3.0–3.6 or 3.7–4.4: Which Open Play Level Should You Book?

What are the open play levels at The Lab?

At The Lab, open play isn't one mixed crowd. Courts are split by DUPR level, and every session is skill-verified, not self-rated:

Level	DUPR range	Who it's for
3.0–3.6	3.0 to 3.6	Steady rallies, learning the soft game
3.7–4.4	3.7 to 4.4	Consistent players working toward 4.5. DUPR verified
4.5+ Challenge Court	4.5 and up	Advanced players. DUPR verified

Open play runs 7 days a week: Monday to Thursday 6–9 PM and Saturday to Sunday 9 AM–12 PM. Check the schedule for what's on each day, including Challenge Court sessions.

Why split by level at all? Because the right game makes you better. Too easy and you're never tested. Too hard and points end before you can try anything. Level-matched games give you the long rallies where you actually improve.

How do you choose your level with DUPR?

If you have a DUPR rating, your number decides. No guessing:

• 3.0 to 3.6: book the 3.0–3.6 level.
• 3.7 to 4.4: book the 3.7–4.4 level. It's DUPR verified, so you need a DUPR rating of 3.7 or higher.
• 4.5 and up: play the Challenge Court, also DUPR verified.

DUPR calculates your rating from real match results, so it's a fairer starting point than a self-rating. If you're not sure how it works, read how DUPR ratings work.

If you want a picture of what each number looks like on court, our guide to pickleball skill levels covers 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5+.

What if you're between two levels?

Say your DUPR is 3.6 and you feel close to the next level, or your rating moved recently. Start in the lower level and move up.

Here's why:

1. You'll get more out of the session. You'll have time to work on your third-shot drop, dinks and resets instead of just surviving.
2. Moving up is easy. When games on your court start feeling easy, that's your sign. Your DUPR rating updates from your match results as you go.
3. It keeps games fair for everyone. Players on the higher court booked for games at that level.

The same goes for a 4.4 thinking about the Challenge Court. Play 3.7–4.4 until you're 4.5 or higher.

No DUPR rating yet? Get placed first

No rating isn't a problem. The Lab runs a weekly club rating session that places you in the right level. The day and time aren't announced yet, so message us to book your spot.

After that, you book open play like everyone else. For the full walkthrough, see how the weekly club rating session works.

What happens at a session?

Once you've picked your level, a session is simple:

• You play 2+ hours nonstop. There's no waiting between games and no sitting out while others play.
• Everyone's in your range. That's what skill-verified means.
• You don't need a partner or a group. Just book and show up.

New to open play in general? Read open play pickleball in Miami: how it works.

Whether you're coming from Aventura, Doral, Midtown or South Beach, the club is at 1255 NW 135th St, North Miami, FL 33168, with free on-site parking. JC (Juan Carlos Saez), a former pro, founded The Lab.

How do you book your level?

Once you know your level, book your session on Playbypoint:

• Drop-in: $18 per session with a free member account.
• 10-pack: $150 for 10 sessions, for free members.
• Founding membership: $99/month for the first 50 members, then $139/month. Members play unlimited.

If you play more than a few times a month, compare the math in drop-in or membership: what's cheaper, or see every option on the membership page.

The quick version

Book by your DUPR rating: 3.0–3.6, 3.7–4.4, or the 4.5+ Challenge Court. Between two levels? Start lower and move up when the games feel easy. No rating? Book the weekly club rating session first. At The Lab in Miami, open play runs 7 days a week, every session is skill-verified, and you play 2+ hours nonstop.

See the schedule · Compare memberships · Book on Playbypoint