Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide and has gained a massive following in recent years. Its popularity has opened doors for players to join the pro league and make a career out of their passion.
However, breaking into the major league Pickleball requires more than just skills; it is a long journey that requires determination, commitment, and hard work. This article will guide you through the steps you need to take to become a professional Pickleball player.
Table Of Contents:
- History of Major League Pickleball
- Current State of Major League Pickleball
- Future Prospects of Major League Pickleball
- How to Make It to the Major League of Pickleball
- Major League Pickleball Schedule
- Conclusion
- FAQs
History of Major League Pickleball
The sport of pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. What started as a simple backyard game for three friends quickly evolved into a sport enjoyed by millions worldwide. Over the years, the sport has grown in popularity, with players competing at all levels, from amateur to professional.
Major League Pickleball was created with the goal of elevating the sport to the next level. The league was founded in 2018 by David Weinbach, a veteran player with over 20 years of experience.
Weinbach's (launching mlp premier level) vision was to create a platform for the best pickleball players in the world to showcase their skills compete for cash prizes and elevate pickleball. In its first season, the league featured six teams from across the United States, with over 70 players competing in total.
With the MLP premier level and MLP challenger level, there is a level for everyone.
Kim
Current State of Major League Pickleball
As of 2021, Major League Pickleball is still a relatively new league, but it has already made a significant impact on the sport. The league is gaining more fans and players each year, and it has already established itself as the premier pickleball league in the world.
One of the most significant challenges the league has faced is the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the 2020 season. However, the league has bounced back stronger than ever in 2021, with a full slate of matches taking place throughout the year.
At the time of writing, there are eight teams in Major League Pickleball. These teams comprise some of the best players in the world, including Tyson McGuffin, Ben Johns, and Simone Jardim. With competitions taking place across the United States, fans have ample opportunities to catch their favorite players in action.
Future Prospects of Major League Pickleball
As Major League Pickleball continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more teams and players entering the league. One exciting development is the potential for international expansion, as pickleball gains popularity in countries such as Canada, the UK, and Spain.
In addition to expanding its reach, Major League Pickleball is also focused on improving the sport itself. The league is working with experienced players and coaches to refine the rules and enhance the gameplay. This could mean more intense matches, more challenging serves, and more thrilling rallies.
How To Make It To The Major League of Pickleball
1. Practice, practice, practice
Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that requires a combination of various skills like speed, agility, power, and technique. To achieve success, you need to practice your skills continuously. Apart from practicing on the court, you can take part in drills, watch tutorial videos, read books, and work with a coach to improve your skills.
Doing this enables you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, focus on areas that need improvement, and raise your overall skill level.
2. Participate in tournaments and competitions
Competing in different tournaments and competitions is an excellent way to develop your game and build your reputation in the Pickleball community. Participating in various games allows you to put what you have learned into practice, learn from other players, and showcase your skills to potential sponsors.
It is through these events that players gain the exposure they need to get discovered by scouts to sign them up for the pro leagues.
3. Join a Pickleball club or association
Joining a club or association helps to network with other Pickleball enthusiasts and players. You will get access to court time, coaching, and training facilities, and get exposure to higher-level competition. You will also gain valuable insights and mentorship from experienced players, which will undoubtedly prepare you better for the pro leagues.
4. Stay in shape physically and mentally
Playing Pickleball at the professional level requires a lot mentally and physically. Players must maintain top physical condition and be in the right state of mind to command, control, and execute their skills during games. To achieve this, you must work hard on your fitness regimen through regular exercise routines, eating well, getting enough rest, and meditating to keep your mind calm and focused.
Kim
5. Keep up with the trends
Like all sports, Pickleball has its share of trends and advancements. To stay ahead of the competition, players must keep an eye on new developments, technologies, and techniques that shape the game. Following the sport's news, engaging with other Pickleball enthusiasts, and keeping an open mind to learning are essential to growing your skills and staying relevant.
Major League Pickleball Schedule
Get ready for some major league action in 2023! MLP will be playing not one, not two, but SIX thrilling events! That's right, the events are split into TWO seasons of three events each, with the season championships taking place in June and December.
This is a huge change from the past, where MLP challenger-level events were all played over a single weekend. But hey, change is good, right? And in 2023, the first two events will contribute to the seedings for the season championships months later. It's going to be epic!
But wait, there's more! The PPA will also have 25 tour events next year, including 14 tour events, 4 majors, 4 world championships, 1 PPA tour finals, and 2 special events.
The schedule is played all over the US and can be found HERE. They have optional cookies when you go to their site.
Sources: Dink, Pickleball Max, and MLP
For more related content, check out Engage Paddles, Recess Paddles, and Joola Paddles.
SwagScale Advice For You
Breaking into the major leagues of Pickleball requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience. It is crucial to develop specific skills, participate in tournaments, join a club or association, stay in top physical and mental shape, and keep up with trends.
By following these simple steps, you can increase your chances of making it to the top of your game. So go ahead, practice, compete, network, stay in shape, and stay informed to reach your full potential as a professional Pickleball player.
Your Pickleball Guru,
Ray
Major League Pickleball FAQs
How much money does a pro pickleball player make?
A pro pickleball player's salary varies depending on their level of success and sponsorships. However, top players can earn upwards of $100,000 per year through tournament winnings and sponsorships.
In fact, the total prize pool for the 2021 US Open Pickleball Championships was $700,000, with $30,000 going to the winners in each pro doubles category.
So, if you're serious about pickleball, it might be time to ditch the day job and dust off that paddle! Just kidding, keep your day job... for now.
What does MLP mean in pickleball?
MLP stands for "Minimum Line Play" and refers to a rule in pickleball where players must ensure at least one foot remains behind the non-volley line while executing their shots.
This rule encourages players to maintain proper court positioning and avoids crowding the net. Remember, keeping your toes in check also keeps your opponent in check. Happy pickling!
What is the prize pool for Major League pickleball?
The prize pool for Major League pickleball is a whopping $300,000, making it one of the most lucrative pickleball tournaments in the world.
This is a testament to the growth and popularity of the sport, attracting top-notch professional players from around the globe. In other words, it pays to be good at pickleball! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your paddle and hit the courts!
Attending a pickleball tournament usually costs money. They offer different payment services depending on the event. Meta products are a great source for finding these out before you attend.
Why are there 3 scores in pickleball?
There are three scores in pickleball because the game is designed to be played with doubles teams. Each team gets a score for each rally won, and the first team to reach 11 points (with a lead of at least two points) wins the game.
However, matches are typically played as best out of three games, hence the three scores. So, in a sense, you could say that pickleball is like a three-course meal - and winning all three courses is what separates the pros from the pickles.
Who is the highest-paid pickleball player?
As of this moment, the highest-paid pickleball player is none other than Ben Johns, aka "The Beast." With over $350,000 in prize money and sponsorships under his belt, he's certainly earning his nickname.
Not only is Ben a powerhouse on the court but he's also known for his humble personality and love for the sport. His popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, with fans and fellow players alike in awe of his incredible skills and down-to-earth attitude.
What is the prize money for pickleball 2023?
I can confidently tell you that the prize money for the 2023 tournament has not yet been officially announced. However, based on previous years, we can expect a significant increase in the prize pool as the sport continues to gain popularity and attract top talent. Stay tuned, my fellow pickleball enthusiasts, and let's keep smashing those balls with the hopes of winning big in 2023!
