Pickleball is known as one of the most friendly and welcoming sports out there. It’s where competitive play meets neighborly kindness—and, occasionally, passive-aggressive side-eye when someone calls a ball “out” that was definitely in. To help you navigate the fine line between fun and frustration, let’s dive into the unspoken (and sometimes loudly spoken) rules of pickleball etiquette. Because no one wants to be that player.
1. Call Your Own Lines (Even If You Wish You Didn’t Have To)
In pickleball, it’s up to you to call whether the ball lands in or out on your side of the court. Sounds simple, right? Until the ball lands just on the edge, and your brain starts doing mental gymnastics.
What to Do:
• If it’s close and you’re not sure, call it “in.” It’s better to give your opponent the benefit of the doubt than to start a court-wide argument over 2 millimeters of plastic.
• Avoid dramatic declarations like “THAT WAS OUT BY A MILE!” when it was clearly just out. Subtlety is key, even if you’re right.
What Not to Do:
• Don’t call a ball out while it’s still in the air. This isn’t tennis, and you’re not chair umpire at Wimbledon.
2. The Golden Rule: Respect the Kitchen (and Everyone Else)
The kitchen, or no-volley zone, is sacred ground in pickleball. And while it’s tempting to plant yourself in there like a potted fern, the rules are clear: no volleying in the kitchen.
What to Do:
• Follow the rules and stay out of the kitchen unless the ball bounces first.
• Politely remind others if they forget. A simple “Watch the kitchen!” will suffice. Avoid screaming “KITCHEN!” like you’ve spotted a fire in the breakroom.
What Not to Do:
• Don’t point aggressively at someone’s foot and yell, “FOOT FAULT!” It’s not worth losing your spot in the post-game group selfie.
3. Serve Like a Civilized Human Being
Pickleball serves are meant to be underhand and gentle. This isn’t the time to show off your 90 mph tennis serve (save that for the local tennis court where it belongs).
What to Do:
• Announce the score clearly before every serve. Loudly enough that everyone can hear you, but not so loud that someone calls the cops.
• Serve underhand, with one smooth motion. Think “graceful dolphin,” not “frustrated octopus.”
What Not to Do:
• Don’t try to sneak in a fast serve while your opponent is adjusting their sunglasses. You’re here to win, not to ambush.
4. Be a Good Partner
Pickleball doubles is all about teamwork. And by teamwork, I mean not making your partner wish they’d chosen literally anyone else.
What to Do:
• Communicate! Call “mine” or “yours” to avoid awkward collisions (or worse, paddle-to-paddle combat).
• Encourage your partner. A simple “Nice try!” or “Good shot!” goes a long way—even if their shot was… less than ideal.
What Not to Do:
• Don’t blame your partner for every missed point. You’re a team, which means you share the glory and the shame.
5. Respect the Flow of the Game
Pickleball is fast-paced, but that doesn’t mean you should rush like you’re trying to set a speedrun record. At the same time, no one wants to watch you spend five minutes debating the exact location of your last shot.
What to Do:
• Keep the game moving. Take a reasonable amount of time between points, but don’t turn it into an intermission.
• If there’s a dispute about the score, pause and sort it out calmly. Bonus points if you can solve it without calling for “courtroom-level evidence.”
What Not to Do:
• Don’t stall intentionally to throw off your opponents’ rhythm. This isn’t a chess match—you don’t get to “think about your next move” for five minutes.
6. Leave Your Ego at the Door
Everyone loves a competitive match, but there’s a fine line between confidence and being that guy. You know, the one who smashes the ball at someone’s face and then fist-pumps like they just won the Super Bowl.
What to Do:
• Celebrate your wins humbly. A quick “Nice rally!” or a smile is all you need.
• Compliment your opponent on great shots. Even if they just lobbed it perfectly over your head for the 15th time.
What Not to Do:
• Don’t scream “YES!” every time you win a point. It’s pickleball, not a wrestling match.
7. Handle Disputes Like a Pro (Not a Drama Queen)
Disagreements happen. A ball that’s called “in” by one person might look “out” to another. But how you handle these moments says a lot about you as a player (and as a human).
What to Do:
• Stay calm. Take a deep breath, discuss it politely, and, if needed, replay the point.
• Be open to compromise. If the other team seems genuinely unsure, let it slide.
What Not to Do:
• Don’t throw your paddle, stomp around, or mutter insults under your breath. You’re not auditioning for a reality TV show.
8. Say “Thank You” (Because Your Mom Raised You Right)
Pickleball courts often have limited space, so be mindful of others waiting to play. When your game ends, thank your opponents and partners for the match, even if they crushed you 11-0.
What to Do:
• A quick “Good game!” or “Thanks for playing!” is the perfect send-off.
• Offer to rotate off the court if others are waiting. Sharing is caring.
What Not to Do:
• Don’t storm off without a word because you lost. That’s not pickleball—it’s just being a sore loser.
Final Thoughts: Play Nice and Have Fun
Pickleball is more than just a game—it’s a community. Following basic etiquette ensures everyone has a good time, whether they’re smashing winners or chasing dinks like a caffeinated squirrel.
So, call your lines honestly, respect the kitchen, and remember: It’s not about who wins or loses—it’s about who brought the best snacks to share afterward. (Pro tip: It’s always the person with the pickle-themed cookies.)
Now go forth, play nice, and dominate the court with kindness (and maybe a killer drop shot).