A Little Back Story. In June we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to send Bart to a DUPR/RPPk/Tyson McGuffin Coaches' training. Over the course of several days, relationships were built and an opportunity to bring premier amateur events to Mid-Michigan was discussed. We took the ideas to the Greater Midland Tennis Center and subsequently made a hand-off to them. We remain engaged and hope to help grow this single tournament into a small series that sees players from across the state and beyond coming to Midland to participate.

Why? The big question is we have a good number of tournaments in the area already why bring a another one to Mid-Michigan? The answer is MiLP is different! It is truly a team event just like the Major League Pickleball you see on TV. Each match consists of 1 Men's Doubles game, 1 Women's Doubles game, and 2 Mixed Doubles. Win 3 out of 4 you are the winner, split 2 and 2 then it's on to a Dream Breaker.

What is a Dreambreaker? A dreambreaker is simple. It is a team game of rotating singles. Every 4 points the singles match rotates to another set of players. First team to 21 winning by 2 takes the match. Don't be scared, even those who do not like singles have fun with this. After 4 points you get a 12 point break to cheer on your team!

What does DUPR 12,14,16,18 mean? The DUPR number levels are reflective of the teams combined DUPR Score. The DUPR 12 level is comprised of 4 players that average a 3.0 level. A DUPR 18 is reflective of 4 players averaging a 4.5 level. We will look at adding DUPR 20 if the level of play dictates it should be added.

Do I have to have a DUPR Score to participate? Although helpful to have a DUPR rating, it is not required. You are required to have a DUPR account though because all MiLP scores are entered into DUPR. The Greater Midland Tennis Center will host two MiLP informational meetings followed by a DUPR play session for those who want to learn the format and build their DUPR profile. Each meeting will be capped at 24 participants. If the need dictates, a third night will be added. For more information on what a DUPR Score is and how to get one, check out this link: DUPR - The World's Most Accurate Pickleball Rating

Scheduling Efficiency? The format is such that the schedule will get every player 3 matches and 6 games and then move to a semifinal and final round one right after another with very little down time compared to the wait times at larger traditional format tournaments. It is very likely your level will complete all of its games within a 4 to 5 hour window. Specific format depends on teams entered. A full 8 team tournament is played in two pools where each team plays the others in their pool. After the pools are complete the top two teams in each move on to the semi-final rounds.  

Scoring is rally scoring where each rally is worth a point. Points are scored by both the serving and receiving team. Players do not switch sides and the odd court player stays on the odd side, even court player remains on the even side and the score dictates the service side. Games are played to 21 must win on your serve and by 2. 

Uniforms? are encouraged but not required. Sometimes teams find that adding uniforms amplifies the fun! Creative non-vulgar uniforms are absolutely acceptable.

I want to play but don't have a team! Well get one and do it quick! Just kidding! We want everyone to be able to experience this type of tournament play. To this day, the most fun we have had at a pickleball tournament is a MiLP team style event! To help folks find a team, our goal is to have a "free agent list." If we get 4 players in the same DUPR range we will form a team for them. We are still working out the details of this, so more to come.

Last Rant! Simple disclaimer here. We do not work for the Greater Midland Tennis Center. We have just fostered a relationship between the MiLP and the GMTC to host this even. Our views may not be the views of the GMTC. Our goal is and has always been to nurture the growth of pickleball in our area in a fun and welcoming way. We hope this tournament is a success and everyone has a good time!  

If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] and we will answer them right on this page. I am certain others will have the same questions.

MiLP Direct Link -Find out more about Minor League Pickleball and the National Pathway at the link below

Minor League Pickleball | Powered by DUPR (officialminorleaguepb.com)

Updated 7/29/2024

What is a team event? In this event you will need a team of 2 women and 2 men. There are no ages only DUPR skill levels. You can sign up with your own constructed team of 4 or sign up and we will do our best to find a team.  

Where do I sign up? Right Here!

https://officialminorleaguepb.com/event/the-dink-minor-league-pickleball-the-greater-midland-tennis-center-michigan/