Pickleball Etiquette
Here are some pickleball etiquette rules your should be following. If you’re new to the game, you may be a bit lost on the court both in terms of how to play and how to act. These are not official pickleball rules for the most part, but they are general pickleball etiquette rules that should be followed especially during rec play. For Official Pickleball Rules visit our page on pickleball rules.
- Balls From Other Courts – If a pickleball is inadvertently hit onto your court from another court, just retrieve it after the point is over (unless it is a safety issue because it has rolled into the area of play) and toss it back to them. Make sure you have made visual or verbal contact with them before just hitting the pickleball back to them and make sure to give them the same ball back. Do not switch ball even if they are the same as the ones you are playing with.
- Retrieving Your Ball From Another Court – If you are retrieving your pickleball from an adjacent court, Wait for their current play to end before proceeding onto their pickleball court. It is a good idea to make eye contact or speak with someone from that court before proceeding onto their court. Make sure to take your ball (even if they are all the same, and ask if necessary). Pickleball balls may appear the same but they can play very differently for a variety of reasons.
- Crossing or Entering Other Pickleball Courts – Don’t cross behind or enter another court during play. Wait until the match or play has stopped. Entering another pickleball court during play is not only rude, but it can be very dangerous.
- Playing for Fun – If you are playing rec ball then everyone is there to play for fun. Don’t play keep away from the best player on the other team just so you can win. If you are that competitive then join a competitive club or league.
- Playing for Fun (2) – This one is two part.
- We are all beginners at some point and the only way you get better is by practicing and playing. If you are the weakest player on the court be appreciative, make sure to thank and “good game” those you are playing with. If there are people waiting to play or join make sure not to stay too long and rotate out with other players.
- Likewise if you are the strongest player, tone it down a little and play with the group. you can always focus on little parts of your game or a specific shot and trying to get better.
- Taunting – In general excessive celebration over a point or match is rude. If you are playing with a close knit group where this is accepted (and there is no one else playing around you) by all means chest bump, fist pump, and celebrate. Keep in mind that if you are sharing the courts with other people this behavior can be extremely distracting and uncourteous.
- Group Play and Rotations – If you are showing up solo and looking for a game don’t avoid a group of weaker or stronger players. Let them know you skill level, be gracious and get out there and have some fun..
- In or Out – When it comes to calling a shot in or out, if you and your partner can’t determine if the ball was in or out or if you disagree with your partner on whether it was in or out then the ball it out. The benefit of the doubt goes always goes to your opponent. This is the only one on the list that is an actual rule!
- The Golden Rule – We should all be familiar with this one. In rec play, don’t exploit someone’s physical limitations just so you can win. If you are on the court playing recreational pickleball then you are there to play for fun so make it fun for all involved. You wouldn’t want someone your weakness of physical limitation.
Conclusion – There are all levels of pickleball play from beginner to expert. Find the one that is right for you and get out there and play. If you are looking for something competitive ask around the courts or at the local pickleball shop, pickleballers will know. Keep in mind that if you don’t follow simple etiquette guidelines you may find you have no one or nowhere to play.