pickleball tournament do's and don'ts

The pickleball bug always starts with casual social play with your grandparents. The next thing you know, you're drilling weekly and signing up for tournaments to raise your DUPR ranking. 

Here are our best tips for how to crush your first tournament - no matter what level you’re playing at. 

do's 

practice with your partner 

The first time you step on the tournament court shouldn’t be the first time you play with your partner. If it is, no sweat. We know you’ll still crush it. 

Try getting in at least two or three games with your partner so you’re both comfortable with each other on the court. You’ll learn their communication style, how they play, and can chat strategy. 

This is especially helpful if you’re playing with a lefty and need to stack! 

bring snacks and water (and advil)

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. 

Make sure you have enough water for the whole tournament. You’re probably going to be in the sun all day so combat any hydration loss and even try adding some electrolytes to your water too. 

wear your best outfit

Look good, feel good, play good! Comfort and performance is key anytime you play pickleball, but especially a tournament! We suggest wearing your favorite outfit that you feel best in, which is of COURSE anything kol athletics. 

Bonus points if you match with your partner! We suggest one partner wears our green kol visor, and one partner wears our black one for a dramatic effect. 

get there early 

Oftentimes, there’s information and warmup time before the tournament starts. Give yourself enough time to: 

• find parking
• get checked in
• find a place to put your stuff
• stretch (this is HUGE for preventing injuries)
• have a minute to regroup
• dink a little
• pose in a pre-tourney pic while you still look fresh
• the list goes on

bring snacks

You’re probably going to have a few snacks and treats provided by the tournament host, but bring your favorite munchies just in case. Hangry players typically don't make it to the finals. 

We suggest fueling up with tangerines, trail mix, granola bars, grapes, and a little chocolate treat as a pick-me-up. 

have a proper warmup 

As mentioned before, most tournaments have around 10-30 minutes allotted to warm up with your partner. This varies per tournament, but if you're early then you have a higher chance of snagging a court for warmups. Some shots to warm up are:

• drops
• drives
• overheads
• serves
• dinks
• lobs (if you're so bold)
• speed ups
• any celebration your team as planned

don'ts 

get in your head

The mental game is crucial for any sport when there's some pressure involved. Everyone makes mistakes, especially if it's your first tournament. One thing the kol team has learned the hard way is recreation play is a WHOLE different game compared to tournaments. Players generally perform better under pressure, or cave under the new environment. Be the first player and come prepared with a good attitude. 

that's all the don'ts, you got this!! :) the kol athletics team is cheering for you, and if your first tournament doesn't go as expected, there's always the next time!

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