APL Rules Explained


Phase 1: Round Robin

Steps 1-4 - Everyone plays with everyone

1

No Set Partners

You come to the tournament solo — no pre-set partners or teams. Everyone starts on equal footing and gets paired with different players throughout the round. This creates a true test of individual skill while letting you meet new people.

Tip: Great for making new pickleball friends!

2

Partner With Everyone Once

You'll partner with each player in the tournament exactly once. The system automatically generates all matchups so every combination happens fairly. With 8 players, you'll play 7 games — each with a different partner by your side.

Tip: Pay attention to who you work well with — it matters later!

3

Standings Based on Performance

Your ranking is determined by three factors in order: total wins, point differential (points scored minus points allowed), and total points scored. This ensures standings reflect your overall performance across all games, not just one lucky match.

Tip: Every point counts — play hard all the way through!

4

Top 6 Advance to Money Round

After the round robin, the top 6 players advance to the Money Round. The bottom 2 are eliminated. Even if you're not in 1st place after round robin, you still have a path to win it all — that's what makes this format exciting.

Tip: Finishing strong matters more than where you start!

Phase 2: Money Round

Steps 5-8 - Top players compete for the win

5

3rd Seed Picks Their Partner

Here's where strategy kicks in. The 3rd seed gets to choose their partner for the first Money Round match — picking from the 4th, 5th, or 6th seed. This rewards strong round robin performance with a tactical advantage. Choose the player you had the best chemistry with!

Tip: Think about who complemented your play style during round robin.

6

Winner Advances to Face 1st Seed

The winning team from the 3rd seed's match advances to face the 1st seed in the championship. The losing team is eliminated. This single-elimination format creates high-stakes drama — one game to move on or go home.

Tip: This is where clutch players shine!

7

1st Seed Chooses Their Opponent

The 1st seed earns the ultimate advantage: they choose who to face in the championship. They can pick the 2nd seed, OR they can pick one of the players who just won the previous match. This strategic decision can make or break the entire tournament.

Tip: Do you pick the known threat or the hot hand? Choose wisely!

8

Championship Match

The final showdown. 1st seed and their chosen opponent battle it out for the championship. Winner takes all the glory and bragging rights until next time. This is what the whole tournament builds toward — one match to decide it all.

Tip: Leave everything on the court!


Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 8 players the minimum?

The PopUpSystem format requires exactly 8 or 9 players to work properly. With 8 players, you get 7 round robin games where you partner with everyone exactly once. This creates the perfect balance of matchups for fair standings and an exciting money round.

How long does each game last?

Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points, depending on the organizer's settings. Most games take 10-15 minutes.

Do I need to commit to the full tournament?

Yes! A PopUpSystem tournament takes about 2 hours from start to finish. All players must commit to staying the entire time. If you can't make the full 2 hours, it's best to sit this one out and join the next one.

Is this format good for beginners?

Absolutely! Playing with everyone means beginners get to learn from more experienced players, and the format is easy to follow.


Naples 

FL, 34114