Remember that pickleball is only a game. A game that is a lot of fun. It is not a metaphor for life. For recreational players, it is not a profession. We’re quite sure that you’re making much money playing pickleball at rec centres and you aren’t turning pro anytime soon. Rest of your day shouldn’t be affected based on your success, or not, after a recreational pickleball game(s). We need to keep in mind that we are playing a fun GAME. So don’t suck the fun out of it.
— Pickleball Etiquette —
(for a newbie and for some experienced players)
If you’re a pickleball newbie, you can download the USAPA & IFP Official Tournament Rulebook to find the “official” rules about how to play the game of pickleball. Etiquette “rules,” on the other hand, are generally unwritten – yet equally as important. Rules that you won’t find in any official pickleball tournament handbook or rulebook.
- If playing against mixed partners be courteous and do not slam directly at weaker opponents.
- When playing in a non-competitive environment take time to occasionally play with weaker players – they will be thrilled to have the experience.
- Don’t play keep away from the better player on the other team during recreational play just so you can win – they want to play too and that’s very annoying!
- Don’t chest-bump or be excessive in the celebration when your opponent makes an error. If, on the other hand, you or your partner made a great play… 🙂. Same goes for the “spectators.” Please don’t clap or cheer when the opposing player misses an easy shot. Simply put, don’t be “that person”.
- If you are obviously the weakest player on the court, thank the other players for playing with you after the game. However, don’t take advantage of their graciousness by staying on the court for an indefinite period of time. More than a game or two will undoubtedly wear out your welcome.
- If you are asked to play with a group that is obviously of a lower skill level than you, graciously accept and play a game or two with them. They will likely appreciate your graciousness and understand that you want to get back to similarly-skilled players after the game. Remember when you started playing and how you felt.
- If you are obviously the strongest person in your foursome, tone down the competitiveness and hit your opponent’s balls that they can return. Work on a new skill – perhaps it’s a great time for work on that third shot drop shot.
- If you and your partner can’t determine if the ball was in or out – or if you disagree with your partner on a line call – the benefit of the doubt goes to your opponent. Wait! That’s actually an “official” rule!
- In recreational play, don’t exploit someone’s physical limitations just so you can “win.” That’s NOT cool!
— Court Safety —
- Wear proper court shoes.
- Do NOT back up on the court. Instead, turn and move sideways.
- Do NOT run into other active courts when playing your ball.
- Do NOT chase your ball through other active courts if it gets away from you. Call “BALL ON COURT” so people are aware that a ball might be underfoot and wait for others to return the ball. Raise your hand or paddle so they know where to return the ball.
- When retrieving a loose ball, identify whose ball it is before returning it. E.g. look for players waving at you. Do NOT just roll, kick or flick the ball out of your way. Make eye contact and, with ball in hand, throw or hit it back (in the air) to the player identified. When possible return the ball behind the courts.
- STOP play immediately if a loose ball comes on your court or behind it. Shout “BALL ON COURT”. Wait for the ball to be safely returned. Then replay your rally.
- When going to and from a court be aware and stay well clear of other active players and courts. If you must cross a court in play, wait for the rally to end and get the attention of the players. Walk together “as a group” quickly to minimize disruption – and don’t cross while players are getting ready to serve.
- Consider wearing protective eyewear.
- Keep yourself well hydrated.