Your first pickleball tournament is something you’ll never forget. Not because you’ll remember every point, but because you’ll remember the nerves, the excitement and the moment you realised you belonged there. Here’s how to make sure you enjoy the experience—and play your best along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation begins well before the first serve, from arriving early to knowing what to expect.
- Managing your mindset is just as important as warming up your forehand.
- Success at your first tournament isn’t measured by medals—it’s measured by what you learn for the next one.
The first tournament is always the hardest.
Not because the standard is higher.
Not because the players are intimidating.
Because everything is new.
You’ll wonder if you’ve packed enough water. You’ll worry about forgetting the score. You’ll probably convince yourself everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing while you’re making it up as you go.
Here’s a secret.
Almost every experienced tournament player felt exactly the same before stepping onto the court for the first time.
The butterflies never completely disappear, but they do become easier to manage. The best way to settle those nerves isn’t by hoping they go away—it’s by preparing properly.
Arrive Early And Let Yourself Settle
One of the simplest ways to reduce tournament nerves is to remove unnecessary stress.
Aim to arrive around 30 to 45 minutes before your first match. That gives you enough time to check in, locate your court, understand the schedule and simply take in your surroundings.
Walk around.
Watch another match.
Get used to the speed of the courts and the atmosphere around the venue.
When players arrive late, everything feels rushed. Your warm-up becomes shorter, your heart rate is already elevated before the first rally and your mind is still catching up while the match has already started.
Giving yourself time allows the tournament to become familiar before you’ve even picked up your paddle.
Warm Up For The Match You’re About To Play
Many recreational players treat the warm-up as a few gentle dinks before the referee calls the score.
Use it more wisely.
This is your opportunity to find your timing, loosen your shoulders, adjust to the court speed and understand how the ball is bouncing.
Practise the shots you’ll actually use during the match.
Serves.
Returns.
Third-shot drops.
Volleys.
Leave the spectacular trick shots for club night.
And don’t panic if you miss a few balls.
Almost everyone does.
It’s far better to make those mistakes during the warm-up than five minutes later when the score matters.
For more practical coaching, preparation and player-development advice, explore WPM’s pickleball tips and guides.
Your Opponents Are Probably Feeling The Same Way
It’s easy to build stories in your head before a match.
Maybe the other pair look confident.
Maybe they’re wearing sponsored clothing.
Maybe they’ve played more tournaments than you.
None of that wins points.
Pickleball’s greatest strength is its community, and tournaments are no different.
Shake hands.
Introduce yourself.
Wish your opponents good luck.
Congratulate them afterwards, regardless of the result.
Players rarely remember every scoreline.
They do remember good sportsmanship.
Don’t Play The Scoreboard
One of the biggest mistakes first-time tournament players make is trying to win six points at once.
Instead, win one rally.
Then the next one.
Momentum changes quickly in pickleball.
A five-point lead can disappear in minutes, while a couple of smart decisions can completely change a match.
If you miss an easy volley or serve into the net, accept it.
Everyone does.
The best players aren’t those who never make mistakes.
They’re the ones who stop the previous mistake affecting the next rally.
Bring Food Before You Think You’ll Need It
Tournament days often last much longer than expected.
Matches run late.
Schedules change.
Waiting becomes part of the experience.
Having familiar snacks in your bag means you’re not relying on whatever happens to be available at the venue.
Bananas, cereal bars, protein bars or your own favourite tournament snack all help maintain energy between matches. Sarah Leaver admits Rice Krispie Squares are her personal favourite.
Hydration matters just as much.
Keep sipping water throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
Small habits early in the tournament often make the biggest difference later when the semi-finals or final arrive and your concentration starts to fade.
For a deeper look at tournament-day fueling and recovery, listen to WPM’s conversation with registered dietitian Taylor Brower on the World Pickleball Podcast.
Winning Isn’t The Goal
This may sound strange.
But your first tournament isn’t really about winning.
It’s about learning.
You’ll discover what works under pressure.
You’ll notice which shots disappear when you’re nervous.
You’ll meet players from different clubs.
You’ll watch better players and pick up ideas you can use in your own game.
Those lessons are worth far more than a medal from your first event.
The Advice Experienced Players Give Everyone
When Sarah Leaver asked experienced tournament players what advice they would give somebody entering their first competition, one answer appeared again and again.
Have fun.
Simple.
But important.
Take your time.
Accept mistakes.
Stay hydrated.
Learn from every match.
Focus on what you can control and let everything else take care of itself.
Once You’ve Done One, You’ll Want Another
Nobody remembers every point from their first tournament.
They remember walking onto court.
They remember shaking hands before the opening serve.
They remember discovering that tournament pickleball isn’t something to fear.
It’s something to enjoy.
Once you’ve played your first event, every tournament afterwards becomes a little less intimidating.
You’ve already crossed the biggest hurdle.
You showed up.
Everything from here is simply another opportunity to become a better pickleball player.
Further Reading
- Pickleball tips and practical guides
- Tournament coverage and results
- Rankings and player profiles
- Latest pickleball news from around the world
Sarah Leaver
EditorSarah Leaver is part of the World Pickleball Media Academy, a contributor programme designed to develop emerging sports media talent.
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