As a former tennis professional, I spent a great deal of my time running tournaments. But unlike pickleball, the majority of the tennis competitors were juniors. I am not sure if you have noticed, but the typical pickleball tournament player is a bit older.
pickleball touranment players
One the things that shocked me the most about pickleball tournaments were the number of adult players who competed. The number of tournaments each week and the difficulty getting into many tournaments is really quite amazing. But regardless of how popular these events have become, should you be a pickleball tournament player?
Pressure
I recently spoke to a player that was being pressured by members of her pickleball club to enter more tournaments. They insisted she was holding herself back by not putting herself in more competitive situations. They questioned how seriously she was taking the game…even questioning if she wanted to be better.
While many of us use competition as a way to push us to practice, some don’t need an event to focus their efforts. In fact, tournament play makes them so nervous that they can’t really find the fun in it.
What motivates you?
I have a few friends that are wonderful practice partners, but when they enter a pickleball tournament they become different players. It is too much pressure for them. While I enjoy playing in front of a crowd and I believe it makes me play better…they are just the opposite. The larger the audience the more they tense up. Tension makes them play worse and it just isn’t fun.
My point is that no one should make you feel like you are less of a player if you don’t enter tournaments. There are many great reasons to play pickleball:
- Exercise;
- Socializing with friends;
- Meeting new friends;
- Challengine oneself; and more.
While I would encourage everyone to try at least one pickleball tournament, I realize it isn’t for everyone. Not everyone is a pickleball tournament player. And that is just fine. Focus on what makes you most comfortable. You will play better and have fun.
