Don't Be Intimidated:
Why Every "Beginner" Should Enter a Tournament

So you’ve caught the pickleball bug—welcome to the club! You’re playing regularly, improving your game, and now you're hearing whispers about “tournaments.” But let’s be real: the idea of entering one might sound... a little intimidating.

Competing?
Keeping score officially?
What if everyone’s better than me?

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a pro (or even “good”) to play in a tournament. In fact, tournaments are one of the best ways to grow your skills, meet new players, and have a blast doing it.

👍  Why You Should Join Your First Tournament
1. Everyone starts somewhere - Even top players were beginners once.
2. You’ll get better, faster - Tournaments challenge and sharpen your skills.
3. The vibes are great - Music, snacks, and community fun—not just serious faces.
4. You’ll find your people - Tournaments build friendships as much as forehands.

🔍  Look for These Beginner-Friendly Formats

• Skill-level brackets (2.5, 3.0, etc.): Compete with people at your level.
• Round robin formats: Guaranteed games, even if you lose a few.
• Local charity or rec events: These are low-pressure and full of encouragement.💡  Tips Before You Enter
• Find a partner you vibe with—or sign up solo for “partner-matching”.
• Don’t stress about winning. Your goal is to learn, laugh, and level up.
• Bring snacks, water, and sunscreen. (And maybe a backup paddle!)
• Be kind—to yourself and others. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone gets better.

Source:  PickleballTournaments.com; Christy Cook, April 18, 2025

We have an unknown number of Private Groups that have formed to conduct play among our members. Private groups must have 8 members, a coordinator or leader, and play regularly. Some use TeamReach or other software to communicate with their group members.

We are enthused about these groups because they organize play in various ways, matching up players by gender, age, skill level, and recreational/competitive motives. We would like to facilitate the play of Private Groups by registering them so they can reserve courts. Soon we will post a listing describing the characteristics of each group on our website. We are contacting the groups that we know about to complete a questionnaire and inviting the leaders of the unknown groups to contact Jayna Ryan at Jaynar@Pictona.org so they can register. 

Private Groups may be open or closed to membership. Each group decides. Membership in any group is free; no fees may be charged. Individuals may belong to multiple groups. If you are not a member of a Private Group, but would like to be, when you see a group playing ask about opportunities to join. Or start your own group.

Thank you to the volunteer leaders of these groups who make playing at Pictona a positive experience.

Rainer Martens,

Pictona Director

May Flex Leagues ~ Click HERE!

3.0-3.99 Co-Ed FLEX League
Wednesdays @ 9a - 11a
Fridays @ 9a - 11a
Intermediate (Skill 3.0 to 3.49)-Upper- Advanced (Skill 4.5+)

3.5-4.0+ Co-Ed FLEX League
Thursdays @ 6p - 8p
Tuesdays @ 6p - 8p
Upper- Intermediate (Skill 3.5-3.99)-Upper- Advanced (Skill 4.5+)

Flexibility at Its Finest: One of the standout features of our league is its flexibility. Say goodbye to the stress of committing to every game day – with our format, you have the freedom to opt in or out based on your availability. 

Flex League Pricing:  $5 game day fee each time you opt-in.

• For Plus Members: Your participation remains complimentary as part of your membership benefits.
• For Non-Members: In addition to the $5 game day fee, you have two options for game day participation:
  • Purchase a Day Pass
  • Utilize a Punch from a Pic-10 package
    

Ladder Play
Open 2.5 - 3.49 Seeded Ladder Play
Mondays, 6 - 8 pm

Do you have what it takes to reign supreme on the pickleball court and claim the esteemed title of King or Queen of the Court? Join us at Pictona for an evening of competitive pickleball action during our Open Seeded Ladder event, exclusively designed for players with skill levels ranging from 2.5 to 3.99. Prepare to showcase your prowess and engage in a thrilling Pictona Intramural event that pairs participants with like-skilled partners, regardless of gender.

Entry Details:

• Complimentary for PLUS Members
• $5 event fee for basic memberships, daily pass players, and Pic-10 pass holders.
• Non-members must also purchase a Pictona day pass or use a punch from their Pic-10 card

Novice Mixers
Novice Plus Mixer
Mondays, 5 - 8 pm

Novice Mixer (1.0-2.49 Skill Level)
Wednesdays, 6 - 8 pm
Sundays, 9 - 11 am

When you arrive at the courts for a MIXER, you will be given a PLAYER NUMBER. There will be a printed game schedule that shows the assigned player numbers at each court. They will play 6 competitive games.

NOVICE Mixers will be played on courts 37-44, Sundays from 9-11am and Wednesdays from 6-8pm. Participants will play 5 competitive games. All players are required to STOP AT WELCOME DESK to CHECK IN for these events.

We’re serving up good vibes and gratitude at Pictona’s Member Appreciation Night! This one’s all about YOU—our amazing members who make our courts come alive. Join us for a FREE night of fun, games, and hangouts, just for being part of the Pictona fam. Whether you're smashing winners or just chillin’ courtside, it’s the perfect chance to relax, rally, and reconnect with your paddle crew.

When: April 30th from 5-8 pm 
Cost: FREE for members!
Music, laughs, open play, and surprises await.
Come for the pickleball, stay for the community.

Because you're not just members... you're the heart of the club. 💙 Let’s celebrate you the Pictona way!  Let us know you plan to attend!  
Register HERE!

5/5-5/11
Chicago Hot Italian Beef Sandwich
Shaved beef with giardiniera mix of sweet and spicy peppers on a grilled hoagie roll and au jus for dipping. With side choice $14.

Pictona is fortunate to have Brown & Brown sponsoring our Youth Programming, and love to host their various employee teambuilding events. 

They have a fantastic team that is with you along your growth journey to help find solutions that meet your ever-evolving insurance needs. Whether you are a highly complex multinational enterprise, an individual or anything in between, their experienced teams can help to find solutions at every stage.  Click HERE for more info!

Pictona was built through a public-private partnership with the City of Holly Hill and Martens Charities, and $2.9 million in Volusia County ECHOgrants.