2012 USAPA National Tournament Update
By Gigi LeMaster and Steve Wong,
2012 USAPA Nationals Tournament Directors

You thought Wimbledon tennis was exciting, well wait till the USAPA Nationals IV Pickleball Tournament in Buckeye, Ariz., Nov. 4 to 12. The USAPA National Tournament is the annual blockbuster of tournaments. All year long players participate in local, regional and state tournaments in preparation for testing their skills in this exciting national event.

The USAPA National Tournament, which is open to all USAPA members (membership required), is two competitions rolled into one. There are age-category events – women’s and men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles -- beginning with youth and extending upward into 80+ age brackets, and open competition, which allows players, regardless of age, to compete equally. This year for the first time, open competition is limited to USAPA skill levels 4.0 and higher. Although we are the new tournament directors, previous directors are still very active in the background and always ready to let us tap their vast knowledge and experience. In the fierce competition of the USAPA National Tournament powerful overhead slams, precision dinks from anywhere on the court, sideline winners and lightening-fast volleys are the norm. The heart-pounding matches where the best meet the best are certain to be a rewarding learning experience, whether you are a participant or spectator. Attending the National Tournament is a week of guaranteed excitement and camaraderie!

Visit http://nationals.usapa.org for the Event Schedule, to volunteer and to register to play. The registration deadline is October 5, 2012. Register now to guarantee your spot!