Pickleball is a social, fast-paced sport and as more people pick up a paddle, court space can become limited—especially during peak times. This raises an important question: Is it bad etiquette to play singles when there are people waiting in line?
Let’s break down the pros and cons, explore how to navigate this tricky situation, and offer some etiquette tips to keep everyone happy.
The Pros and Cons of Playing Singles on Busy Courts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Strategy: Singles forces you to improve your court coverage and shot accuracy. | Slower Game Rotation: Fewer players means longer wait times for others during peak hours. |
| Skill Development: Great for improving footwork and endurance, helping you build stamina for both singles and doubles play. | Perception of Exclusion: Some players may feel left out or frustrated watching singles games while waiting to rotate in for doubles. |
| One-on-One Challenge: Offers a more intense, personal challenge that helps players develop mental toughness. | Court Inefficiency: When courts are limited, using one for singles instead of doubles may be seen as less efficient use of space. |
| More Focused Practice: Allows for focused practice on specific shots without coordinating with a larger group. | Less Social: Doubles is a more social format, and singles play can feel less inclusive during busy open play times. |
Pickleball Etiquette: When to Play Singles
Most of the pickleball community views doubles as the norm, especially during peak times. Here are a few general guidelines for when singles play might be considered acceptable:
- When Courts Are Empty: If there’s plenty of open court space, feel free to play singles! Just be mindful that others may arrive later.
- Non-Peak Hours: Early mornings, midday, or late evenings when fewer players are around are perfect times for singles games.
- Off-Court Options: If you love singles, consider renting a court, or practicing on an unused tennis court with a portable net.
Solving the Singles vs. Doubles Debate
So, what’s the best way to avoid tension on busy courts? Here are some etiquette tips that can help:
- Rotate After Games: If you’re playing singles and others are waiting, keep your games short (to 9 points, for example) and rotate off to let others play.
- Talk to Your Fellow Players: If you’re set on playing singles but notice a line forming, check in with the group. Often, communicating your intentions (and rotating quickly) helps smooth things over.
- Don’t Hog the Court: If there’s a long line of players, playing several singles games in a row without rotating can lead to frustration. Always be considerate of others waiting.
Common Opinions from Pickleball Players
We asked fellow pickleballers their thoughts on playing singles when there’s a wait, and here’s what they had to say:
- “If you waited for the court, you should be able to play singles.”
Many players believe that if you’ve waited for your turn, it’s your right to use the court however you wish, whether for singles or doubles. - “Doubles is more efficient when people are waiting.”
Other players feel it’s more considerate to maximize court usage with doubles, allowing more people to play and reducing wait times. - “It depends on the number of courts.”
Some players suggest it’s acceptable to play singles if the courts are only mildly busy, but if there are 10 or more people waiting, it’s best to switch to doubles. - “Singles is great, but it’s better to play during off-peak hours.”
- Many suggest playing singles earlier in the morning or later in the evening when courts aren’t as crowded, ensuring everyone gets their time to play.
- “If there are no rules posted, singles is perfectly fine.”
- Several players argue that unless there are posted rules about doubles during busy times, you should feel free to play singles as long as you rotate after your match.
Opinions on playing singles when others are waiting vary greatly, so it’s all about understanding the type of crowd you’re playing with and adjusting accordingly.
Handling Conflict on the Courts: Keep It Friendly
Let’s face it—pickleball is supposed to be fun, but when court space is tight, tensions can rise. If someone approaches you about stopping your singles game, there are easy ways to keep things friendly:
- Stay Cool and Courteous: Calmly explain that you waited for your turn and plan to rotate after your game. Keeping it light helps defuse any tension.
- Offer a Compromise: Suggest finishing your singles match but switching to doubles afterward to accommodate more players. Most people appreciate a solution that works for everyone.
- See Their Side: Long wait times can frustrate anyone. Be open to their feelings and consider switching to doubles if the courts are really busy—everyone just wants to play!
By staying calm and flexible, you can keep the pickleball spirit alive and avoid unnecessary drama.
How to Keep Everyone Happy
While singles pickleball is just as legitimate as doubles, it’s essential to be mindful of others, especially during busy times. The golden rule? Rotate quickly, communicate with your fellow players, and be considerate.
Pickleball is meant to be fun and inclusive, and a little courtesy goes a long way in keeping the courts friendly and enjoyable for everyone.
