Game On: Why You Belong in the Tournament Lineup

Why You Should Sign Up for a Pickleball Tournament (Even If You're Nervous!)

Have you ever thought about signing up for a pickleball tournament… but then talked yourself out of it?
“I’m not ready.”
“What if I lose every match?”
“Everyone’s probably way better than me.”
“I don’t even know anyone to play with!”

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone — but you're also missing out on one of the most fun, rewarding, and surprisingly confidence-boosting experiences in pickleball.

Here’s why you should go for it and enter that tournament you’ve been eyeing:

1. It’s a Fun New Adventure

Tournaments have an energy you just can’t recreate during open play. Music, laughter, friendly competition, new faces — it’s like a pickleball party with a purpose. You’ll feel the buzz from the moment you step onto the court. Win or lose, you’ll walk away with stories, memories, and probably a few new pickleball friends.

2. You’ll Challenge Yourself in the Best Way

Nothing pushes your game forward like competition. Signing up for a tournament forces you out of your comfort zone — and that's exactly where growth happens. You’ll learn things about your game (and yourself!) that you never would from casual matches. Even better? You’ll leave feeling proud you gave it your best shot, no matter what the scoreboard says. Every time I play in a tournament I use a new technique or strategy that I learned that helps me stay focused, calm, or reset. My newest tip is my serve routine and breathing pattern.

3. You Don’t Have to Know Anyone (Really!)

Worried because you don’t have a partner lined up, or think you’ll feel like the odd one out? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to be. Most tournaments will help you find a partner if you sign up solo, and players are usually welcoming and excited to meet new faces. It’s one of the easiest ways to instantly expand your pickleball circle! I played with a “blind date” (someone you’ve never met) and we ended up winning Silver together. Regardless of winning we loved playing together and have played together since. You never know what new amazing friendships you’ll create.

4. It’s a Safe Space to Grow

Despite what you might think, pickleball tournaments are way more welcoming than intimidating. Most players are supportive and encouraging, especially at local events. Everyone remembers their first tournament nerves — and they’ll be cheering you on just for showing up. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being brave enough to try.

When we first started playing pickleball at Enterprise Park, the vibrant community around us encouraged to sign up for the local Chico tournament. Armed with inexpensive paddles from Amazon and just a couple of months of practice, we hesitated but ultimately took the plunge. The advice from fellow players was clear: register in the 3.5 skill division and work your way up from there. Our experience turned out to be a fantastic one; we secured victory in our first tournament through some thrilling and closely contested matches. The journey has been rewarding, and it all started with the courage to try.

5. You Get Better... Fast

Tournament play speeds up your improvement like nothing else. You’ll see different playing styles, strategies, and levels of intensity. After just one tournament, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of what skills to work on — and you’ll notice your regular game level up, too. After we play in tournaments we always leave with a couple skills we’d like to drill when we get home.

6. You Might Surprise Yourself

That shot you’ve been practicing? That serve you weren’t sure you’d ever land? Under pressure, you might just pull it off. Tournaments bring out the competitor inside you in the best way. And even if you don’t win, you’ll win experience — which is priceless. I made my first singles baseline ATP (around the post) during my first match in my first singles tournament. I couldn’t believe it. I haven’t done it again, but it gave me new confidence throughout the tournament.

A Personal Story:

When I played in my very first tennis tournament, I was 9 years old.
I didn’t win a single game — not even one.
But I walked off the court all smiles, telling my parents, “I loved it!”
It wasn’t about winning. It was about being part of something exciting, challenging myself, and discovering a new kind of joy.

And that feeling? It’s still the same today every time I step onto the court for something new.

Final Thought:

You don’t have to be a pro. You don’t have to be a master strategist.
You just have to be someone willing to show up, play hard, and have some fun along the way.

So if you’ve been waiting for a “perfect time” to sign up… this is it.
Take the leap. Challenge yourself. Meet great people.
Your future tournament self will thank you.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

🎾✨ See you on the courts!