The Dink Minor League gives pickleball players an option to play uniquely formatted, team-oriented events nationwide. These tournaments are much different from the ones that most of us are used to.
- Looking to organize a Minor League Pickleball event in your area? Click here for more details and information
In regular tournaments, you often choose whether to play singles, gender doubles, and/or mixed doubles – and usually, each one occurs on different days.
The Dink Minor League events offer each of those formats in every match, typically all in one day.
Jason Flamm
Also, while regular tournaments are fun, they don’t likely lead to something bigger, like an end-of-the-season National Championship.
The Dink Minor League events do.
Let’s discuss what to expect with The Dink Minor League and where to find them near you.
What to know about The Dink Minor League events
The Dink Minor League events are unique because you build a team of four players (two guys, two girls) to compete in every match. Each match is a series of up to five games, including:
- Both gender doubles
- Two mixed doubles games
- And a possible singles tiebreaker (called a Dreambreaker)
The first team to win three games (including the Dreambreaker if necessary) wins the match and continues in the event. At The Dink Minor League events, each player is guaranteed a minimum of two matches, with each match providing up to three games.
Very few tournaments guarantee that many games.
Players and teams can earn gold, silver, or bronze medals in their respective divisions.
Also, each event in which a player competes will earn them points toward the National Leaderboard.
At the end of the season, the top players on the National Leaderboard will earn a coveted spot in the National Championship in December.
Stay tuned for more information on earning points and updates on the National Leaderboard.
Jason Flamm
How to Find The Dink Minor League tournaments near you
Nationwide, 150 The Dink Minor League events are currently scheduled, with a target of reaching over 200 by the end of the 2024 season. Most are run by individual The Dink Minor League organizers.
However, that number also includes seven Regional Showdowns, which allow players to earn a Dream Ticket to Nationals.
The Dink Media Team
You can also talk to your local club owner to find out if they have any plans for hosting or contact us if you're interested in hosting an event in your area.
|
