Must-Have's for Pickleball Tournament Players
Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and with its rise in popularity comes the excitement of competition. Joining a pickleball tournament can be an amazing player experience but preparing for a tournament can be stressful.
The key to success lies in preparation to ensure that you’re physically, mentally, and strategically equipped to perform your best. In this blog, we will cover our top tips to help you prepare for a tournament AND our Must-Have's for Pickleball Tournament Players. First, let's dive in with our top must-have items!
The right Apparel!
For gear that keeps up with your game, we recommend moisture-wicking clothes that move with you and won’t restrict your game. We love Sofibella for their high-performance fabrics that don’t just feel great—they look great too.
Their apparel blends superior quality with stylish design, plus you get added benefits like UV protection, stay-dry microfiber material, anti-microbial, and memory stretch for the perfect fit.
Use code SAVE25 to SAVE 25% OFF your first purchase (excludes new collections). And don't miss their biggest sale of the year 3/29 through 3/31! You can save on their entire site–25% off sale with coupon BD25.
Pickleball Paddle
Proper equipment is key to tournament success. Ensure your paddle is a good fit for you and in good condition. Check for any cracks or signs of wear, and bring a backup paddle just in case. If it’s time to update your paddle, the paddle experts at JustPaddles have all the top rated brands including Six Zero, Wild Monkeys, Franklin Sports, and more!
They can even help you find the right paddle for you with their Paddle Coach. Start by selecting your player level, answer a few questions, and let the Paddle Coach reveal 'hand-picked' results created just for you.
SAVE 10% OFF your entire purchase with code: PICKLEPLAY (Some exclusions apply).
A comfortable chair
Don’t settle for bulky, uncomfortable seating at the courts. The ClassiQ Chair is the ultimate pickleball companion—lightweight, durable, and unbelievably compact folding down to the size of a water bottle!
We always have a couple of these great chairs for tournaments and various sporting events. They set up in seconds, and supports up to 300 lbs, so you always have a reliable seat wherever you play. Weighing less than 4 lbs, it’s easy to toss in your bag for long tournament days. AND, they’re backed by a limited lifetime warranty!
Use promo code PICKLEPLAY10 to SAVE 10% OFF!
Plenty of balls to warm up
If you’re looking for a pickleball that plays consistently every time, the Franklin X-40 pickleball is the way to go. The X-40 pickleball is the best pickleball on the market and has been rigorously tested for reliable bounce and spin, so you can make the perfect shot.
There’s a reason why the Franklin X-40 is the official ball of PicklePlay, the APP Tour, and USA Pickleball. Whether you’re drilling or competing, this ball delivers the best performance on the court.
Try it for yourself today and SAVE 15% OFF your next Franklin purchase with code CLUBPICKLEPLAY!
Along with these top must-have's, make sure you have good footwear-A good pair of court shoes is vital for lateral movement and overall comfort. Bring plenty of water & snacks-staying hydrated is crucial, especially during long tournaments or hot days. Bring a water bottle and some quick-energy snacks like granola bars, fruit, or nuts to keep your energy levels up.
Top Tips to Prepare for a pickleball tournament
Now that you know what items you need, let's talk about our top tips to prepare for a pickleball tournament. Whether you're an experienced player or a newcomer to tournaments, preparing for a pickleball tournament is key to performing your best. The mental and physical preparation can make the difference between a good day and a great one on the court. So, if you're gearing up for a tournament, here's a guide to prep.
Sharpen Your Skills
First and foremost, make sure your game is sharp. Depending on your skill level, there are a few things to focus on like good footwork which is crucial for maintaining balance and positioning. Practice quick side-to-side movements to improve your court coverage and help you stay in control.
Serve & Return
The serve is one of the most important elements of a pickleball match. Make sure you're very comfortable serving. Equally important is practicing your return of serve, as it sets the tone for the point.
Net Play
Many points are won or lost at the net. Practicing dinking (those soft, controlled shots) and your volleys will give you the upper hand in close, fast exchanges.
Condition Your Body
Pickleball may be a relatively low-impact sport compared to others, but it still requires stamina, speed, and agility. Incorporating conditioning into your training will enhance your tournament performance. Cardio workouts can help to improve your endurance and overall fitness while strength training will focus on building core and leg strength to maintain stability and generate power in your shots. Check out this great video from our PT partner Athletico for a great warm up routine to help prevent injury.
Understand the Rules
You may know the basics of pickleball, but every tournament has its specific set of rules that could affect the game’s flow. Make sure you're well-versed in the scoring system being used. In most tournaments, games are played to 11 or 15 points, with players needing to win by 2 points.
Make sure you are aware of any time limits for matches, especially in round-robin formats or fast-paced tournament settings and familiarize yourself with the format of the tournament.
Mental Game Prep
As the tournament draws near, focus on your mental approach. Stay positive, calm, and confident, knowing you've put in the work to prepare.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: While winning is great, it’s the little moments within each match that matter. Stay focused on your techniques, strategies, and reactions, rather than solely obsessing over the score.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: High-stakes moments happen in every match. Practice staying composed when the match gets tight. Deep breaths, positive self-talk, and focusing on the next point can help you overcome stress.
Partner Coordination (For Doubles)
If you're playing doubles, your relationship with your partner is the key to success. Work on constant communication with your partner to help prevent misunderstandings and improve court coverage. Develop signals for strategies during matches.
Understanding your partner’s strengths and weaknesses helps to cover the court more effectively. Work on anticipating each other’s movements to avoid crossing paths.
Preparation
Know the Schedule! Check the tournament schedule in advance and plan your arrival time. Arriving early allows time for warm-ups and familiarizing yourself with the venue. No one wants to start a match feeling flustered or rushed.
A good night's sleep the night before your tournament is essential. Make sure to rest your body the day before the event so you’re feeling sharp and refreshed.
Have Fun!
The most important part of any tournament is to enjoy yourself. Pickleball is a fun and social sport, so as hard as it may be, don’t get too wrapped up in the competition. Celebrate your victories, learn from your losses, and embrace the experience.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to performing your best at your next pickleball tournament. Stay consistent in your preparation and keep learning from every match. Good luck out there on the court!
New to PicklePlay? Download the PicklePlay app today on IOS or Android or visit pickleplay.com to find courts, upcoming events, additional blog topics, connect with other players and more!
