The Perfect Strategy To WIN Your First Ever Pickleball Tournament

 

Mastering Pickleball Tournament Strategy

A Comprehensive Guide to Winning Your First Tournament

Introduction

If you're playing your first ever tournament, Tanner Tomassi will give you the perfect strategy to ensure that you win. The 24 year old has been playing and competing for the past three years, with his most recent achievement being fourth place at the APP Newport Beach Open two weeks ago (Watch Match Analysis). In this guide, he will walk you through essential strategies to help you succeed on the court. (Subscribe to Tanners Newsletter)

1. Strategy 1: Don't Attack First (0:19)

The first strategy focuses on mindset. Pickleball is not a game of highlights but of minimizing errors. The player who makes the fewest mistakes is likely to win. You don't need to be a superstar; just play passively until you hit at least 10 dinks, then look for opportunities to be aggressive. This approach reduces the pressure on you and often leads to your opponent making errors.

2. Strategy 2: 3rd Shot Drive vs Drop (1:06)

When starting a match, especially if it's your first tournament, consider using a third shot drive instead of a drop. A 70% power drive down the middle targets the opponent running up and keeps you in control. This strategy aims to set up an easier fifth shot rather than winning outright with the third. If your opponents can handle the drives, then switch to drops, which are more passive but less likely to result in immediate errors.

3. Strategy 3: Dink Middle (3:52)

At the kitchen line, focus on dinking to the middle. Imagine a hula hoop in the center of the kitchen; aim 60-70% of your dinks there. This tactic is safe because the ball doesn’t cross an opponent’s paddle, minimizing the chance of an attack. Additionally, hitting to the middle lowers the net slightly and helps you and your partner anticipate each other's moves, reducing errors.

4. Strategy 4: Shading (Proper Court Coverage) (5:28)

Shading is crucial for effective court coverage. After hitting the ball, take a step in the direction you hit and point your paddle there. This improves anticipation and reaction time, ensuring you're prepared for the ball’s return. Whether your opponents are at the back or up at the kitchen line, maintain this positioning to cover the most likely return angles.

5. Strategy 5: Which Player Covers Middle (6:18)

Deciding who covers the middle can be controversial, but it’s essential for clarity. The player diagonal from where the ball is coming should cover the middle, regardless of whether it’s their forehand or backhand. This strategy simplifies positioning and ensures that one player is committed to covering the middle, reducing confusion and increasing defensive effectiveness.

Inclusive Guide Summary

In pickleball, focusing on strategy and minimizing errors is key to winning, especially in your first tournament. Start with a strong mental approach, being patient and waiting for the right moments to attack. Use the third shot drive to test your opponents and set up easier shots, and prioritize dinking to the middle for safety. Proper court coverage through shading and clear roles for covering the middle will further enhance your gameplay. Remember, in pickleball, playing not to lose is often more effective than playing to win. Stay cool mentally, extend the rallies, and let your opponents make the mistakes. Follow these strategies, and you'll be well on your way to success in your first tournament. '

Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:19 Strategy 1: Don't Attack First 1:06 Strategy 2: 3rd Shot Drive vs Drop 3:52 Strategy 3: Dink Middle 5:28 Strategy 4: Shading (Proper Court Coverage) 6:18 Strategy 5: Which Player Covers Middle