How to Prepare for Your Summer Pickleball Tournament
You signed up. You're a week out. And now the “am I actually ready for this?” thoughts are creeping in. That’s normal. But a little prep can go a long way in making you feel confident when it’s time to tap paddles and start your first match.
Photo Credit: The APP
Drills That Make Practice Count
You don’t need to overhaul your game, but you should focus your time on some key shots..
Third Shot + Dinking Practice: Try combining third shot drops with short-court dinking to help you control tempo early in the point.
Serving + Returning Under Pressure: Put a towel target in the back of the court and go for depth and placement.
Transition Zone Movement: Practice moving through the kitchen area with control, especially in doubles, this is where points are won or lost.
If you’re looking for more structure, check if your local courts offer pre-tournament clinics or open play geared toward competitive prep.
Build a Base That Lasts
Even if you're not hitting the gym daily, small changes can make a difference in how you feel on court.
Core & Shoulders: A few planks and banded rows during the week can help with balance and prevent fatigue.
Legs & Movement: Bodyweight squats, lunges, or even a short agility ladder circuit can help with footwork and quick pivots.
Cardio: Tournaments can be long. A little extra walking, jogging, or cycling between now and game day can help your endurance hold up.
High-level players often train just as much off-court as they do on it. You don’t need to go all in, but even a little can keep your body feeling stronger, longer.
Mindset Tips That Actually Help
Mental prep can make the difference between starting steady or spiraling after your first unforced error.
Picture Success Before You Play:: Take a few quiet moments before your match to visualize how you want to play: confident serves, clean shots, steady movement. It’s a simple way to ground yourself and go in with intention.
Focus on What You Can Control: You can’t control your opponent, the wind, or the noise, but you can control your effort, your attitude, and how you respond. Stay locked in on what’s actually in your hands.
Use the Warm-up Time Wisely: This isn’t about getting in your strokes. It’s about getting your mind in the game. Feel the pace, settle your nerves, and get clear on how you want to start that first point.
A lot of players find that small rituals help them stay grounded. As Jen Griffin, a PPR-certified coach and senior pro player, shared:
“I always stretch in a quiet spot before I play. Then I make sure I’ve got my water, towel, and wristbands set so I’m not scrambling right before the match.”
Even something small, like warming up the same way or giving yourself time to settle in, can make a big difference in how you start.
Empower Pickleball Tip: Want to get in the zone? Build a pre-match playlist with songs that give you energy. Bonus if they remind you to have fun.
A Quick Gear Reminder
We won’t give you a full packing list here; we’ve already done that.
Instead, here’s the quick reminder: bring what keeps you comfortable and focused. A few snacks, a water bottle, maybe a backup paddle or grip. Keep it simple.
Curious what others bring?
Watch: What’s in Our Tournament Bags
Neil and Gina go through their real bags: what’s helpful, what’s not, and what always gets forgotten.
Wrapping It Up
Tournaments give you a chance to test your game, meet new players, and step into a different kind of pickleball than your usual open play. You won’t (and can’t) control everything, but you can control how you show up. Prepare well, stay steady, and let it be fun, even when it’s tough.
