Wondering how to organize a pickleball tournament? Or thinking of taking part in one? Either way, you’ll want to know the main pickleball tournament formats.
Pickleball is addictive – believe us, we know!
If you’re new to the sport it won’t be long before you feel the urge to take part in some of the many events, including pickleball camps and tournaments.
Pickleball tournaments are a popular event for both experienced pickleball players and those who are new to the game.
After all, nothing can beat the buzz of heading out on the court with the chance to pick up a medal (or two)!
But, what does a pickleball tournament entail? And what do you need to know before signing up for your first pickleball tournament?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the different pickleball tournament formats, as well as some other frequently asked questions about competitive games.
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Pickleball Tournament Formats
As pickleball tournaments become more popular, more of them are popping up all over the United States – the home of pickleball – and throughout the world.
Whether you’re yet to partake in your first tournament or already have a gold medal to your name, it’s important to know what type of pickleball tournament formats you’re signing up for next time you put your name down.
Generally speaking, there for four main pickleball tournament formats that you are likely to come across.
Which one is used will depend on a number of factors including the number of pickleball courts available, the number of players and the preferences of the local pickleball community.
The decision is usually made by the tournament director, who is in charge of overseeing the entire event.
What are the 4 tournament formats?
So, now we know that there four different pickleball tournament formats, you’re probably wondering what those formats are.
Each of the four types is simply a different way of organizing tournament play, and therefore each of the pickleball tournament formats has its own rules and norms.
Here are the four formats you may come across when playing in pickleball tournaments:
Double elimination tournament format
The double-elimination format may be the first type of pickleball tournament formats you come across because it’s also one of the most popular.
It was the only tournament format used by the APP Tour and the PPA Tour, though the latter has begun experimenting with the single-elimination format (see below) more recently.
Double elimination scoring is used often in pickleball tournaments and works well when there are six or more teams playing.
In this case, all teams play in the main bracket to begin with, until they lose a match. For this reason, it is also sometimes known as the “winners bracket”.
If you lose, you move down to the consolation bracket, and it is only if you lose again here that you are eliminated from the tournament.
As long as you win games in the consolation bracket play, you continue to progress through the tournament.
In some tournaments, the ultimate winner of the consolation bracket (or losers’ bracket, as it’s also called) still has the opportunity to play for gold.
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Single-elimination tournament format
The single-elimination format is similar to the double-elimination format, with the exception that you only get one chance.
That is, the losing team of each match is instantly eliminated from the tournament without a chance to continue playing beyond earlier rounds.
Only the winning team continues to play throughout the tournament, with each head-to-head match resulting in an elimination.
This tournament format is much swifter and takes less time, but it means that some teams only get to play one match (i.e. if they lose their first game).
Round-robin tournament format
A round robin tournament is arguably the fairest type of the different pickleball tournament formats you are likely to come across.
In the round robin format, every team competes against every other team, and the winner is determined by who wins the most matches.
f there is a tie-breaker these teams will go head-to-head to decide the ultimate winner.
Because of its simple structure, a round-robin will usually be the format of choice when there are fewer than six teams taking part in a tournament.
Round-robin play is also fairly popular in pickleball tournaments. This is because each team gets to play an equal number of games, which can create a more positive experience overall.
Everybody has an equal opportunity to win since nobody has an unfair advantage of any kind.
Pool play tournament format
The pool play format is, essentially, a hybrid of the different pickleball tournament formats listed above.
It usually begins with two or more groups playing round-robin matches during the first round of games.
Based on the results of this group stage, each doubles team is then seeded into a single elimination format or double elimination format during the next round.
This can be a great way to match teams, especially for larger tournaments. However, it can also increase the duration of a pickleball tournament.
Unsanctioned vs sanctioned pickleball tournaments
When you come across tournament sign-ups, you may hear about two types of Ppckleball tournaments: sanctioned and unsanctioned.
The difference between these types of pickleball tournaments is simple.
Unsanctioned tournaments are just for fun. Sanctioned tournaments must follow the rules as stated by United States Pickleball Association.
This includes court size and space requirements. When a tournament is sanctioned, this means it is listed on the USAPA website and pickleball players will receive tournament points. These points can affect their skill level rating.
Categories will be divided by doubles, singles, and gender. Picklers must play others of the same skill level. Tournaments also separate participants by age brackets.
If playing doubles, you must compete at the skill level of the highest partner. Similarly, you must play in the category of the youngest player.
Matches will be between 40-60 minutes long. The early matches will err on the shorter side. As the tournament progresses, play length is expected to increase.
Pickleball Tournament Formats: FAQs
Still got questions about pickleball tournaments?
Here are the answers to some of the questions we get asked most.
Take a look below to see if we’ve already answered your query. If not, feel free to ask in our Facebook community group.
What pickleball ball is used in tournaments
In sanctioned pickleball tournaments, it is a requirement that players only use approved pickleball balls. However, this can often be any approved ball.
The Dura Fast 40 pickleball ball is the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships and the USAPA National Pickleball Tournament.
If you are preparing for tournament play or other competitive games, it’s a good idea to practice with this ball beforehand.
Even in an unsanctioned tournament, the tournament directors may state that you can only use approved balls for play.
How do you structure a pickleball tournament?
If you are planning a pickleball tournament, it is up to you how you structure it.
The four types of pickleball tournament formats listed above are the most common options, particularly the round-robin format and the double-elimination format.
How do you play a pickleball tournament?
In most pickleball tournaments, matches are usually played for the best out of 3 games to 11 points.
This can vary between tournaments – especially in unsanctioned pickleball tournaments – but it is the formatting that you will likely encounter the most.
What is the largest pickleball tournament in the world?
The US Open Pickleball Championship is the largest pickleball tournament in the world.
The event lasts a full week and is so much more than just pickleball. More like a party than a regular tournament, there is also live music, food and a social element to the event.
If you are a keen pickler, attending the US Open Pickleball Championship should definitely be on your bucket list (even if you aren’t taking part!).
Is professional pickleball a thing?
Professional pickleball is a thing!
But it’s not as longstanding as you might imagine.
Despite the huge popularity of pickleball today and the fact that it has existed for decades, professional pickleball leagues have only been around since 2018.
That’s relatively short compared to the lifespan of pickleball, but we only expect to see more growth in pickleball’s position as a professional sport!
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