The 30-second version Pickleball has a real eye-injury risk — the ball is hard and fast-hand exchanges happen inches apart at the kitchen. Eye protection is cheap insurance. Look for an ANSI Z87.1 impact rating, anti-fog coating, wraparound coverage, and…
The 30-second version Play in court shoes, not running shoes — pickleball is side-to-side, and running shoes are built only for forward motion (and roll your ankle). Look for a non-marking outsole (required on indoor courts), lateral support, a low,…
Looking for tournaments to enter? This page covers the rules that change when you play a sanctioned event. If you came here looking for events near you, the New England pickleball tournament calendar lists upcoming tournaments by state, with entry…
Looking for a specific rating? Jump to your level Each rating has its own full breakdown — what it looks like on court, what you can already do, and exactly what to work on to reach the next level. What…
The 30-second version Learning how to enter a pickleball tournament is simple: find a beginner-friendly event and pick the right skill bracket (honestly). For doubles you’ll need a partner. Register online (Pickleball Brackets or PickleballTournaments.com) and pay the entry fee.…
The 30-second version The three main pickleball tournament formats: round robin (play everyone), single elimination (lose once, you’re out), and double elimination (lose twice to be out) — double elim is the most common. Bigger events use pool play →…
How long does a pickleball tournament last? Most tournaments run one to three days, but you are not there the whole time. Events are split by day — typically singles on one day, doubles on another, mixed on a third…
The 30-second version Four things matter most: weight, grip size, core thickness, and shape — match them to your game. Control vs. power: a thicker core (16mm) gives control; thinner (14mm) gives power. Most rec players want control. Weight: lighter…
Pickleball return of serve rules (the short answer) You must let the serve bounce. The receiving team cannot volley the serve out of the air — that is a fault. This is half of the two-bounce rule. Your return must…
The two-handed backhand grip — and the paddle it needs The grip: your dominant (bottom) hand holds a continental grip, exactly as it would for a one-handed backhand. Your non-dominant hand sits above it, closer to the paddle face, in…
