Senior Pickleball Players Share Their First Tournament Experience

How it All Started

Sherry and Steve's path to the tournament was a bit of a surprise.  They won a local BYC tournament, and the prize?  A spot in the Hua Hin tournament!  They admitted to some initial doubts.  "We were concerned that we might not be good enough," Sherry confessed.  Steve added, "We thought, 'Oh my gosh, what have we let ourselves in for?'"  The thought of playing in an international tournament, with its eight busy courts, different lighting, and spectators, was daunting.

But they decided to embrace the challenge.  "The worst that could happen was that we would learn something," Sherry realized, "and at the very least, we would have a great time."  This positive attitude became their driving force.

Preparation is Key (and So is Community)

With their tournament spot secured, Sherry and Steve knew they needed to up their game.  They focused on footwork, strategy, and shot placement.  Crucially, they trained with more experienced players at BYC.  "There were a few people from our club… who gave their free time to actually do drills with us," Sherry emphasized.  "That was really, really very important."  Steve also highlighted the coaching sessions arranged by Mod, saying, "The opportunity to have that much focus… that was very helpful."

The supportive atmosphere at BYC played a huge role in their preparation.  "It's a nice friendly community," Sherry said.  This camaraderie and willingness to help each other improve made all the difference.

Tournament Time!

Arriving at the tournament, the initial nerves were palpable.  "Eight pickleball courts create quite a bit of noise," Steve described.  But they focused on enjoying the experience.  They even managed to win a game!  "That one game we were vindicated," Sherry laughed.  They acknowledged the high level of play and the intensity of the competition but also appreciated the sportsmanship of their opponents.  "They were just great," Sherry said. "Very congratulatory."

Lessons Learned and Future Goals

The tournament was a learning experience, win or lose.  Sherry felt her game improved after returning, attributing it to increased confidence.  "I think I've played better since I've come back," she noted.  Steve agreed that the focused training leading up to the tournament was invaluable.

Looking ahead, both Sherry and Steve are open to future tournaments.  "Maybe," Steve said with a smile.  Sherry added, "It's certainly possible."  They both emphasized the importance of continuing to play, improve, and enjoy the social aspects of pickleball.

The BYC Difference

Sherry and Steve's story highlights the power of community in pickleball.  Their journey from recreational players to tournament participants was made possible by the supportive and encouraging environment at BYC.  They emphasized the value of the coaching sessions, the practice time with experienced players, and the overall camaraderie of the club.  As Sherry put it, "It's a win-win-win-win all the way around!"

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to our sponsors and long-term partners, P' Ting and Khun Domenico from Casali ABM! Their generous support has provided BYC Pickleball Courts with a truly exceptional playing surface, the Casali Sports Surface. It makes every game a joy, and we're so grateful for their continued commitment to our club and community.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for our next episode of BYC Talks, where we'll discuss DUPR and pickleball's mental aspects!