Why play in a tournament?
It’s a party with a theme! See old friends, make
new friends, watch some great pickleball, learn
some new strategy and have fun.
How can I find out about
tournaments and register?
When looking for an out-of-town tournament,
check out the Tournament Schedule on page
84. Consider playing as many events as
possible (gender doubles, mixed doubles and
even singles!) since you’ll already be at the
tournament, and other events come at a modest
additional cost after the first event.
What about a partner?
Pick a partner who’s close to your skill level. It
might be a friend, relative, or just someone you
enjoy playing with. If he or she is not available or
you don’t know anyone to ask, there are always
players looking for partners. When a players
register for a tournament without a partner,
they’re automatically listed as “players looking
for partners.” Register without a partner, but
don’t wait for someone to find you. Instead, look
at the list. Perhaps you’ll see someone you know.
Pick one of the players on the list who is playing
your level and event and contact him or her. I’ve
played with numerous partners I didn’t meet until
the tournament and medaled!
What level should I play?
Ask a player who has played a few tournaments
at what level you should play. Also go on the
USAPA website, read the descriptions of the skill
levels and self-rate. It’s not fun to play in a level
above your skill (and lose all your matches), and
it shouldn’t be very satisfying to play at a level
below your skill level (and win without having to
play your best). The most exciting matches are
going to be the competitive ones.
What should I take to the
tournament?
First, arrive early. Leave your valuables at
home or in the hotel safe. Bring some nutritional
food, snacks and fluids. Also consider bringing
a comfortable chair, cooler, extra paddle,
socks, and perhaps extra shoes. If it’s an
outdoor tournament, remember the sunscreen,
sunglasses, hat and extra fluids. Once you arrive
at the site, find a comfortable place as your
home base. It might be a quiet corner, near your
partner and friends, or close to the tournament
desk where the next match is announced and
the referee assigned.
What should my partner and I do
before a match?
Know where to find each other between
matches, if necessary. Warm up on an empty
court when available. There can be considerable
time waiting when playing in a tournament.
Much of this waiting is because of the players!
Listen for your match and court number
to be called. Be ready and prepared. Some
tournaments require matches to start 10
minutes after they are announced. Once on the
court, warm up quickly with your partner and
briefly discuss the court conditions (wind, sun,
etc.) and your strategy.
If you have first choice,
consider choosing the
“worst” side of the court
to start, so you finish on
the “better” side—or, as
a second choice, choose
to receive!
What should I do
during the match?
Watch and call the lines when your partner
is hitting. Talk to your partner about strategy
and compliment him or her on the good
shots and avoid negativity. At the beginning
of a game, make an extra effort to minimize
errors by playing a little conservative until
you and your partner are warmed up. If your
opponents get on a run, call a time out, regroup,
possibly change strategy and perhaps get your
opponents out of rhythm. When play is going
well, don’t change strategy—continue playing
consistently.
What should I do after a
tournament?
Tell everyone about the great time you had,
share your photos, keep in touch with your new
friends, write down a few ideas to practice and
start planning for the next tournament. •
Paul Porch is a 5.0 legacy player, a PPR-certified
instructor, and is on the USAPA ratings committee.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 |
MAGAZINE
63