US pickleball league introduces 3-on-3 format

According to the organizers, instead of the traditional singles or doubles, the new format allows each team to have 3 athletes of the same gender competing in 3 doubles matches. Each athlete will compete in 2 matches and sit out the remaining match. The team that wins 2 out of 3 matches will be the overall winner.

Players enjoy the new format at Minor League Pickleball (Photo: Getty).

Athletes will be evaluated through a DUPR ranking system, the total DUPR score of the team is calculated by the average score of 3 athletes, then the organizers will pair pairs with similar scores to compete together.

This expansion is said to bring many benefits to make the match more attractive, creating conditions for non-professional athletes to experience different gameplay, helping to improve their skills and quickly approach more professional tournaments.

Compared to traditional doubles, MiLP V3 still retains the team spirit and emphasizes clear tactics.

The matches will be faster and more intense, the special thing about this format is that there will only be 3 games in a match so there will be no Dream Becker (a special match when the two teams end in a draw).

“MiLP is a way to bring pickleball to the masses and continue the passion for amateur players. MiLP V3 takes the league to the next level, offering more formats and more paths to a national championship in the fastest growing sport in America,” said Caroline Luelf, director of Minor League Pickleball.

MiLP is a tournament for amateur players with levels from 2.5 to 3.5, players who have not reached professional level but still want to compete in tournaments and improve their skills to a new level.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/giai-dau-pickleball-o-my-ra-mat-the-thuc-3-dau-3-20250506142852813.htm