We’ve all played with “that person”—the one who unknowingly makes rec play frustrating. Maybe they hog every shot, argue about line calls, or never rotate out when it’s their turn. But here’s the real question: Could YOU be that person? 😬
Don’t worry, we’re all guilty of an occasional pickleball faux pas. The key is awareness and fixing the habits that might be driving your group nuts.
So, let’s break down the biggest pickleball pet peeves and how to keep your group happy and wanting to play with you!
1. Are You Taking Games Too Seriously?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Arguing every close call like it’s a million-dollar point.
- Getting mad at partners for mistakes (they’re here for fun, not a lecture).
- Treating every dink like a battle for world domination.
✅ What TO do:
- Match your intensity to the group vibe. If people are laughing and chatting between points, take a breath and enjoy it.
- If you’re dying for serious competition, organize a separate, higher-level play session instead of forcing rec players to match your energy.
- Be encouraging, not critical. Help your partner feel confident, not stressed.
Bottom Line: If people aren’t enjoying playing with you, you won’t get many invites back. Keep it fun!
2. Do You Hog the Court?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Running in front of your partner to take their shots.
- Playing both sides of the court like you’re in a one-man/woman show.
- Calling “YOURS!” on every ball so your partner does all the work.
✅ What TO do:
- Communicate before the game—decide when it’s okay to poach.
- Trust your partner to hit their shots (even if it’s not always perfect).
- If you’re playing with a weaker partner, help them improve instead of taking over every point.
Bottom Line: If your partner isn’t getting to play, they won’t want to team up with you again.
3. Are You the “One More Game” Person?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Begging for extra games when people clearly need to go.
- Acting offended when someone says they’re done.
- Saying “Okay, last one” for the fifth time.
✅ What TO do:
- Read the room—if people are tired or leaving, let them go.
- Find other players or hit the practice wall instead of forcing another game.
- If you always want to play longer, organize a group of players who love marathon sessions!
Bottom Line: Don’t pressure people into staying longer than they want. Be cool about it.
4. Do You Make People Feel Uncomfortable?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Over-coaching your partner—especially when they didn’t ask.
- Celebrating opponents’ mistakes instead of good shots.
- Being too intense or overly critical of lower-level players.
- Making too much physical contact (not everyone is into high-fives every point).
✅ What TO do:
- Keep feedback positive (“Nice try!” is better than “Why’d you hit that?!”).
- Compliment great shots—even from your opponents.
- Match your energy to the group—some love jokes and trash talk, others just want to play.
Bottom Line: Be fun to play with. No one wants to spend 30 minutes with someone who makes them feel bad.
5. Are You a Rotation Rule-Breaker?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Skipping the paddle stack to get in a “quick game.”
- Conveniently forgetting to rotate out after a loss.
- Always pairing up with the best players instead of mixing it up.
✅ What TO do:
- Follow the group’s system. If everyone rotates fairly, respect it.
- If you only want to play at your level, find an advanced group instead of stacking teams.
- Be inclusive—especially if new players are waiting for a game.
Bottom Line: Fair play = happy group. Don’t be that person sneaking extra court time.
6. Are You Taking Forever Between Points?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Taking way too long to serve (this isn’t chess).
- Walking back to the baseline like it’s a scenic tour.
- Needing “a quick second” after every point.
✅ What TO do:
- Be ready to play! A short break is fine, but don’t drag it out.
- If you need a breather, let people know—don’t keep them guessing.
- If you love slow-paced games, play with people who prefer that tempo.
Bottom Line: Don’t be the one holding up the action!
7. Do You Constantly Complain About Conditions?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Blaming wind, sun, or bad balls after every mistake.
- Complaining about court surface, net height, or paddle weight all game.
- Rolling your eyes when someone mentions your excuses.
✅ What TO do:
- Adjust your game instead of complaining—windy? Hit lower. Sun in your eyes? Wear a hat.
- Accept that conditions aren’t always perfect.
- Laugh it off and play on.
Bottom Line: Everyone deals with the same conditions—adapt and play instead of making excuses.
8. Are You a Score-Calling Control Freak?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Always calling the score loudly, even when others try.
- Correcting everyone’s calls, even if they’re right.
- Getting annoyed when someone makes a small mistake.
✅ What TO do:
- Let others take turns calling the score.
- If a mistake happens, clarify it calmly, don’t make a scene.
Bottom Line: Scorekeeping isn’t a power trip—relax and let others participate too.
9. Do You Forget to Retrieve Balls?
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Never going after out-of-play balls, making others chase them.
- Hitting a stray ball back halfheartedly, making someone else pick it up.
✅ What TO do:
- Be the one to grab the ball every now and then.
- Keep the game moving by returning balls efficiently.
Bottom Line: Pickleball is a shared effort—help out and grab the ball once in a while.
10. Do You Have Bad Paddle Etiquette?
Your paddle is part of the game, but how you handle it can make or break the vibe on the court.
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Tossing or slamming your paddle in frustration after a bad shot.
- Spinning or flipping your paddle in your hand constantly, distracting your partner or opponent.
- Letting your paddle fall onto the court during a point because you’re not gripping it properly.
✅ What TO do:
- Respect your equipment—tossing your paddle after a miss won’t make you play better.
- Keep movements minimal between points—too much paddle twirling can be distracting.
- Hold onto your paddle securely to prevent unnecessary drops during play.
🎾 Bottom Line: Treat your paddle (and your opponents) with respect—temper tantrums and unnecessary distractions don’t belong on the court.
Pickleball Etiquette Checklist ✅
| ✅ Do This | ❌ Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| Rotate fairly | Hog the court or skip the paddle stack |
| Call your own shots out | Argue every line call |
| Compliment good shots (yours & opponents’) | Celebrate opponents’ mistakes |
| Keep the game moving | Take forever between points |
| Match the group’s energy | Treat rec play like a championship match |
| Return stray balls | Ignore them and let others retrieve them |
| Mix up partnerships | Only play with your usual favorites |
| Keep score fairly | Act like the scorekeeping boss |
| Be ready when it’s your turn | Make others wait while you check your phone |
| Communicate with your partner | Poach every shot without warning |
| Play to your partner’s level | Coach them the whole game without being asked |
| Be mindful of noise | Yell excessively between points |
| Treat your paddle with respect | Slam or toss it after mistakes |
| Adjust to the game conditions | Constantly complain about wind, sun, or bad balls |
| Respect the rotation system | Try to squeeze in extra games unfairly |
| Play with good sportsmanship | Get angry, blame partners, or act entitled |
| Let others call the score too | Correct every minor scorekeeping mistake |
| Respect your opponents | Take advantage of lower-level players |
| Say “Good game” after a match | Walk off the court without a word |
| Keep it fun! | Be the player no one wants to play with |
Pickleball is more fun when everyone follows basic etiquette! Be the player that people WANT to invite back. 🔥🏓
