You’ll compete in a round-robin pool against teams with similar skill levels, and there are guaranteed matches. Top teams go on to a bracket playoff, so every team gets a shot at the big win.
It’s all about the team dynamics and the thrill of the MLPlay format! Each match has four games: a women’s doubles, a men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles. Teams go head-to-head in these 21-point games, and if they end up tied 2-2 after all four games, it’s time for the Dreambreaker! The Dreambreaker is a high-energy singles showdown, where each player on the team takes turns in singles rallies until someone reaches 21 points and claims victory.
MiLP VS MLP
While Major League Pickleball and Minor League Pickleball aren’t quite the same thing, they are very similar! The biggest difference is that MLP is geared towards top level competitive players, where as MiLP designed specifically for amateur and recreational pickleball players. There are also some differences between MiLP and MLP in the specific format and rules they follow.
Key Differences
– MLP is geared towards top level competitive players, where MiLP is specifically designed for amateur and recreational players.
-Number of players: MiLP teams have 4 players, while MLP teams have 5.
-Match format: MiLP has 4 games, while MLP has 5.
Tiebreaker: MiLP uses a Dreambreaker, while MLP uses a Super Tiebreaker.
-Scoring: MiLP games are to 21 points, while MLP games are to 11 points.
-Competition: MiLP has a round-robin pool and bracket playoffs, while MLP has a regular season and playoffs.
MiLP (Minor League Pickleball):
- Team Format: Teams consist of 4 players (2 women and 2 men).
- Match Format: Matches consist of 4 games: women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and 2 mixed doubles.
- Tiebreaker: If the match is tied at 2-2, a Dreambreaker is played, where one player from each team plays singles until someone wins by 2 points.
- Scoring: Games are played to 21 points.
- Competition: Teams compete in a round-robin pool, followed by a bracket playoff.
MLP (Major League Pickleball):
- Team Format: Teams consist of 5 players (3 women and 2 men).
- Match Format: Matches consist of 5 games: women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and 3 mixed doubles.
- Tiebreaker: If the match is tied at 2-2, a Super Tiebreaker is played, where the top-ranked players from each team play singles until someone wins by 2 points.
- Scoring: Games are played to 11 points.
- Competition: Teams compete in a regular season, followed by playoffs.
In Minor League Pickleball (MLP), divisions are organized based on a team’s combined skill level, ensuring that players compete against others of similar abilities. Each player has a DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) score, which reflects their skill level. MLP divides teams into four divisions: 18, 16, 14, and 12, with each division corresponding to the sum of the four players’ DUPR ratings. For instance, if a team’s total DUPR score is 14 (e.g., each player averaging a rating of around 3.5), they’ll play in Division 14. This tiered system creates balanced matchups, making gameplay more competitive and enjoyable. If players are unsure of their ratings, some events offer a rating session beforehand to help them find the division that best suits their skill level.
MiLP DIVISIONS:
DUPR 18 Maximum team aggregate (Team’s Combined DUPR Ratings) is 18.300.
*Maximum individual player rating is 5.100 at registration.
DUPR 16 Maximum team aggregate (Team’s Combined DUPR Ratings) is 16.300.
*Maximum individual player rating is 4.600 at registration.
DUPR 14 Maximum team aggregate (Team’s Combined DUPR Ratings) is 14.300.
*Maximum individual player rating is 4.100 at registration.
DUPR 12 Maximum team aggregate (Team’s Combined DUPR Ratings) is 12.300.
*Maximum individual player rating is 3.600 at registration.
TEAM RATING & DIVISION EXAMPLES
Note: These are just examples and actual ratings may vary based on the specific players and their skill levels.
DUPR 16 Team (Maximum aggregate: 16.300)
- Player 1: 4.200
- Player 2: 3.600
- Player 3: 4.300
- Player 4: 4.200
Total: 16.300
DUPR 18 Team (Maximum aggregate: 18.300)
- Player 1: 4.700
- Player 2: 3.800
- Player 3: 4.500
- Player 4: 5.300
Total: 18.300
DUPR 20 Team (Maximum aggregate: 20.900)
- Player 1: 5.100
- Player 2: 4.200
- Player 3: 5.500
- Player 4: 6.100
The DUPR rating’s system is designed to provide clubs, organizations, and players with real time player ratings. Sound like this is just for the pros? Well, it’s not! Pickleball is one of the most inclusive sports in the world, and DUPR fully supports this. Ratings begin at 1.0-2.5 for beginners and run up to the Advanced Tournament Player Level with a 4.5+ rating.
Get all the details about DUPR Ratings here.
While DUPR ratings are important for building your team, there are additional factors that are just as crucial. When assembling your team, be sure to consider the following:
- Skill Level: The DUPR ratings provide a general guideline, but individual skill levels and playing styles can also play a significant role in team performance.
- Chemistry: A team with good chemistry and communication can often overcome skill disparities.
- Experience: Teams with more experienced players may have an advantage in certain situations.
- Playing Style: Different playing styles can complement each other, making a team more versatile.
By carefully considering these factors, teams can assemble rosters that are competitive and enjoyable to play with.
Getting started with Minor League Pickleball is easy! Just follow these three steps:
Get Your DUPR Rating
In MiLP, teams and matchups are based on DUPR ratings. Players of all ages and skill levels are eligible for a DUPR rating. To get yours, simply attend a PPS DUPR ratings event, where we’ll guide you through the process!
Build Your Team
Now it’s time to gather your Pickleball crew and build your team!
MiLP teams consist of four players—two men and two women—based on similar DUPR ratings.
Register Your Team
The final step is simple—once your team is ready, sign up for an event!
Click here to find upcoming MiLP events in your area and get registered.
