This is Pickleball

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hoy, a certified DUPR assessment coach at 3rd Shot Pickleball. Fabian opens up about his "Road to 4.0" which recently hit a massive speed bump—an 0-4 tournament finish that led to a literal identity crisis (and a fresh haircut). Rick provides a masterclass on player accountability, explaining why focusing on the process rather than the result is the only way to escape the "quicksand" of a downward spiral. We then dive deep into the controversial world of DUPR ratings. Steve Hoy breaks down the "Reliability Score," why your rating might tank even after a win, and the myths surrounding playing lower-rated opponents. Plus, we explore "Moneyball" tactics in the Indiana Pickleball League and get a high-level coaching tip on how to deaden the ball against "bangers." Whether you're obsessed with your rating or just want to win your local league, this episode is packed with the data and discipline you need. Key Takeaways: Self-Correction via Video: You aren't playing how you think you are. Watching your raw footage is the only way to bridge the gap between perception and reality. The DUPR Reliability Factor: A low reliability score makes your rating volatile. If you haven't played in a while, one bad match can cause a massive "tank" in your numbers. The "No Swing" Reset: To handle high-velocity speed-ups, keep the paddle closed, don't swing, and use a grip pressure of about 3 out of 10 to deaden the ball into the kitchen. Process over Result: Obsessing over your DUPR identifies "who you are" too much. Focus on performance metrics (consistency, resets, balance) and the rating will follow. League Strategy: Utilizing data and "Moneyball" analytics on opponents is becoming the new standard for winning competitive team pickleball. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:37 Meet Steve Hoy 01:51 Fabian Tournament Reality Check 03:41 Process Over Results 05:43 Redemption and Mindset 07:31 Indiana Pickleball League Talk 10:21 Community and Sportsmanship 11:57 Moneyball Captain Strategy 14:28 DUPR Certification Setup 16:02 What DUPR Is 17:58 DUPR Myths and Reliability 20:36 When Ratings Tank 22:25 Ratings as a Gatekeeper 22:56 Rating Gates Frustration 23:40 Why Clubs Enforce DUPR 26:05 Mindset Over Ratings 29:34 Coach Assessments Limits 32:16 Algorithm Shifts Brackets 35:51 When To Move Up 38:45 Tip Of The Week 42:18 League Combine Details 44:37 Sponsors And Wrap Up