APP Next Gen Tour: The APP Next Gen Tour, which aims to spotlight America’s emerging pickleball talent, is gearing up for its second event of the year at Chicken N Pickle in St. Charles, MO. From July 19-21, 126 players will compete for a share of the $15,000 prize money, marking a significant opportunity for young players to showcase their skills on both indoor and outdoor hard courts.
Enhanced Registration System
The registration process for this event has seen a transformation due to overwhelming demand. The new system allows players to register in the Applicant List (Pending Acceptance) status without any initial cost. This change is designed to accommodate the high interest and ensure a fair selection process by the APP Next Gen Selection Committee, which will finalize the 80 competitors from May 2-17.
Launchpad for Future Champions
Since its inception in 2021, the APP Next Gen Tour has been a launchpad for numerous top-tier American pickleball players. Notable alumni include JW Johnson and Jorja Johnson, Dylan Frazier, and many others who have since made significant impacts on the professional circuit. The tour’s mission is to develop the next generation of champions through competition and education, preparing them for future international and APP Tour events.
Rigorous Competition Format
The format of the St. Charles event is rigorous. Players are required to participate in all three days of competition to accumulate points, which will determine the top five overall winners who will receive payouts and medals. This structure emphasizes consistency and endurance, testing players across various disciplines including men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and singles.
One unique aspect of the APP Next Gen Tour is its commitment to player development beyond just the matches. Lee Whitwell, the Next Gen National Team Coach, will conduct on-court drilling sessions for players eliminated early from bracket play. Additionally, the tournament will offer seminars and catered meals, fostering a holistic growth environment for these young athletes.
Packed Tournament Schedule
The tournament schedule is packed, starting with practice court time on Thursday evening, followed by competitive play from Friday through Sunday. Each day presents different challenges:
- Friday features alternate gender doubles and mixed doubles, with top-side matches played best 2 out of 3 games to 11.
- Saturday sees the open men’s and women’s doubles, maintaining the rigorous best 2 out of 3 format for top-side matches.
- Sunday focuses on singles with a new rally scoring system, where points are awarded for winning rallies regardless of who served.
The event is sanctioned by USA Pickleball, requiring all participants to hold a current USAP membership. This ensures a standard of professionalism and adherence to the sport’s regulations, contributing to the event’s high competitive integrity.
As the APP Next Gen Tour heads to St. Charles, the excitement and stakes are palpable. The evolving landscape of pickleball sees new stars emerging with each event, and the players in this tour stop have the chance to make a lasting impression. For those aiming to make their mark on the national stage, this tournament represents a pivotal moment in their burgeoning careers.
News in Brief: APP Next Gen Tour
The APP Next Gen Tour is set for its second event of the year at Chicken N Pickle in St. Charles, MO, from July 19-21. With 126 young players competing for $15,000, the event offers a significant opportunity to showcase their skills. The new registration system accommodates high demand, allowing players to register without initial cost. Notable alumni include JW Johnson and Jorja Johnson.
The competition format spans three days, requiring participation in all events to determine the top winners. Besides matches, on-court drilling sessions and seminars will foster player development. Sanctioned by USA Pickleball, the tournament ensures high competitive integrity, offering young athletes a pivotal moment to make their mark on the national stage.
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