Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and as the popularity of the game increases, so does the need for good pickleball etiquette. Whether you’re an experienced player or a novice, understanding and following proper pickleball etiquette is crucial to a fun experience for all.
This guide will walk you through the most important rules of pickleball etiquette and help you move around the court with confidence and respect.
Pickleball is a fast-paced game, and time on the court is often limited, especially in busy facilities. One of the most essential aspects of pickleball court etiquette is to be mindful of how much time you spend on the court. If others are waiting to play, keep your games short and sweet. If you’re part of a group that is hogging the court, have the social awareness to swap players or invite others to join in.
Distractions can easily disturb a player’s concentration and impair the game flow. Avoid making unnecessary noises, movements, or comments while a point is being played. This also includes not running behind the court while a game is in progress. If you must cross the court, wait until the point has finished.
In pickleball, calling out the score is customary before each serve. This simple act of communication is a vital part of pickleball court etiquette. It ensures everyone is on the same page and helps to avoid disputes over the score. Always call the server’s score first, followed by the opponent’s score, and then the number of serves remaining.
Disagreements about whether a ball was in or out are not uncommon in pickleball but should be handled calmly. If you’re uncertain about a decision, give your opponent the benefit of the doubt. Remember that the point is to enjoy the game, not to win at all costs. If disputes keep happening, introduce a rule where close decisions are replayed. With our new Wingfield technology, out calls will never be missed thanks to video recording technology. Ask the front desk about signing up for Wingfield next time you’re in the club.
Good sportsmanship is at the heart of pickleball etiquette. At the end of a game, giving the opponents a handshake or a paddle tap is customary. This gesture shows respect and acknowledges the effort from both sides. Even if the game was very intense, taking the time to acknowledge your opponents is a gracious part of pickleball.
In doubles, the serve switches between the teams and players after each point. Forgetting to switch serves can disrupt the game’s flow and cause confusion. Make sure you follow the correct serving order and politely ask your partner or opponents for an explanation if you’re unsure. Following the correct service order is one of the important rules of pickleball.
Leaving trash or personal belongings on the court is a breach of pickleball etiquette. It’s disrespectful to others who want to use the court and can also create safety hazards. Always clean up, dispose of trash, and take your belongings with you when you leave. If you see trash left behind by others, consider picking it up as a courtesy to the next players.
Celebrating a great shot or a hard-fought victory is part of the fun in pickleball, but try to keep it in check. Excessive celebrations, or “rubbing it in their face,” can come across as unsportsmanlike and may make your opponents feel disrespected. A simple fist pump or a “good get” to your partner is more than enough to acknowledge a good play.
Pickleball is known for its welcoming and inclusive community, and one of the best ways to uphold this tradition is by encouraging new players. Whether it’s offering a friendly tip or inviting someone to join a game, showing support for beginners is a crucial part of pickleball etiquette. Remember, everyone was a beginner once, and your kindness can make a big difference in someone’s experience.
Pickleball should be competitive, but it’s important to remember that it’s just a game. Taking the game too seriously can lead to frustration, arguments, and a negative atmosphere on the court. No one wants that; keep it light, enjoy the camaraderie, and focus on having fun. After all, the best thing about pickleball is the joy it brings, both on and off the court.
Understanding and practicing proper pickleball etiquette is important to creating a positive experience for everyone involved. When you behave respectfully, follow the rules, and demonstrate good sportsmanship, you contribute to the welcoming and inclusive environment that makes pickleball unique. Whether you’re playing at The Picklr or elsewhere, following these rules will help you enjoy the game to the fullest.
Learn more about our youth pickleball program or adult clinics today.
Kathryn Bullough is a seasoned marketing leader with a distinguished track record of over 15 years. She has orchestrated the growth of global brands and spearheaded successful marketing initiatives within the consumer tech, sporting goods, and public safety sectors. Her impactful roles at industry leaders such as Skullcandy, Axon, Salomon, and Atomic underscore her extensive marketing expertise.
Intrinsically linked to diverse industries, Kathryn brings her wealth of experience to The Picklr from her role at Axon, a frontrunner in public safety technology. There, she pioneered groundbreaking marketing efforts, crafting and executing pioneering brand campaigns and internal strategies. Prior to that, she led global brand marketing efforts at consumer electronics giant, Skullcandy, developing and implementing brand marketing efforts across the globe for more than 7 years. Kathryn earned her B.A. from the College of Charleston and has called Salt Lake City, UT, her home for more than 12 years.
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