Pickleball is a fun social game, with just enough friendly competition to make things interesting. Whether you’re a new player on the court or a pro looking to brush up on the unwritten rules of the game, here’s an etiquette guide to ensure that everyone has a blast.
Pre-game
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Be a patient pickle player
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Wait for your turn when a court becomes available. If you want to join in a game, wait until the point is over (or ideally between games) to ask to join or rotate in. You wouldn’t want to disrupt the flow of someone else’s game!
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Introduce yourself
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Set the tone on the court by doing a quick introduction. Be yourself, and share how excited you are to play with everyone!
During the game
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Call it what it is
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Be sure to call the score before serving. Do it loudly, clearly, and proudly. If you have a background in tennis, try not to call the score in tennis terms to avoid confusion.
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Respect line calls
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Players are expected to call balls in or out on their side. Accept your opponents’ calls graciously, and if you question their call, do so respectfully. Never argue over a line call, it lowers the vibe for everyone. Call out balls if you see it clearly and are certain it’s out. If you’re unsure if a ball is in, it’s in play!
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Don’t be a pickle nitpick
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Advice or tips, though well intended, given during a game can be seen as rude or patronizing. Wait until after the game to talk strategy and technique if a player is open to receiving feedback.
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Keep a courteous space
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Each player’s paddle is personal to them, and they have their own preferences when handling their gear. If you want to check out another player’s paddle, be sure to ask them first.
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Be a good pickle partner
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Support your partner through their best moments and their inevitable mistakes. Encourage them kindly when they aren’t doing their best and show your excitement when they hustle well.
Safety and consideration
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To call or not to call “ball”
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If a stray ball rolls onto your court, or yours goes into another, shout “Ball!” to stop play and prevent injury. But, there is no need to call “Ball” for every stray, especially if it doesn’t impact play.
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Send it back
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Be intentional about returning stray balls. Make eye contact before rolling or gently hitting the ball back towards the player’s paddle or side.
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Be a poised pickle player
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Calling back to our etiquette rule on respecting line calls, don’t get angry about plays or mistakes made on the court. There is no reason to slam paddles, hit overly aggressive shots, or shout at other players. Everyone wants to have a good time, and the best way to do that is to contribute your positive attitude.
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Pickles crossing
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Never cross a court that has a game in motion. Not only do you risk ruining the game, you might be hit by the ball.
After the game
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Postgame paddle tap
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Paddle taps are a friendly gesture to symbolize the end of the game and respect to all players. You can do this by lightly (emphasis on lightly) tapping the top of your paddle or the bottom of the handle to your opponents’ paddles. This helps build rapport and keeps the pickleball community strong.
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Give a little gratitude
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Thank your opponents and partner for playing. This is another small gesture that goes a long way to build community. If there was a shot or trick they made that you admired, compliment them on that too!
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Open play? Rotate out
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If you’re playing on an open court, don’t be a pickleball pig and hog the court from others. Allowing others to play allows you to have your fair turn again in the future. For specific rotation rules, follow whatever system your local court has in place.
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Ask questions
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Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if there is a rule or play that doesn’t seem to make sense. Even asking someone, “Hey I’m new, how do things run here?” shows that you are interested and eager to be part of the community.
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Be the kind of player you’d want to play with
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Perhaps the most important rule of all, is to be the pickleball player you’d want to play with, as a partner or opponent. Everyone wants to be treated with respect and to have fun on the court, and the best way to do that is to show up with that energy yourself. While each player may have their own preferences, to leave it all out on the court or to just enjoy a game outdoors, everyone can agree that they want to play with others who are kind, fair, and game to have fun.
Share this guide with someone who could benefit from it. At Pickle People, we believe in fostering playfulness and building community within pickleball, no matter your skill level or frequency of play.
Ready to rally? Bring your personality to the court, check out our beginner-friendly paddles, starter kits, and gear.