Playing Pickleball at Night: Tips for DUPR Nights and Beyond

Playing pickleball at night is so much fun! The cool air, bright court lights, and the sound of the ball make it special. Whether you’re at a DUPR Nights event or just playing with friends after sunset, nighttime games have a cool vibe. But they can be a bit tricky. Don’t worry—I’ve got some easy tips to help you play your best when the sun goes down.

Why Nighttime Pickleball Feels Different

Playing pickleball at night isn’t the same as during the day. The lights make the pickleball court look different, and it’s harder to see the ball. The air is cooler, so the ball moves a little differently, too. Plus, it’s quieter, which makes every shot feel bigger. Whether you’re new or a pro, knowing these differences helps you play better.

What Are DUPR Nights?

DUPR Nights are awesome pickleball events put on by the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system. They’re a mix of fun games and friendly competition, usually held in the evening. You can show off your skills, meet other players, and definitely boost your DUPR rating. But since they’re at night, you need to be ready for playing pickleball in the evening.

Easy Tips for Playing Pickleball at Night

Night games need a little extra planning. Here are my favorite tips to help you do great, whether it’s DUPR Nights or a casual game.

1. Pick the Right Stuff

Your gear makes a big difference when playing pickleball at night. Here’s what I use:

• Paddle: Get a pickleball paddle that feels good in your hand and helps you hit the ball well. A grippy one is nice for control. I love Strokess pickleball paddles - made right here in India with cool T700 carbon tech for awesome spin and control, and they’re offers high-tech, durable, top-quality pickleball paddles and related gear!

• Ball: Use bright yellow or green balls—they’re easier to see under lights. Outdoor balls work best at night because they’re not as affected by wind.

• Shoes: Wear shoes that grip the court so you don’t slip if it’s a bit wet.

2. Use the Lighting to Your Advantage

At 3rd Shot by Strokess, we’ve installed professional-grade lighting to give you the best playing experience at night. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Stay Centered: Position yourself in a way that keeps you in the center of the well-lit pickleball court, ensuring the ball stays in clear view.

• Focus on Timing: With great lighting, you’ll have a better chance of tracking the ball early. Focus on your opponent’s paddle swing to predict where the ball will land.

• Eye Training: If you’re new to night play, practice tracking the ball early to adjust to the lights — it gets easier the more you play under proper lighting.

3. Stay Focused

Playing pickleball at night means you have to pay extra attention. The ball can be hard to spot in the dark. Here’s how I stay on top of it:

• Watch the Ball: Keep your eyes on the ball the whole time, especially when it’s coming fast.

• Stay Awake: Night pickleball games can feel intense because it’s so quiet. I bring water and a snack, like a banana, to keep my energy up.

4. Wear the Right Clothes

It gets cold at night, so you want to be comfy. Here’s what I wear:

• Layers: I start with a t-shirt and add a hoodie. If you get too hot, you can take it off.

• Bright Colors: Wear bright clothes so everyone can see you on the pickleball court. It’s safer and fun!

• Hat: A cap or visor keeps the light out of your eyes.

5. Change How You Play

Nighttime pickleball needs a slightly different approach. The ball and court act a bit differently. Here’s what helps me:

• Don’t Hit Too Hard: The ball feels heavier at night, so I focus on hitting it where I want it to go.

• Use Soft Shots: Gentle shots, called dinks, are great at night. They’re harder for the other team to see.

• Talk to Your Partner: If you’re playing with someone, call out “Mine!” or “Yours!” so you don’t bump into each other.

6. Get Ready for DUPR Nights

DUPR Nights are awesome, but you want to be prepared to do your best. Here’s how:

• Learn the Rules: Check how DUPR scores games so you know what’s going on. You can even look up tips on the DUPR rating app to get ready.

• Practice at Night: If you can, play on a lit pickleball court before the event to feel more confident.

• Have Fun: Meet other pickleball players and share tips—it’s a great way to make friends.

DUPR Nights in Vadodara – Hosted by “3rd Shot by Strokess”

If you're in Vadodara, you're in luck! 3rd Shot by Strokess hosts some of the most exciting DUPR Nights in the city. Whether you're new to the game or looking to boost your official DUPR rating, this is the place to play under the lights.

Every event is set up for maximum fun and fair competition. The team takes care of all the behind-the-scenes stuff—like match setup, score recording, and submitting results to the DUPR rating app—so you can just show up, play, and enjoy the night.

What to expect at 3rd Shot DUPR Nights:

🔥 Professional-grade lighting and courts for evening play

📝 Scores submitted directly to DUPR to update your rating

🤝 A friendly mix of beginners, regulars, and rising competitors

📸 Cool vibes, fun photos, and a chance to grow your pickleball community

Whether you're chasing that next rating jump or just want a fun Friday night with your pickleball paddle, 3rd Shot has your back.

How to Stay Safe Playing Pickleball at Night

Night pickleball games are awesome, but you need to be careful. Here’s what I do to stay safe:

• Warm Up: Stretch before you play to keep your muscles relaxed, especially since it’s cold.

• Drink Water: Keep sipping water to stay strong, even if it’s not hot out.

• Check the Court: Look for wet spots or stuff on the ground that could make you slip.

• Rest Up: Don’t play if you’re super tired. Get some sleep so you’re ready to go.

Why Nighttime Pickleball Is So Fun

Playing pickleball at night isn’t just about the game—it’s about the whole experience. DUPR Nights feel like a party with other players cheering and laughing. I love chatting with people, sharing tips, or grabbing a snack after a match. Plus, the pickleball court looks so cool under the lights—it’s perfect for a fun photo to share online.

Give Nighttime Pickleball a Try!

If you’ve never played pickleball at night, you’ve got to try it. It’s a fun challenge, and the vibe is amazing. The cool air, bright lights, and friendly players make it special. Whether you’re at DUPR Nights or just hitting the pickleball court with friends, playing pickleball after sunset is a really fun.

So, grab your pickleball paddle, put on some bright clothes, and head to the court. You might just find that nighttime pickleball is your new favorite thing.

Have you played pickleball at night? Tell me your best tips or fun DUPR Nights stories in the comments!