Austin Pickleball Update - Volume 12

April 25, 2024

Hello, and welcome to Austin Pickleball Update - Volume 12!

In this issue of Austin Pickleball Update, we’ve got an interview with pickleball pro and Austin local Zane Navratil, a round-up of community news, and (as always) a huge tournament and event update.

In this issue of APU you will find:

  • An Interview with Zane Navratil - Pickleball Pro and Austin Native

  • Community News

  • Tournament, League, and Community Event Updates

  • Austin Pickleball Update Social Groups

If you’re looking for places to play pickleball in Austin, check out our Austin Pickleball Courts and Clubs page here. 

Interested in sponsoring APU and reaching our engaged community of 1,500+ pickleball players in Austin? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram and we’ll be in touch.

Let’s pickle on in!

Tournament of the Week - Capital City Pickle Wars Doubles Tournament

Love this pickle.

Taking place at Waterloo Pickleball on Saturday, May 4th, Capital City Pickle Wars is a themed doubles tournament with random partner assignment and a two game minimum. Participants can dress up in their best Star Wars themed attire as they battle it out in the Padawan Bracket for beginners, the Jedi Bracket for intermediate players, and the Sith Bracket for advanced players (4.0+ DUPR rating). Use code "APU15" for $15 off registration. Learn more here.

An Interview with Zane Navratil - Pickleball Pro and Austin Local

You may recall Zane Navratil from APU Volume 10 where we covered his incredible second-place run in the PPA Austin Open, or maybe even from APU Volume 2 where we covered Zane’s hot take of never slicing your return serves. Maybe (like us) you’ve watched countless hours of pickleball tips on his YouTube channel. No matter what, we’re almost certain you’ve seen the light blue ProXR Zane Navratil paddles on courts all around Austin and beyond.

Have you seen this paddle? Probably.

Whether you’re already a fan or just learning about him now, Zane Navratil is a professional pickleball player residing in our amazing city of Austin. Zane has been a part of the sport for many years, winning multiple men’s singles titles and MLP championships since he debuted as a pro in 2020. Check out Zane’s semi-final match winning point here to get a sense of his play, energy, and Austin fandom.

We’re excited to bring APU readers an interview with Zane Navratil below. In it, Zane talks about why he chose to move to Austin for pickleball, what he’s focusing on for his game as a pro, and how he sees the sport evolving over the next few years.

Check it out below!

Zane Navratil, flying pickleball legend.

Why did you decide to move to Austin to pursue your professional pickleball career?  

When Jenny and I decided to try a new city, we knew we wanted one with a cool vibe, but it also needed to have good pickleball. Austin has it all when it comes to quality of life with its culture, entertainment, music and food scene, and a great college town. What makes it great for pickleball is having so many pros and high-level amateurs in close proximity. It's fairly easy to get high-level practice every single day. Austin's location makes it easy to travel for tournaments, and I can play outside practically year round. 

What do you think makes Austin a pickleball hub compared to other cities? 

With so many people moving here, pickleball is a fantastic social sport and a way to make new friends; there is a group for everybody from the casual to the professional. 

Pickleball is perfect for an active city, for anyone just learning to play to someone who's played for years. Again, the climate in Austin makes outdoor pickleball accessible for most of the year, if not the entire year, especially in winter.   

Where are your current favorite places to play pickleball in Austin, and why? 

I'm currently playing mostly at the Lab! It's a one court facility on the east side. When it's nice outside, I play at the Stop Alzheimer's Now court in West Austin! You can learn more about both of them on Instagram.

Zane Navratil, pickleball champion.

How do you see Pickleball in Austin growing in 2024, as well as over the next few years? Anything specific you're paying attention to as a pro? 

Given Austin's size and ever-growing population, pickleball will only continue to grow as well. The entrepreneurial spirit of the city, combined with having a leading research university and being the birthplace of Major League Pickleball, makes it attractive to people interested in investing in the business and growth of pickleball.        

How do you see the sport of pickleball changing and growing over the next year? How about in the next 5 years?

I see the game of pickleball getting younger and younger. Today you see kids growing up just learning pickleball, versus before where they would first learn another sport and then shift to pickleball. I expect high school and college pickleball teams to grow a ton as the infrastructure of the game solidifies, meaning how the game is played (individual vs team, the rules) and as more and more courts get built. I wouldn't be surprised to see pickleball becoming a scholarship sport and Olympic sport very soon.

As a pro, what are you thinking about or focusing on most right now when it comes to your game? 

At the highest level, it all comes down to hand speed. Everybody has good dinks, resets, third shot drops, etc. The elite players win the hand battles.

Zane in one of his many YouTube pickleball videos.

For beginner pickleball players, where do you believe is the most important area for them to focus as they start their pickleball journey? 

For total beginners I would focus on keeping the ball in play and making sure you have good footwork. Consistency and ensuring good positioning is essential for getting better at timing and control. The beauty of pickleball is that it's easier to pick up than other racquet sports, you don't need to spend a ton of money on equipment, and you can even practice a lot by yourself.

For advanced (4.0+ players), where do you believe they should be focusing their efforts to improve their game? 

At this level, it's not as easy to hit through or out of your opponents' reach. Since everyone can hit good shots, it becomes more about hitting smarter shots at the right time. You have to build points and increase your patience to stay in longer points/rallies.  

Zane with his 2023 MLP team, The Orlando Squeeze.

You were recently selected by the New Jersey 5s in the MLP draft. Tell us about your reaction to this, and what you're looking forward to around the team, organizations, and 2024 season?

I loved the [Orlando] Squeeze team and our successes last year. Getting to know the new owners of the New Jersey 5s, I can see that they are intent on investing in the team and their brand, which is very exciting. With the new draft, new rules, and new players in the mix, I think this season could be the most interesting and exciting yet!

What are your goals with the 5s as one of their core members?

MLP titles baby!

You'll be joined by teammate Anna Leigh Waters on the 5s. What are you looking forward to most about building a team and playing with the #1 Women’s Pro?

Of course anyone would want to have the number 1 player on their side of the court. With that also comes pressure, because if we lose then it’s on us both as team leaders. But I'm looking forward to it, especially since getting to know her and Leigh a little bit more from our PicklePod interview.

Zane Navratil and Christina Alshon competing in the semi-finals at the Austin PPA Open.

We know you're an Austin local, and want to confirm you won't be leaving Austin and moving to New Jersey during your 3 year stint with the 5s?

Austin will definitely be my home base for the foreseeable future. 

Can you let us know what PPA Tour events you'll be competing in for the rest of the year, so that your fans in Austin can follow your progress and cheer you on?

The next few I have coming up are the Red Rock Open (this weekend) and the Atlanta Slam.

Any other messages you'd like to share with the Austin pickleball community? 

Jenny and I are so grateful to be embraced by the Austin pickleball community and for the friendships we've made here, considering we've lived here for a short time. I'm excited to be part of the growth of pickleball in Austin, not only for my playing career, but beyond!

Thank you again to Zane Navratil for taking the time to share his wisdom and enthusiasm with Austin Pickleball Update! 

Everything to love about Zane Navratil.

If you’re interested in learning more about and following Zane Navratil, check out his Instagram, YouTube Channel, and newsletter, and stay tuned to Austin Pickleball Update!

Austin Real Estate Perfect for Pickleball

Vince Mathon, pictured right.

Looking to buy or sell property in Austin? Look no further than Vince Mathon, Austin, TX Realtor® and Founding Partner of Revel Property Group. Vince is your go-to expert for a personalized, professional, and uncomplicated real estate experience. He also plays pickleball nearly every day, which means he can show you the best properties for pickleball in the city, in addition to talking pickleball shop as he shows you around. 

If you're looking to buy or sell a home or land, discuss investment opportunities, or lease an apartment or house, text or call Vince at 737-267-5585. Learn more at www.vincemathonATX.com.

Community News

The Ranch Expands

This is a great looking facility.

Austin Pickle Ranch, per their Instagram, is opening up their second location at 11000 N. IH-35, Building B, Austin, TX, formerly the Golfsmith property. This 50,000 square-foot facility will feature 16 indoor courts, making it one of the largest indoor pickleball facilities in Texas. The facility is slated to open in May, making it the perfect place for pickleball for the upcoming summer months.

The Kitchen Cooks Up an Austin HQ

Austin-based The Kitchen announced that they are opening a new headquarters in the St. Elmo district of Austin. The new HQ will feature an indoor Courtex pickleball court, retail shop, podcast studio, stage for live music, full bar, and co-working space, with plans to host curated pickleball events as well as have the space available to rent.

Eastside Paddle Club Closing Memberships

Per their newsletter, Eastside Paddle Club’s membership is nearing capacity. They have a few of their premium and standard memberships left, after which they will be closing membership until their rooftop courts open up. Learn more about ESPC memberships here. 

Dink to Stop Alzheimer's

Join the Austin Pickleball Community in raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association by taking the Dink 80 Challenge. You can attempt 80 dinks (or volleys) in a row anytime before May 15, post your results online, and ask your friends to support you with a donation. Anyone who donates or raises $100 or more by May 15 will get a chance to win a new Selkirk Power Air Paddle, four new Selkirk S1 balls, and a lesson with local coaches. Learn more and donate here.

Master Your Dinks with The Dink Master

Did you know that 15 minutes of wall drilling is roughly equivalent to the amount of touches you would get in 2-3 hours of doubles pickleball play?

More shots = more mastery.

The Dink Master is the #1 training aid in pickleball, designed to help you practice your dinks, volleys, and shot accuracy. With the Dink Master, you can control what types of shots you work on while getting in thousands more reps when compared to a normal game. The Dink Master helps you improve your coordination, muscle memory, and overall gameplay on your own time. Use code “APU” when ordering your Dink Master today for 30% off and free shipping.

A Private Pickleball Oasis on the East Side

The East 12th Pickleball dream.

Nestled in a prime corner lot, East 12th Pickleball provides the perfect blend of accessibility and privacy, making it an ideal spot for anyone seeking a great pickleball game. Whether you’re new to pickleball and looking to enjoy time with friends or an advanced player wanting to improve your game with a coach, East 12th Pickleball offers the perfect setting for all of your pickleball court needs. 

Book court time at East 12th Pickleball today using this link, or check out their Instagram @east12thpickleball for more information. 

Upcoming Leagues, Community Events, and Tournaments

Community Events

Local pros Zane Navratil and Jack Munro are running upcoming pickleball clinics at Austin Pickle Ranch on Monday 4/29 for a 3.5-4.0 clinic and Monday 5/6 for a 4.0+ clinic, and at Kissing Tree PB Courts in San Marcos on Tuesday 5/7 for a 3.0.3.5 clinic. Great opportunity to learn locally from some of the game's best. $140 per person.

Austin Pickleball Leagues

Dreamland League - April 30-June 4, 2024

  • Location - Dreamland, Dripping Springs, TX

  • Overview - Six week DUPR leagues starting in May, running one day each week. Leagues include beginner-2.5, 3.25-4.0, and 4.0+ mixed doubles, as well as 4.0+ singles.

  • Price - $90

  • Location - Austin Tennis Center, Austin, TX

  • Overview - One of the longest running pickleball leagues in Austin that is 100% volunteer run. Three different Ladder League include Sunday Co-Ed Green League (3.0-4.0), Monday Women’s Purple League (3.0-4.0), and Tuesday Co-Ed Gold League (4.0+). Waitlist for multiple leagues. 

  • Price - $45/month

Austin Area Pickleball Tournaments

  • TOURNAMENT OF THE WEEK!

  • Location - Waterloo Pickleball, 410 Pressler St, Austin, TX

  • Overview - Theme tournament featuring three skill brackets: Padawan Bracket for beginners, Jedi Bracket for intermediate players, and Sith Bracket for advanced players (4.0+ DUPR rating). Double elimination format with random partner assignment. Two game minimum.

  • Price - $60, use code APU15 for $15 off

  • Location - Texas School for the Deaf, Austin, TX

  • Overview - MLP format team tournament, with teams consisting of two men and two women (nonbinary players can take any spot in the team). Skill brackets for combined team DUPRs of 12, 14, 16 and 18. Captains responsible for registering and paying for the team. 3 game minimum.

  • Price - $145 per team

Cedar Park Paddle Battle - May 8-12, 2024

  • Location - Wildflower Country Club, Temple, TX

  • Overview - Round robin tourney with singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles events. 2.0-4.5 skill brackets and age brackets. Matches are best 2/3.

  • Price - $80

  • Location - Austin Tennis Center, Austin, TX

  • Overview - Round Robin format with 2.5-5.0+ skill brackets events. Must register with a partner. 6 games to 11 or 4 games to 15 guarantee. 

  • Price - $40 per player

Onion Creek Picklefest - May 18, 2024

  • Location - Onion Creek Club, Austin, TX

  • Overview - Round robin men’s and women’s doubles tournament with 3.0-4.5 skill brackets. 2 game minimum.

  • Price - $80

002 Spring Classic - May 17-19, 2024

  • Location - Horseshoe Bay Resort, Horseshoe Bay, TX

  • Overview - Round robin tourney with double elimination singles and gender doubles and round robin mixed doubles. 3.0-4.5 + open division skill brackets with age brackets. 3 game minimum.

  • Price - $75 for first event, $25 for each subsequent event

  • Location - Texas School for the Deaf, Austin, TX

  • Overview - Co-ed doubles scramble with 3.0-4.5+ skill brackets and age brackets. Results not submitted for DUPR. 3 game minimum.

  • Price - $50

  • Location - Austin Tennis Center, Austin, TX

  • Overview - Round robin tourney with singles, mixed doubles, and gender/nonbinary doubles events. 2.5-5.0+ skill brackets. 4 game minimum.

  • Price - $40 per player

The ATX Double’s Dink - June 8-9, 2024

  • Location - Dreamland, Dripping Springs, TX

  • Overview - Round robin tourney with singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles events. 2.5-5.0 skill brackets with age brackets. 5 game minimum.

  • Price - $75 for first event, $45 for second event

Greater Texas Area Pickleball Tournaments - Dallas, San Antonio, Houston

  • Location - John Newcombe Country Club, New Braunfels, TX

  • Overview - Round robin money pickleball tournament with singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles events. 3.0+, 4.0+, and open skill brackets. 3 game minimum.

  • Price - $45

  • Location - PALA Pickleball, Houston, TX

  • Overview - Round robin tourney with singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles events. 3.0-5.0 skill brackets with age brackets. 8 match guarantee.

  • Price - $90 registration + $35 for singles events and $50 for doubles events.

  • Location - Oasis Pickleball Club, Rockwell, TX (outside Dallas)

  • Overview - Pool play tournament featuring singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles events. 3.0-5.0 skill brackets with age brackets. Games to 15, win by 2. 3 match guarantee.

  • Price - $160

PPA Tour: CIBC Texas Open - May 29-June 2, 2024

  • Location - Oasis Pickleball Club, Rockwell, TX (outside Dallas)

  • Overview - PPA Tour stop where amateur matches will be played alongside the championship court. Double elimination tournament with singles, mixed doubles, and gender double events. 3.0-5.0 skill brackets with age brackets. 3 game minimum.

  • Price - $140 ($95 Tourney Fee + $40 event fee + $5 service fee)

Good luck in your tournaments!

Austin Pickleball Update Social Groups

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Looking to purchase a Ruby, Double Black Diamond, or other Six Zero pickleball gear? Use code "APU" to save 10% off your entire purchase! Check out the full Six Zero online catalog here.

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If you’re looking for places to play pickleball in Austin, check out our Austin Pickleball Courts and Clubs page here. 

Previous volumes of Austin Pickleball Update:

If you have any Austin pickleball news, tips, or topics that we should cover or may have missed, please reach out! We're always grateful to hear from our readers.

Look out for Austin Pickleball Update - Volume 13 on Thursday, May 9, 2024!

See you on the courts!✌️

Phillip & Kylee Klugman - Austin Pickleball Update