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MANY TOURNAMENTS CREATE FUN AROUND THE MEDAL CEREMONY, LIKE THE TEXAS OPEN SHOWN HERE. WITH A CEREMONY FOR EVERY BRACKET, YOU’ LL HAVE A CHANCE TO SHOW YOUR STYLE WHEN YOU HIT THE STAND!
• If you do not play with a tournament ball regularly, buy a few that you can use in practice with your partner during rec play.
• Create a pre-match routine. Playing in a tournament may create nerves that are not usually there for rec play. A routine can help with the nerves— even a simple warm-up routine or a serve routine.
• An important part of any partnership is communication, both on the court and off the court. Talk to your partner about who will be the starting server, what time to arrive, how much warm-up is needed, and anything else that might be important to you.
Now that you are ready to go, the day of the tournament finally arrives! So pack up the car with your paddle bag including at least two paddles, practice pickleballs, snacks, hydration, lawn chair / blanket, and fully charged phone, and arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes prior to your designated start time.
At the venue, head directly to check-in to let the staff know you are there and ready. Once all players check in, they will typically get your bracket started. If you are playing over multiple days, you will need to check in each day. Once your bracket has started, watch your phone for texts or listen for a PA announcement calling you to your court.
If you are responsible for completing your own scorecard, obtain it in the designated area and return it promptly after the match. If you are fortunate to have a referee, you and your partner should promptly report to your assigned court. This helps the tournament run efficiently and on time. From there, enjoy the day on the pickleball court, smile and have lots of fun.
Hopefully, this gives you a basic understanding of a day in the life of a tournament player, and has helped you go from feeling a little intimidated to wondering when and where is your next tournament! •
Christine Barksdale PPR Professional LevelUp Pickleball Camp Instructor Senior Pro Player
SPRING 2025 | MAGAZINE 35