How to Prepare for Your First Pickleball Tournament at BPW 🏆

So you’ve been grinding in Open Play. Your dinks are tight. Your drives are dialed. You’re starting to feel like you’re actually… good.

Now it’s time to prove it. 💪

Whether you’re entering a friendly league night or your first real bracketed competition, playing your first pickleball tournament is a big step—and Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse (BPW) is the perfect place to do it.

Here’s everything you need to know to walk in confident, ready, and fired up for your tournament debut.👇

1️⃣ Know the Format 🔁🎯

Not all tournaments run the same. Before you show up, make sure you know the format:

✅ Round robin or bracket?

✅ Single or double elimination?

✅ How many games do you play?

✅ To 11 or to 15? Win by 1 or 2?

✅ Is it skill-based (e.g. 3.0-3.5) or open level?

Knowing the format changes how you warm up, manage energy, and set your strategy. At BPW, we run a variety of formats—so read the event description and ask questions early if anything’s unclear.

2️⃣ Find the Right Partner 🤝🔥

If it’s doubles (which most tournaments are), choose a partner who complements your style.

✅ Are you aggressive at the net? Find a partner with strong resets and drops.

✅ Are you a lefty? Pairing with a righty can give you strategic court coverage.

✅ Do your personalities match? You don’t want sideline tension mid-rally. 😅

And once you pick your partner? Train together. It makes a difference.

3️⃣ Lock in Your Pre-Tourney Practice Plan 🧠

Practice isn’t just about reps—it’s about replicating tournament pressure.

🔥 Drill with purpose: Focus on the shots you’ll need most—third shot drops, cross-court dinks, fast hands at the net.

🔥 Play practice matches: Simulate game conditions. Keep score. Feel the nerves.

🔥 Work on communication: Who takes middle balls? Who calls lobs? Get synced.

At BPW, you can rent a private court to get focused, game-speed reps. ($5/person/hour—worth every penny.)

4️⃣ Prep Your Gear Like a Pro 🎒📋

Nothing worse than being “that guy” scrambling for a paddle two minutes before your first match. Here's a basic checklist:

✅ Primary paddle (and maybe a backup)

✅ Plenty of water

✅ Small towel or wristbands

✅ Extra shirt or grip tape

✅ Court shoes with solid lateral support

✅ Energy snacks (bananas, protein bars, etc.)

And show up early—at least 20–30 minutes before your first match to warm up and check in.

5️⃣ Manage Your Mindset 🧘‍♂️🔥

First tournament? You're gonna be a little nervous. That’s normal. The key is knowing how to channel it:

✅ Focus on consistency, not flashy shots

✅ Play one point at a time—don’t get hung up on the score

✅ Control what you can control: footwork, effort, and attitude

✅ Expect mistakes—everyone makes them, even 5.0s

And remember: tournaments aren’t just about results—they’re about leveling up your game under pressure.

6️⃣ Have Fun, Win or Lose 🎉

At the end of the day, your first pickleball tournament should be fun. You’ll meet players you’ve never faced, push yourself in new ways, and leave a better competitor than when you walked in.

🎉 Grab some pizza with your partner afterward.

📸 Take a team photo in front of the BPW banner.

🔥 Use this tournament as your baseline—and build from there.

Win or learn. There is no lose.

Ready to Compete? Join a Tournament at BPW! 🏆

Whether it’s your first tournament or your fiftieth, Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse is the best place to compete. Indoor courts, great competition, fun formats, and a supportive community.

Check out upcoming events and register now:👉 BPW Calendar

Let’s play. Let’s battle. Let’s level up. 💪🔥