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Triple Team Pickleball League

Overview

The Triple Team Pickleball League. is a national organization dedicated to promoting competitive team-based pickleball across the United States. The league features an innovative triple format that emphasizes inclusivity and teamwork, aiming to redefine the team pickleball landscape while fostering a vibrant community and competitive match play among players of all skill levels.

Triple Team offers DUPR team league match play for men's, women's, and co-ed combo teams divisions, catering to adults aged 18+ and 50+. All teams compete in a format that allows them to represent their home courts, cities, and states.

This structure enables recreational players of various skill levels, from seasoned athletes to newcomers, to collaborate with friends and participate in local league matches in their appropriate skill bracket, while striving for advancement to the National Team Championships.

The league's unique approach combines individual performance with a team scoring system, ensuring that every player contributes to their team's success. This format enhances the competitive spirit of the game but also fosters lasting friendships among players, creating an engaging atmosphere where everyone feels welcome

History

In 2020, Laurie Lambert, Executive Director of the Utah Tennis Association (UTA), recognized a growing interest in pickleball among local tennis players. To address this demand, UTA appointed Jeremy Horner as Pickleball Manager to establish a unique gameplay team format for recreational adult competitive leagues. By 2023, UTA partnered with several USTA offices nationwide to launch a co-ed combo version of team pickleball play, culminating in the inaugural National Team Pickleball Championship Tournament. The success of this tournament marked the beginning of an exciting new era for recreational team pickleball.

In late December 2024, the league underwent a significant transformation, rebranding as the Triple Team Pickleball League. This change aimed to enhance competitive dynamics and provide a fresh format for team league play, reflecting a commitment to fostering teamwork and inclusivity in men's, women's, and mixed formats.

League Structure

The Triple Team Pickleball League offers divisions for men's, women's, and co-ed mixed combo teams, catering to adults aged 18+ and 50+. Teams compete in a format that allows them to represent their home courts, cities, and states. The league promotes teamwork by enabling recreational players of all skill levels—ranging from seasoned athletes to newcomers—to collaborate with friends and play league matches locally while striving for advancement to the National Team Championships.

2024 National Championship Winners 2024 Las Vegas

2024 National Chamionshio Winners, Hilton Head, NC

DUPR Integration

The integration of the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) to manage skill levels ensure competitive and fair play based on skill level. This innovative rating platform provides real-time ratings for players, allowing teams to compete against opponents of similar skill levels. By leveraging DUPR, enhances the integrity of its matches and promotes a more equitable playing field for all participants

Key Features

• Three Divisions: Men's, Women's, and Mixed divisions provide diverse competition for all players.
• Three Age Brackets: Currently offering 18+ and 50+ divisions, with plans for a possible 60+ division in the future.
• Three Lines of Play: Men's and women's divisions include three lines of play; mixed combo doubles feature two lines.
• Three Rounds Per Match: Each match consists of three head-to-head rounds that encourage social interaction and teamwork.
• DUPR Skill Levels: Players compete at skill levels of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5.

Advisory Board

The advisory board of the Triple Team Pickleball League has weekly forums led by Laurie Lambert and Jeremy Horner serving several important functions:

• Establishing Commonality: Foster unity among participating states, referred to as "sister states," to align strategies and goals.
• Enhancing League Experience: Gather and analyze player feedback to inform decisions that improve the overall league experience.
• Operational Improvements: Incorporate input from team captains to refine league operations and boost player engagement.
• Facility Management: Evaluate and explore facility needs, challenges, and opportunities to support league growth.
• Technology Integration: Utilize platforms like MatchTime and Pickleball Scores for league management, player registration, scheduling, and accurate reporting to enhance communication among teams.
• Strategic Development: Focus on league development through partnerships and sponsorships to enhance visibility and resources.
• National Tournament Oversight: Oversee the National Tournament, including site selection, venue negotiation, and tournament format to ensure successful competitions.

These weekly forums are vital for collaboratively shaping the future of pickleball while ensuring player voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Advisory Board Members

Contact Person	Triple Team Affiliate	State Affiliate	Website
Laurie Lambert	Triple Team Pickleball League National Director	National	https://www.tripleteam.org/
Jeremy Horner	Triple Team Pickleball League Pickleball Manager	National	https://www.tripleteam.org/
Jesse Lambert	Triple Team Pickleball League Pickleball Coordinator	National	https://www.tripleteam.org/
Andreea Stanescu	Atlanta Team Pickleball - USTA League Director	Georgia	https://www.ustaatlanta.com/atlantateampickleball
Sarah Wishart	New England States Pickleball - USTA	Vermont	N/A
Rachel Rhoney	Mid-Atlantic States Pickleball - USTA	Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC	https://ppbrva.com/
Jeanne Ackerley	New England States Pickleball - USTA	Massachusetts and New Hampshire	N/A
Sheryl Bon Solis	Las Vegas Pickleball	Nevada	N/A
Beth Mahler	Texas Team Pickleball League Founder	Texas	https://texasteampickleballleague.com/

Roster Management and Captaincy

In the Triple Team Pickleball League, effective roster management is essential for ensuring competitive play and team success. Each team is led by a captain who plays a pivotal role in determining the weekly lineup and managing player participation.

Captain Responsibilities:

• Lineup Decisions: The captain assesses player availability, skill levels, and matchups each week to establish a competitive lineup. This involves selecting which players will compete in each match based on their strengths and current form.
• Communication: Captains maintain open lines of communication with team members regarding their availability and preferences, fostering a collaborative environment where players feel valued.
• Strategic Planning: By analyzing past performances and potential opponents, captains can devise strategies that maximize the team's chances of winning.

Roster Structure:

• Robust Roster: Teams are encouraged to maintain a sufficiently large roster to avoid defaulting on matches. A robust roster ensures that all three lines of play can be filled each week, accommodating any absences due to scheduling conflicts or injuries.
• Weekly Participation: Each team typically fields six players for men's and women's divisions, while co-ed teams require four players (two men and two women) each week. This structure allows for flexibility and ensures that all lines can be actively contested.
• Player Development: The league promotes inclusivity by welcoming players of all skill levels, allowing them to gain experience and improve through regular competition.

By emphasizing strong leadership from captains and maintaining a well-organized roster, the Triple Team Pickleball League fosters a competitive yet supportive environment for all participants. This approach enhances team performance but also builds camaraderie among players, contributing to the league's overall mission of promoting teamwork and community engagement.

Divisions and Age Brackets

The Triple Team Pickleball League offers several league divisions catering to different age groups and genders:

• Men's Team Doubles 18+
• Men's Team Doubles 50+
• Ladies' Team Doubles 18+
• Ladies' Team Doubles 50+
• Co-Ed Mixed Combo Team Doubles 18+
• Co-Ed Mixed Combo Team Doubles 50+

DUPR Divisions

The Triple Team Pickleball League utilizes the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system to manage skill levels and ensure competitive and fair play. Here are the key requirements and guidelines for DUPR in the Triple Team League:

DUPR Maximums: Players competing in each division cannot exceed the MAXIMUM rating of the following:

• 3.0 Division → 3.49
• 3.5 Division → 3.99
• 4.0 Division → 4.49
• 4.5 Division → 4.99
• DUPRs are dynamic. DUPR will "lock" in when you register to determine division eligibility for the full season and through play off advancement.

DUPR ID Requirement

• A DUPR ID is mandatory for league participation.
• Players can set up a free DUPR account at https://www.dupr.com/ in just a few minutes.

DUPR Rating Process

• New players initially receive a "NR" (Not Rated) status.
• Self-rating is used for league registration (honor system).
• DUPR dynamically adjusts with each match played.
• A preliminary rating typically appears after 5 games (2 league matches).
• DUPR considers the rating accurate after 10 games.
• Paths to Reliability: How to Achieve a 60% Reliability Score…and Progress to 100%

DUPR For New Players

• First match rating is based on performance against rated players.
• Rating fluctuations are expected in early matches before stabilization.
• Rated players' scores are minimally impacted when playing against NR players.
• In all-NR matches, a baseline 3.5 level is assumed and adjusted based on outcomes.

DUPR has a process to address significant discrepancies between self-rating and actual performance and will contact the player directly if needed.

DUPR Community Guidelines

DUPR is committed to creating a safe and fair environment for all players and organizers. The DUPR Community Guidelines help foster and protect the pickleball community. Overstepping these boundaries may result in a permanent ban, suspended account, or other restrictions. Players can report violations by submitting a ticket through the DUPR platform. The DUPR app is available on both Apple and Google Play app stores for easy access and rating updates.

Match Format Gender Doubles and Co-Ed Mixed Combo Team Doubles

Matches in the Triple Team Pickleball League are designed to encourage both individual performance and teamwork, fostering a competitive spirit among players. Each match consists of several rounds where players compete in doubles formats, allowing for dynamic interactions and strategic gameplay.

• Multiple Rounds: Each match includes three rounds of play, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to compete against different opponents. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the team's strengths but also promotes a dynamic and engaging atmosphere where players can adapt their strategies based on their opponents' styles.
• Doubles Format: The matches are played in doubles, which emphasizes collaboration among teammates. Players must communicate effectively and strategize together to outmaneuver their opponents, enhancing the competitive nature of the game.
• Point System: Points are awarded based on game outcomes, contributing to the overall team score. Each line earns points for games won, with additional points awarded for close losses (if a team scores six or more points in a lost game). This scoring system ensures that regardless of individual match outcomes, every player can contribute valuable points to the team's total.
• Valuing Every Player: The league's structure is designed so that every player feels valued and integral to the team's success. Win or lose, each participant has the opportunity to impact the overall match outcome, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation within the team.

By promoting a competitive yet supportive environment through this match structure, the Triple Team Pickleball League encourages players to excel individually while working collaboratively towards common goals. This approach enhances skill development but also strengthens team dynamics, making each match an exciting and rewarding experience for all involved.

Match Format Gender Team Doubles

Men's and Ladies Team Doubles

• Team is managed by a team captain
• Each team provides six players play for three lines of fixed doubles partnerships weekly.
• Round Robin format: three (3) lines of doubles
• 2 games played each round for a total of six games per match per player.
• Each line is awarded match points based on game scores.

Round One

• #1: VL1 vs HL1

• #2: VL2 vs HL2
• #3: VL3 vs HL3

Round Two: Visitors Round Robin

• #4: VL2 vs HL1
• #5: VL3 vs HL2
• #6: VL1 vs HL3

Round Three: Visitors Round Robin

• #7: VL3 vs HL1
• #8: VL1 vs HL2
• #9: VL2 vs HL3

Match Format Co-Ed Mixed Combo Team Doubles

Co-Ed Mixed Combo Team Doubles

• Team is managed by a team captain
• Each team provides 4 players weekly, two men and two women.
• Round Robin format: three (3) lines of doubles are play starting with gender doubles, then switching to mixed doubles.
• 2 games played each round for a total of six games per match per player.
• Each line is awarded match points based on game scores.

Round One: Gender Doubles

• #1: Men vs Men
• #2 Women vs. Women

Round Two: Mixed Doubles

• #3. Fixed Mixed Partners #1 vs. Fixed Mixed Partners #1
• #4: Fixed Mixed Partners #2 vs. Fixed Mixed Partners #2

Round Three: Visiting team rotates courts.

• #5. Fixed Mixed Partners #1 vs. Fixed Mixed Partners #2
• #6: Fixed Mixed Partners #2 vs. Fixed Mixed Partners #1

Match Scoring for the Teams

• Each line playing earns points for each game played based on their performance:

• +2 points awarded to the team for each game won.
• +1 point awarded to the losing team if players reached a minimum score of six or more points in a lost game.
• The winning team that scores the most points across all lines wins the match.
• Matches can result in tie breaks.

National Championships

The Triple Team Pickleball League hosts an annual National Championship tournament, showcasing top teams from across the country. The qualification process for this prestigious event is structured to ensure fair representation and high-quality competition. Winning teams from the state leagues advance to compete for the national title.

The inaugural National Team Pickleball Championship Tournament marked a significant milestone in the league's history, setting the stage for what has become an annual celebration of team pickleball at the highest recreational level. In 2024, the championship was held at Hilton Head, SC, featuring 16 teams that qualified through local leagues.

For the most current information on qualification procedures and championship details, teams are encouraged to consult with their state directors or visit the official Triple Team Pickleball League website.

To qualify for the National Championships, teams must participate in local qualifying leagues managed by state directors.

National Championships and Qualification Process

The Triple Team Pickleball League hosts an annual National Championship tournament, showcasing top teams from across the country. The qualification process for this prestigious event is structured to ensure fair representation and high-quality competition.

1. League Participation: Teams must first compete in their local Triple Team Pickleball leagues, which are organized and managed by state directors.
2. State-Level Competitions: Top-performing teams from local leagues advance to state-level tournaments. The number of teams advancing may vary by state, depending on the size and competitiveness of the local leagues.
3. National Bid Approval: The state league director is responsible for approving all national bids. This ensures that only the most competitive teams represent their states at the national level.
4. Team Registration: Once a team has received approval for a national bid, the team captain registers the team for the National Championship Invitational. This registration is crucial for securing a spot in the tournament.
5. Wild Card Entries: In some cases, a limited number of wild card spots may be available, allowing exceptional teams that didn't win their state tournaments to still compete at the national level.

Benefits of Advancing to the National Championships

Teams that advance to the National Championships gain:

• Team Bonding: Strengthen relationships through shared travel experiences and team activities.
• State Pride: Represent home state and facility at a national level.
• Community Impact: Become ambassadors for local pickleball programs.
• Networking: Connect with players from different regions.
• Recognition: Gain visibility for individual players and local clubs.
• Personal Development: Learn valuable lessons in teamwork and resilience.
• Competitive Experience: Compete against top teams nationwide.
• Sponsorship Potential: Access potential sponsorship opportunities.By advancing to the National Championships, teams embrace a rich social experience that enhances their love for pickleball while building a strong community around the sport.

Community Focus

Triple Team aims to build a vibrant community among players by fostering camaraderie through team play. The Triple Team Pickleball League supports cities' initiatives for strategic economic development, resident engagement with parks and recreation, and promotes a healthy lifestyle across all ages in several ways:

Economic Development

• Attract and engage players for league play, potentially boosting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Creates opportunities for cities to host national championships, bringing in tourism revenue.

Parks and Recreation Engagement:

• Encourages use of local parks and recreational facilities for league matches and practice.
• Promotes community involvement in maintaining and improving pickleball courts and related facilities.

Healthy Lifestyle Promotion:

• Offers a low-impact, social sport suitable for players of all ages, from 18+ to 50+ and beyond.
• Provides regular physical activity through league play and practice sessions.

Community Building:

• Fosters social connections and friendships among players through team-based competition.
• Creates a sense of community pride as local teams represent their cities in regional and national competitions.

Intergenerational Interaction:

• Brings together players of different age groups, promoting intergenerational relationships and understanding.

By combining competitive play with a strong focus on community engagement, Triple Team Pickleball League supports cities in creating vibrant, active, and connected communities centered around the growing sport of pickleball.

Importance of the Team Captain

In the Triple Team Pickleball League, the role of the team captain is essential for effective team dynamics and successful participation in league matches. The league is powered by captains and players. The team captain serves as the primary liaison between the team, league officials, and facility management. Key responsibilities include:

• Team Organization: The captain organizes practices, schedules matches, and ensures all team members are informed about upcoming events.
• Communication: The captain communicates important information from league officials to team members, including rule changes and match schedules.
• Liaison with Facility Management: The captain acts as the point person to communicate with the home court facility director, discussing court availability and addressing any facility-related concerns.
• Financial Responsibilities: The captain collects and manages all facility and court fees for the season, ensuring timely payments to the facility for court use an visitor fees, to maintain access to courts.
• Lineup Management: The captain determines match lineups, selecting players based on skill levels and strategies.
• Motivation and Support: The captain motivates team members, fosters a positive environment, and supports players both on and off the court.
• Conflict Resolution: The captain addresses any conflicts or issues within the team, ensuring that all players feel heard and valued.
• Compliance with League Rules: The captain ensures adherence to league rules and regulations, managing roster compliance and player eligibility.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, team captains play a vital role in enhancing their team's experience while contributing to the overall success of the Triple Team Pickleball League.

USA Pickleball Skill Assessments

USA Pickleball provides skill level definitions to help players determine their appropriate level of play. These assessments range from 1.0 (beginner) to 5.0+ (advanced), covering various aspects of the game such as serving, returns, dinks, and strategy. While the Triple Team Pickleball League uses DUPR for ratings, players may find these skill assessments helpful for self-evaluation and improvement.

Access Ratings Assessments and Quizzes: https://texasteampickleballleague.com/pickleball-ratings

Beginner (2.0-2.5):

• Basic serve

• Forehand groundstroke
• Backhand groundstroke

Intermediate (3.0-3.5):

• Consistent dinking
• Third shot drop
• Volley at the non-volley zone line

Advanced (4.0-4.5):

• Offensive lobs
• Aggressive volleys
• Spin serves

Expert (5.0+):

• Aggressive dinking
• Around-the-post shots
• Precise third shot drives

USA Pickleball Equipment Standards

The Triple Team Pickleball League adheres to USA Pickleball equipment standards to ensure fair play and consistency across competitions. USA Pickleball maintains strict equipment standards to ensure fair play and consistency across competitions. These standards cover:

• Paddle specifications (size, weight, material)
• Ball requirements (size, weight, bounce)
• Net dimensions and court layout

All equipment used in Triple Team Pickleball League play must meet these standards. The Triple Team Pickleball League likely adheres to these equipment standards to maintain consistency with national guidelines.

• View Approved Paddles: https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/
• View Approved Pickleballs: https://equipment.usapickleball.org/ball-list/

USA Pickleball Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC)

USA Pickleball has established the Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC) to:

• Develop pickleball equipment testing standards
• Work directly with NTS to ensure all USA Pickleball approved equipment meets rigorous standards
• Evaluate manufacturers' prototypes and new product introductions
• Ensure compliance of equipment in the marketplace
• Make recommendations to USA Pickleball's Board of Directors regarding equipment testing and approval processes

The EEC is led by the USA Pickleball Managing Director of Equipment Standards and includes members with engineering backgrounds and diverse experience in sports.

Triple Team Pickleball Rules

The Triple Team Pickleball League operates under its own set of rules while also adopting USA Pickleball rules as a solid foundation.

The Triple Team Pickleball League rules apply to all leagues and tournaments in the Triple Team organization unless otherwise specified. Currently, rules are still listed under NTPL league rules for 2024, and will be updated to Triple Team Pickleball League in 2024. The new 2025 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook has been published.

If there is a discrepancy, NTPL Rules will supersede the USA Pickleball Rules. Any league-specific rules would be designed to enhance the team-based format and foster the community-focused nature of the Triple Team Pickleball League.

Players and officials should refer to the most current rulebook and any Triple Team Pickleball League-specific guidelines for accurate information.

• Access 2024 Triple Team Pickleball Rules (NTPL): https://www.tripleteam.org/rules
• Access 2025 USA Pickleball Rules: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/

Future Plans

Looking ahead to 2025, the Triple Team Pickleball League aims to significantly expand its presence by establishing partnerships across the nation, with the goal of operating in all 50 states within two years. The league is committed to inviting players of all skill levels to participate in local competitions, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. Additionally, the league strives for national recognition, positioning itself as a leading organization in competitive team-based pickleball.

• Expansion Goals: Establish partnerships and sponsorships across the U.S. in 2025.
• Timeline: Aspiration to operate in all 50 states by 2027.
• Inclusivity: Open to players of all skill levels. Considering adding an additional age bracket of 60+.

External Links

• Official Website: [Triple Team Pickleball League] https://www.tripleteam.org
• Instagram: [Triple Team Pickleball League] https://www.instagram.com/tripleteampickleballleague/
• Facebook: [Triple Team Pickleball League] https://www.facebook.com/TripleTeamPickleballLeague/
• LinkedIn: [Triple Team Pickleball League] https://www.linkedin.com/company/triple-team-pickleball-league-ttp
• Official Website: [USA Pickleball] https://usapickleball.org/
• Official Website: [DUPR] https://www.dupr.com/

External Links for Official Triple Team Pickleball League State Affiliates

• Official Website Atlanta Affiliate: [USTA Atlanta Team Pickleball] https://www.ustaatlanta.com/atlantateampickleball
• Official Website Texas Affiliate: [Texas Team Pickleball League] https://texasteampickleballleague.com/
• Official Website Utah Affiliate [USTA Utah Tennis Team Pickleball] https://www.utahtennis.com/post/utah-team-pickleball
• Official Website Virginia Affiliate [Performance Pickleball RV] https://ppbrva.com/
• Official Website New England Affiliate [USTA New England Tennis Pickleball Team Pilot] https://ridgeptc.com/adult-team/