How to Become a Pro Pickleball Player: A Complete Guide

Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the world, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into a fast-paced, engaging game. With its growing fanbase and professional leagues, many enthusiasts are now wondering how to transition from casual games to a professional pickleball career. 

Mastering the Basics Before Going Pro

Before diving into the world of professional pickleball, it’s important to make sure your foundational skills are sharp. This sport may look straightforward, but excelling at the pro level requires a lot of practice and dedication. To dominate the court, start by perfecting your serve, volleys, and dinks. If you want to play at an advanced level, you should also make sure you understand the rules and strategies at an advanced level.

Spending time with experienced players will allow you to see different playing styles and pick up new techniques. So to get better at pickleball, it’s important to practice regularly and seek out coaching to address weak points in your game.

Can Anyone Enter a Pro Pickleball Tournament?

While anyone can participate in pickleball tournaments, getting into professional-level competitions is a different story. You’ll need to prove your worth on the court.

Most pro pickleball players begin by entering amateur tournaments to build their experience and ranking. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and USA Pickleball offer a range of tournaments, and some of them are open to amateurs who dream of turning pro. However, to participate in high-level pro tournaments, you’ll need to qualify by accumulating ranking points or earning a spot through smaller qualifying events.

Some tournaments require players to have a certain skill rating, usually determined by previous tournament results. The most common rating systems include the 2.5 to 5.5 scale, with the higher numbers representing more advanced players. To make it into pro pickleball tournaments, players typically need a rating of 5.0 or higher.

Steps to Becoming a Pro Pickleball Player

To become a professional pickleball player, there are a few things you can do to develop your skill set and create opportunities for income. 

1. Invest in Coaching and Training 

One of the best ways to fast-track your journey to pro status is by working with a coach who understands the nuances of competitive pickleball. Coaches can help you refine your game and offer you personalized advice on areas like footwork, strategy, and mental toughness. They can also help you develop the stamina and endurance required for professional matches.

2. Play in Amateur Tournaments 

Starting with amateur tournaments can allow you to gain valuable experience and increase your skill level over time. Every tournament you participate in can help build your tournament profile so you can accumulate ranking points. You might want to consider joining local and regional events before venturing into national or international competitions to gain the necessary experience. 

3. Commit to Full-Time Practice 

Professional pickleball players dedicate a lot of time and energy to perfecting their craft. If you're serious about turning pro, you will need a strict training schedule. It is recommended you practice at least five to six days a week, mixing up solo drills, doubles play, and match simulations to sharpen your reflexes and decision-making skills.

4. Develop Physical Fitness 

Like any professional athlete, physical fitness plays a significant role in performance. Pickleball demands agility, speed, and stamina. Incorporating regular cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your exercise routine can prevent injuries and keep you at peak performance during long matches.

5. Join a Professional League 

Once you've started gaining traction and experience, the next big step is joining a professional league. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) is one of the premier organizations that host pro events and circuits. Becoming part of this community not only gives you access to higher-level competition but also allows you to network with other pros and sponsors.

How to Make a Career Out of Pickleball

Turning pickleball into a full-fledged career involves more than just winning matches. While you can make money by playing in tournaments, building a lasting career requires you to create multiple revenue streams within the sport.

Sponsorships

As you begin to make a name for yourself on the pro circuit, sponsorships from brands that cater to the pickleball world (or broader sports and lifestyle brands) can become a significant source of income. To attract sponsors, focus on building a strong social media presence and growing your fan base. Being visible and active in the pickleball community increases your chances of landing deals with companies that provide equipment, apparel, or other products.

Coaching and Clinics

Many professional pickleball players augment their income by offering private lessons or hosting pickleball clinics. If you have a talent for teaching, this can be an excellent way to both make a living and give back to the community. As your reputation grows, so will demand for your coaching services.

Prize Money

Tournament prize money can also be a lucrative source of income, but it takes time to build up to the top-level events where the payouts are more substantial. Some pro pickleball tournaments offer thousands of dollars in prizes, particularly in doubles or mixed doubles formats, where teams of two compete together. Winning consistently at the pro level can open the door to bigger opportunities in the sport.

Branding and Personal Merchandise

Once you establish yourself as a notable figure in pickleball, creating your own brand and selling personal merchandise can be another way to earn. Players often develop their own lines of paddles, clothing, or accessories, tapping into their fanbase for sales. Personal branding can go a long way in building a sustainable career.

Media and Content Creation

In today’s digital age, being a professional athlete isn’t just about what happens on the court. Engaging with fans through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or even a personal blog can open up opportunities for monetization through ads, sponsored content, and more. Sharing tips, behind-the-scenes footage, and match highlights will not only engage your audience but also build your personal brand.

The Future of Pickleball as a Career

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, so does the potential for professional players to build long-term careers in the sport. However, becoming a professional pickleball player requires a lot of commitment and training in order to grow your career both on and off the court. While it may be challenging, those who dedicate themselves to the sport can find success and even make a living playing the game they love.

For activewear that performs as hard as you do on the court, shop inPhorm’s high-quality athleticwear.