From Concept to Court: Organizing a Pickleball Tournament

Organizing a pickleball tournament may look effortless from the sidelines, but it takes meticulous planning. Wai Li, Head of KLPA and an experienced tournament director, stresses that success begins with knowing your target players and the tournament category from junior, intermediate, open, or inclusive formats like wheelchair pickleball.

The Sweet Spot 

Venue selection is critical. Covered courts prevent weather-related delays, proper flooring ensures safe play, and adequate spacing allows for spectators and media coverage. For finals and semi-finals, a “center court” approach helps highlight key matches.

A strong support team is essential. Volunteers handle tasks ranging from court setup to player management, while tournament software reduces human error in scoring, knockout brackets, and timing. “Without a good team, you can’t run a tournament smoothly,” Wai Li explains.

Time is Money

Scheduling is another key priority. Avoiding delays, ensuring matches start on time, and managing player flow are fundamental to creating a positive experience. Minor delays due to weather or injuries are inevitable, but planning mitigates frustration.

In short, successful tournaments are built on preparation, organization, and attention to detail. When these elements are in place, both players and spectators enjoy a professional and engaging experience.


This article is an excerpt from our interview with Wai Li. Watch the full interview here.