John Niematka returns a volley to his wife Michi at Sierra Sport and Racquet Club in Fresno. Photo by Ben Hensley

The Sierra Sport and Racquet Club is hosting its third annual California Pickleball Classic from Nov 1-3.

The event is the largest in its short history, with over 180 people registered as of Oct. 23 competing for $9,000 in cash prizes — an increase from past years.

The increase is to attract some of the best players from the western United States to compete.

Nov. 1 will have a free open play for anyone — even those who aren’t members of the Sierra Sport and Racquet Club. Those who aren’t members are required to fill out a waiver for the tournament. Tap House will also provide food and drinks at Sierra and Firestone Walker Brewery.

The tournament will take place on the 2nd and 3rd with multiple divisions for multiple age groups. The lowest division is 3.0, which the US Pickleball website describes as someone who, “Understands fundamentals. Is learning proper court positioning. Knows the fundamental rules and can keep score and is now playing tournaments.”

The highest division is 4.5 which is someone who, “Has good footwork and moves laterally, backward, and forward well. Uses weight transfer for more efficient footwork. Able to change direction with ease. Very comfortable playing at the non-volley zone. Communicates and moves well with partner — easily ‘stacks’ court positions. Understands strategy and can adjust style of play and game plan according to the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and court position. Limited number of unforced errors.”

This year’s benefactor will be the Fresno State Pickleball Club. 100% of the proceeds will go to the club to help it compete in tournaments nationwide.