Pickleball Etiquette: Don’t Be That Guy on the Court
Pickleball is fun, but it’s more than just hitting a ball over a net. It’s about being a good sport and making friends on the court. You might know the rules, but do you know the unwritten ones?
Good pickleball etiquette means being respectful, friendly, and fair when you play. It’s about how you act towards other players, both on your side of the net and across from you. When you follow these unspoken rules, everyone has a better time.
Want to be a great pickleball player that others love to play with? Let’s talk about some key pickleball etiquette tips that will make your game more enjoyable for everyone. These simple acts of kindness and respect can make a big difference in how much fun you and others have on the court.
Basic Rules of The Game
Pickleball has some key rules you need to know before stepping on the court. These rules cover scoring, serving, and how to play within the lines.
Scoring System
You’ll score points only when serving. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2. The score is called out as three numbers: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, and server number (1 or 2).
Teams switch sides when the first team reaches 6 points. In tournaments, games may go to 15 or 21 points.
Respect for the game includes being honest about the score. If you’re unsure, ask your opponents politely.
Serving Dos and Don’ts
Serve diagonally across the court, making sure the ball lands in the correct service area. You must serve underhand, hitting the ball below your waist.
Don’t let the ball bounce before hitting it on your serve. The serving team can only score points, so a fault on your serve means the other team gets to serve.
There’s a “two-bounce rule” – after the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. This helps slow down the game at the start of each rally.
Court Lines and Boundaries
The court is divided into sections, each with its own rules. The non-volley zone (or “kitchen”) is a 7-foot area on each side of the net. You can’t volley (hit the ball without letting it bounce) while in this zone.
Balls landing on any line are considered “in”. The baseline and sidelines mark the court’s outer edges. If you hit outside these lines, it’s out of bounds.
During play, you can stand anywhere, but remember the kitchen rules when you’re near the net. Stepping into the kitchen to hit a volley is a fault.
Pre-Game Etiquette
Getting ready for a pickleball match involves more than just grabbing your paddle. Good etiquette starts before you even step on the court. It helps create a positive atmosphere for everyone.
Arriving on Time
You should aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled game time. This gives you enough time to find the right court and get ready. Being punctual shows respect for your partners and opponents.
If you’re running late, let your playing partners know. A quick text or call can make a big difference. It allows others to adjust their plans if needed.
Remember, pickleball is about respecting the game and other players. Showing up on time is a simple way to do that.
Equipment Check
Before heading to the court, make sure you have all the necessary gear. This includes your paddle, appropriate shoes, and water bottle.
Check that your paddle is clean and in good condition. Remove any dirt or debris that could affect play.
Wear shoes designed for court sports. They should provide good traction and support to prevent injuries.
Bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout your game. It’s also nice to have a small towel to wipe away sweat.
By having the right equipment ready, you’ll avoid delays and show that you’re prepared to play.
Warm-Up Courtesy
When you get on the court, take time to warm up properly. This helps prevent injuries and gets you ready for the game.
Start with some light stretching. Then, hit some easy shots back and forth with your partner.
During warm-ups, be considerate of others. Don’t hog the ball or hit too aggressively. Give everyone a chance to get loose.
If you’re playing doubles, make sure all four players get equal warm-up time. This includes practicing serves and returns.
Keep the warm-up brief, usually around 5-10 minutes. This ensures you have plenty of time for actual gameplay.
On-Court Behavior
Good manners on the pickleball court make the game more fun for everyone. Staying calm, treating others well, and handling problems nicely are key parts of playing with good etiquette.
Maintaining Composure
Keep your cool when playing pickleball. Don’t yell or throw your paddle if you make a mistake. Take deep breaths to stay calm if you get frustrated.
Showing sportsmanship means cheering for good shots, even from your opponents. Avoid trash talking or taunting other players.
If you’re having a bad game, try to stay positive. Focus on what you can learn instead of getting upset. Remember, pickleball is meant to be fun!
Respecting Opponents
Greet the other players before you start playing. Introduce yourself if you haven’t met before. This helps create a friendly atmosphere on the court.
Be honest about line calls. If you’re not sure, give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent. Don’t argue about close calls – it’s just a game.
Call out the score clearly before each serve. Make sure everyone can hear you to avoid confusion.
After the game, shake hands or tap paddles with your opponents. Thank them for the game, win or lose.
Handling Disputes Gracefully
If there’s a disagreement, stay calm and talk it out politely. Listen to what others have to say before responding.
For tough calls, offer to replay the point. This is often the fairest solution when players can’t agree.
If you can’t resolve an issue, ask a referee or another player to help. Accept their decision without complaining.
Remember that most disputes aren’t worth ruining the game over. It’s better to let small things go and keep playing.
Communication with Players
Good communication is key in pickleball. It helps keep the game running smoothly and creates a friendly atmosphere on the court. Clear and respectful communication with other players is an important part of pickleball etiquette.
Calling the Score
Before each serve, clearly call out the score. This keeps everyone on the same page and prevents confusion. Use a loud, clear voice that all players can hear.
The score consists of three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2).
For example, you might call “4-2-1”. This means:
- Serving team has 4 points
- Receiving team has 2 points
- It’s the first server’s turn
If you’re unsure about the score, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s better to double-check than to play with the wrong score.
Acknowledging Good Shots
When your opponent makes a great shot, give them a quick compliment. A simple “nice shot” or “well played” goes a long way. This shows good sportsmanship and helps create a positive atmosphere on the court.
You can also use non-verbal cues like a thumbs up or a nod. These small gestures help build rapport with other players and make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Remember to keep your tone sincere and avoid sarcasm. Even if you’re losing, try to appreciate good play from your opponents.
Announcing In or Out Bounds
Calling the ball in or out is a crucial part of pickleball etiquette. When a ball lands near the line, it’s your responsibility to call it if it’s on your side of the court.
Make your call quickly and clearly. Say “out” for balls that land outside the lines, and “in” for balls that touch any part of the line. If you’re not sure, give your opponent the benefit of the doubt and call it “in”.
Be honest with your calls. Making fair calls, even if they go against you, is an important part of the game. If you make a mistake, correct it immediately. Your integrity is more important than winning a single point.
Post-Game Chat
Take a moment to chat with the other players after the game. Keep it light and friendly.
You might:
- Compliment a great shot or strategy they used
- Ask about their paddle or where they usually play
- Share a funny moment from the game
Keep it brief, especially if others are waiting to use the court. A quick 2-3 minute chat is usually plenty.
Avoid rehashing every point or making excuses if you lost. Nobody wants to hear a play-by-play breakdown or why you think you should have won.
Vacating the Court Promptly
Be mindful of other players waiting to use the court. Once you’ve finished your post-game handshakes and brief chat, it’s time to clear out.
Gather your belongings quickly. Don’t linger on the court to have an extended conversation or check your phone.
Move off to the side so the next group can start setting up.
If there’s a water fountain or seating area nearby, that’s a better spot to continue socializing. Remember, the quicker you clear out, the sooner others can start their game.
