Juniors 12U (Beginner/Intermediate) Division

Age Group: 12 and under (typically ages 8–12)

Skill Level: 2.0 to 3.0 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Division Overview

This division is designed to be a fun, welcoming, and low-pressure introduction to competitive tournament play. It is perfect for kids who love the game, have transitioned past basic lessons, and are ready to experience the excitement of organized matches. The focus of this division is on development, fair play, and building confidence on the court.

Tournament Readiness Checklist

To ensure matches flow smoothly, are fair, and remain fun for everyone, players in this division must be able to do the following independently on court (without parental or coaching assistance):

Consistently Serve and Return: Players must be able to hit a legal underhand serve into the correct diagonal court and return incoming serves over the net at least 50% of the time.
Keep Track of the Score: Players must understand how pickleball scoring works and know whose turn it is to serve and receive.
Understand the Kitchen Rule: Players must know what the Non-Volley Zone (the "kitchen") is and understand that they cannot hit a ball out of the air (volley) while standing inside or stepping on the kitchen line.
Make Line Calls: Players are responsible for calling balls "in" or "out" on their side of the net. They must be able to make these calls honestly and understand that if they aren't sure, the ball is considered "in."
Navigate the Court Independently: Parents and coaches are not allowed on the court during active play. Players must be able to play a full match, resolve basic score disputes with their opponents, and shake hands at the net afterward.

Our court monitors will be present to help facilitate matches, clarify rules, and keep things moving, but they are not there to referee every point.

Beach Pickleball: LB State Men's Volleyball Fundraiser Tournament