You Need to Train If You Want to Win!

Players who receive formal training dominate in tournaments.

Pickleball is getting WAY more competitive... there's no question about it. 

The sport is trending younger, players at all levels are making drilling part of their regular playing routine, and the skill required to win a tournament (at any level) is undoubtably higher than it was even one year ago. 

The New Jersey State Open hosted by Montclair Pickleball was two weekends ago, and was the largest NJ tournament of the year. It was originally slated to be the largest pickleball tournament in NJ history, but the weather caused a last minute audible where the tournament had to be moved indoors with only a days notice!

At a tournament of this caliber, the level is no doubt incredibly strong. 

But, there was one interesting thing that showed over the course of the weekend: the players who engage in formal training had a clear leg up. It was evident in the results.

Montclair Pickleball, New Jersey's leading pickleball academy with four locations around the state, saw players who participate in their training programs earn a total of 22 medals over the course of the weekend between the 3.5 and 4.0 levels. 

That impressive figure includes 5 GOLD medals at the 4.0 levels in the mens, womens, and mixed divisions. 

As pickleball continues to get more and more competitive, you can expect this trend to continue. 

"Within the next 4 years, I believe that it will be impossible to reach the 4.0 level without either formal training, or a very high level racket sports background," says Montclair Pickleball Co-Founder Matt Slowinski. 

So, what does that mean for all of us at home who want to get to the medal stand at our level? It's time to start training! 

Montclair Pickleball offers Clinics, Guided Drilling, and Play With Pro at it's 4 locations, and boasts the highest level coaching staff in the state with more 5.0+ and pro-level coaches than any other academy in NJ. If you're ready to win, you know where to go!