In the world of pickleball, players often make some common etiquette mistakes: players often forget to announce the score before serving. Not yielding the court to players who have been waiting can frustrate others looking to enjoy their playtime. Retrieving balls from another court without waiting for a break in their game disrupts play and can be considered disrespectful.
Some courtesy mistakes, while seemingly minor, can significantly affect more than the respectfulness of the game.
But even if you’re only concerned about yourself, it’s worth noting that many actions below can increase your time on court, pace of play, and the quality of your games.
11 courtesy mistakes players should avoid in pickleball
Pickleball players should know proper etiquette to maintain a friendly and respectful environment.
Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Not Announcing the Score Loudly Before Serving: Ensures all players are ready and aware of the game’s status.
- Walking Across Another Court During Play: Wait for a break in play to cross to avoid disrupting others.
- Not Picking Up Balls That Roll Onto Your Court: Promptly return balls to the neighboring court without interrupting their game.
- Holding Multiple Courts: Respect the community’s access by only occupying the court you’re playing on.
- Playing Beyond Your Reserved Time: Be mindful of your allotted time to allow the next group their fair share of play.
- Offering Unsolicited Advice: While well-intentioned, advising without being asked can be unwelcome and perceived as patronizing.
- Loud or Disruptive Behavior: Maintain a reasonable volume and conduct not to distract or disturb other players.
- Not Sharing Equipment for Community Use: If equipment is meant for communal use, share it with others while you wait to play.
- Ignoring the Lineup for Games: If there’s a waiting list or queue to play, respect the order and wait your turn.
- Hitting the Ball Hard When Returning It: This particular courtesy mistake was suggested by one of our readers and we fully agree: when returning the ball to the opposing pickleball team, avoid hitting it with maximum force or making it difficult for them by sending the ball far out of their reach.
- Failing to Greet or Acknowledge Other Players: A simple hello or acknowledgment can foster a welcoming environment.
Make sure to also check our guide on pickleball etiquette for doubles.
What is proper pickleball etiquette?
1. Pickleball Rotation Etiquette
Pickleball rotation etiquette is crucial for ensuring fair play and maintaining a friendly atmosphere on the court. Here’s a guide to pickleball rotation etiquette that players should follow:
- Know the System: Many pickleball clubs and groups use a rotation system to manage who plays next. This could be a paddle rack system, sign-up sheet, or court queue. Familiarize yourself with the local system and follow it.
- Wait Your Turn: Respect the rotation order by waiting for your turn to play. Jumping the queue not only disrupts the system but also shows disrespect to other players.
- Mixed Skill Levels: When playing in a mixed-skill environment, be open to playing with and against all skill levels. This promotes inclusivity and helps everyone improve.
- Quick Turnaround: After your game ends, exit the court promptly to allow the next set of players to start their game. This is especially important during peak times when many players are waiting.
- Warm-up Courtesy: If players are waiting, keep warm-ups brief. The goal is to maximize actual playtime for everyone.
- Acknowledge Incoming Players: If you’re next in line and players are finishing up, make your presence known (without intruding) so they know who’s up next.
- Leaving Early: If you have to leave and you’re up next or in rotation, let others know so they can adjust the order and fill the spot.
- Encourage Fair Play: If you notice someone repeatedly skipping the rotation or not following the etiquette, gently remind them of the system. Often, a friendly reminder is all it takes.
2. Public Pickleball Court Etiquette
Public pickleball court etiquette ensures a pleasant environment for all players. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Wait Your Turn: If courts are busy, wait for a game to finish before entering.
- Keep Games Timed: During peak times, play shorter games (e.g., first to 11 points) to allow more players access to the courts. Some courts may have posted time limits per game—respect these guidelines.
- Pick Up After Yourself: Leave the court as you found it. This means picking up all your belongings, including water bottles, trash, and stray balls, to keep the area clean and safe for everyone.
- Lower Noise Levels: Be mindful of your volume, both in voice and with paddle noise, especially in public areas close to homes or other quiet spaces. Shouting across courts or excessive noise can be disruptive.
- Ball Courtesy: If a ball from another court rolls onto yours, safely stop play and return the ball.
- Respect Court Rules: Follow any specific rules posted by the facility, such as court reservations, footwear requirements, or particular hours for open play versus lessons or league play.
- Share Courts Fairly: If others are waiting, consider playing doubles to maximize the number of people who can play. Avoid monopolizing the court for extended periods, especially when demand is high.
- Be Inclusive: Pickleball is a social sport. If playing in a drop-in setting, be open to mixing and matching with players of different skill levels. This inclusivity helps build the pickleball community.
3. Pickleball Waiting Rules
Pickleball waiting rules help manage the flow of play and ensure that everyone gets a chance to participate.
While specific rules can vary by location or facility, here are some etiquette tips that are commonly followed in the pickleball community:
- Paddle Queue System: Many courts use a paddle queue system where players place their pickleball paddles in a designated area or rack to indicate their turn to play. The next group of players selects their paddles in the order they were placed to enter the court.
- Four-On, Four-Off: The “four-on, four-off” rule is popular in busy settings. After a game, the players on the court leave, and the following four players in the queue come on. This ensures everyone waits their turn and gets equal playtime.
- Winner Stays, Loser Leaves: Some courts operate under a “winner stays, loser leaves” rule, allowing the winning team to remain on the court for an additional game, up to a specific limit (often two consecutive wins), before they, too, must rotate out.
- Time Limits: Courts might impose game time limits (e.g., 15 or 20 minutes) or point limits (e.g., first to 11 or 15 points) during peak times to accelerate rotation and give more players a chance to play.
- Ladder Court System: If courts are labeled or a standard “order” is agreed upon, a “winner moves up the ladder” style system can be beneficial. Note that this system may not be conducive for groups with varying skill levels or when there are more players than courts. However, modifications can be used to maintain fair on-court time and pace of play.
Is it rude to hit the ball hard in pickleball?
Hitting the ball hard in pickleball, commonly named “bangers”, or “power plays,” is not inherently rude; players use this legitimate strategy to gain an advantage during a match.
However, context matters. Power shots are expected during competitive play when they are prepared for and anticipate such strategies.
During casual or social games, especially those that mix players of varying skill levels, consistently using power shots against less experienced or novice players could be considered rude by some.
If the game is more about fun, learning, and enjoying the company, it might be better to moderate your power play.
A Quick Word About Yelling
Shouting, grunting, cheering, and yelling are all part of the game. Some of us need to vocalize our effort and excitement.
But there are official USA Pickleball rules about loud noises, not just yelling, during a point. These can distract you, your partner, and your opponents, disrupting the game’s flow.
In tournament play, it may even result in a Technical Warning or Technical Foul, which results in a point being removed from the offending player/team’s score.
Controversial stuff, so we asked our newsletter audience to get their take.
Opinion Poll
It looks like context matters in this circumstance. We think the Golden Rule is the best place to start.
Easy Ways to Avoid Etiquette & Courtesy Mistakes on the Court
Avoiding common courtesy mistakes in pickleball also involves understanding the nuances of gameplay and interpersonal interactions on the court.
Start by ensuring clear communication with your opponents and teammates, especially regarding line calls and scoring disputes, to keep the game flowing smoothly and fairly. Practice good sportsmanship by congratulating opponents on good shots and games, regardless of the outcome.
Be punctual for your scheduled pickleball games, respect everyone’s time, and be ready to play when it’s your turn. When playing, be aware of your surroundings and avoid excessive celebrations or gestures that could be interpreted as unsporting or disrespectful.
Lastly, if you’re a more experienced player paired with or playing against new players, be patient and encouraging, offering constructive feedback only when it’s welcome.