INTERMEDIATE by CHRISTINE BARKSDALE
GET READY FOR
YOUR FIRST
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT!
As pickleball grows recreationally for people everywhere, so does the competitive side of the sport. Tournaments are popping up all over the world!
At first, you may have said to your friends and family that you are just going to test this sport out and see what the hype is all about. Next thing you know, you are at the courts every day!
Then one day, someone invites you to be their partner in the upcoming club tournament. Without batting an eye, you excitedly reply,“ Count me in!”
Later, you start thinking about what you just committed to. Don’ t worry— with the influx of pickleball players, you are not alone. There are many players who will be contemplating their first tournament experience. So, to help new players everywhere, here is what to expect:
• Generally, tournaments create event categories divided by age and skill rating. For example, Women’ s 4.0 Skill, Age 50 +, with the goal of creating a fun, competitive tournament experience for all levels and ages of players. Be sure to know your skill level when you register. If you are uncertain, you can find materials on the USA Pickleball website, or talk to the people you have been playing with— they may be able to provide the insight you need.
• There are a variety of ways for brackets to be set up depending on the number of registrations or the goal of the tournament. Some examples include a round robin, round robin to a single elimination bracket, or the popular double elimination bracket— where even with a loss, you can still work your way back to the gold medal round and win the event. Expect to play a minimum of two matches, even if you do not win your first match.
• Traditionally, events are played all in one day, with varying amounts of time in between matches. It is important to note that with variable times between matches, you will want to manage pre-match warm-up, nutrition, and hydration carefully. This is something you will get better at as you play more tournaments.
• You will be called to matches via text or speakers around the venue, and will have just a few minutes to get to the court for play— so staying close to the venue is essential.
• Some tournaments provide referees, which can help create that official tournament experience. If you have never played a game with a referee, just relax, listen to the instructions regarding line calls, non-volley zone faults, score calling, etc. and it will go smoothly. You may wish you had a referee for some of your recreational matches!
• Gold, silver and bronze medals are almost always awarded in each event category each day, so be sure to look at the bracket before you leave— you would not want to miss your first visit to the medal stand!
Now that the mystery of a tournament has been eliminated, here are some tips on how to best prepare for a day at a pickleball tournament.
It is important to carefully read the tournament registration page. That will contain valuable information, including start times, venue details, tournament ball, etc. It is also a good idea to check the website for updates or watch for emails from the tournament director as the event gets closer.
Once you have key information:
34 TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 412.914.8294 OR GO TO PICKLEBALLMAGAZINE. COM