Pickleball Tournament Draws international Crowd to Burgholzhausen
BURGHOLZHAUSEN – The Burgholzhausen International Open, a pickleball tournament, recently concluded its fifth edition, attracting approximately 250 participants from eight nations, including the USA, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Ukraine. The event showcased the growing popularity of pickleball, a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
TV Burgholzhausen Players Excel in International Pickleball Competition
Players from TV Burgholzhausen, the organizing club, secured multiple podium finishes against tough international competition.the club has been instrumental in promoting pickleball in Germany, which has quickly risen to prominence in the sport within Europe.
Pickleball’s rise in Popularity: A sport for All Ages
Invented in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, washington, pickleball’s popularity surged in the United States during the 1980s and 90s. It arrived in Germany in 2013 and has since spread rapidly. There are now an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 pickleball players across 210 clubs nationwide.
Understanding the Game: Pickleball Rules and Equipment
Pickleball is played on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, divided by a 3-foot-high net. The paddle is about twice the size of a table tennis racket, and the ball travels at approximately one-third the speed of a tennis ball.
Accessibility and Community Drive Pickleball’s Appeal
Martin Heger, department head of Pickleball in Burgholzhausen, emphasized the sport’s accessibility.”as the game is slower than tennis and table tennis, and players don’t have to move as much due to the small field, the sport is suitable for every age group,” Heger said. He also noted that prior experience in tennis or table tennis can be helpful, but the rules and slower pace make pickleball easy to learn. Heger also highlights the strong sense of community which is fostered by the sport.
Doubles Tournament Emphasizes Fun and Camaraderie
The Burgholzhausen International Open opted for a doubles-only tournament to promote teamwork and enjoyment.
International Pickleball Tournament Draws players to Burgholzhausen
BURGHOLZHAUSEN, Germany – Pickleball enthusiasts from around the globe converged in Burgholzhausen for the Burgholzhausen International Open, a two-day tournament featuring singles, doubles, and mixed-doubles matches. the event, held this weekend, provided players an opportunity to boost their DUPR (Dynamic Worldwide Pickleball Rating) and vie for prizes across 19 divisions based on skill level and age.
Competitive Play and Unique Scoring System
Matches in the group stage were played to a single game of 11 points, utilizing a unique scoring system where only the serving team can score. This format resulted in matches lasting approximately 20 minutes each. A key rule of pickleball requires the ball to bounce once on each side of the net before either team can volley it in the air, and players are prohibited from volleying the ball within the non-volley zone, which extends 7 feet (2.13 meters) from the net.
TV Burgholzhausen: A Pickleball Hub
TV Burgholzhausen has fostered a thriving pickleball community over the past five and a half years, now boasting over 50 active members. This growth is largely attributed to Norbert Möhring, who introduced the sport to the club in 2018 after learning about it from acquaintances in the United states. Möhring successfully advocated for the establishment of a pickleball section within TV Burgholzhausen, leading to rapid growth in membership and participation in tournaments.
Local Players Achieve Success
Despite facing stiff competition, players from Burgholzhausen achieved notable success at the tournament. Stefan Nölscher and Lokesh Harnal secured second place in the Men’s U19 4.0 division, while martin Heger and David Gebauer finished third. Milo Lahrs and Tom Ludwig emerged victorious in the Men’s U19 3.5 category. Additional bronze medals were earned by Mattias Naas and his partner in the men’s U50 4.0 division, and by Norbert Möhring and his partner in the Men’s U60 3.0 division.Emir Nuka and his partner took home silver in the Men’s U35 3.0 division. On the women’s side, Sabine Christ and Sabine Stein-Bonawitz claimed third place in the Women’s U19 2.5 division. Oliver Strecker and European champion Marc Wagener won in the highest category, Men’s U19 5.0.
Pickleball Tournament in Burgholzhausen: Q&A
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court than tennis,using a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball.
Where and when was it invented?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA.
Why is Pickleball becoming so popular?
Pickleball is easy to learn, suitable for all ages, and offers a strong sense of community. The smaller court and slower pace make it accessible for players of all skill levels, and it’s a great way to socialize.
How is Pickleball diffrent to Tennis?
Pickleball courts are much smaller (about one-third the size of a tennis court). The ball travels slower, and the paddle is solid. A key rule in pickleball is the “non-volley zone” (kitchen) near the net, which restricts volleys. Also, only the serving team can score points.
What is the DUPR?
DUPR (Dynamic Global Pickleball Rating) is a rating system used to measure a player’s skill level. It helps organizers to categorize players effectively in tournaments.
Where does Burgholzhausen fit in?
Burgholzhausen, Germany, is an vital location for the sport in Europe. TV Burgholzhausen is the club that organized the open tournament, and they have been instrumental in promoting the sport. The club was founded in 2018 after Norbert Möhring found the sport.
What are the key rules of pickleball?
Key rules include the serve must be underhand, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying, and no volleying in the non-volley zone (kitchen).Only the serving team can score a point, and matches frequently enough go to 11 points, winning by two.
How can I get started with Pickleball?
Find a local club or court, purchase a paddle and ball, and watch some online tutorials to learn the basics. Many clubs offer beginner lessons.Remember to have fun!
The Burgholzhausen International open showcased the growing excitement around pickleball. Consider starting your pickleball journey today!
