Pickleball Etiquette Advise -Pickleball 3.5 Blog

AI image of pickleball players talking on the court.

Opponent Etiquette: Keeping It Fun While Keeping It Friendly

Everyone brings their own personality to the court—some are competitive firecrackers, and others are as chill as a summer breeze. These tips are simple suggestions to help you be a thoughtful and enjoyable opponent—no judgment, just ideas to make every game better for everyone involved.

Pickleball is as much a social activity as it is a sport. Open Play venues are where players of all skill levels come together, often mixing and matching for games at random. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy friendly competition, and share a laugh or two. When you bring good etiquette to the court, you not only improve the game itself but also make the experience more enjoyable for everyone you play with—or against.

Before the Game: Set the Tone with a Smile

Start things off with a friendly hello and a little small talk. In Open Play or All Levels settings, take a moment to gauge the skill level of your opponents. If you’re a seasoned pro paired against novices, consider dialing back your inner pickleball warrior. Use the opportunity to focus on finesse, like perfecting your drop shots or dialing in your placement.

On the other hand, when matched with players at your level in Open Play, bring your A-game! Everyone expects to play at their best in these situations. If you find yourself consistently outmatched, take it as a learning experience—but know when it’s time to recalibrate. Playing a level down temporarily can build confidence and prepare you to tackle tougher competition later.

During the Game: Play Fair, Stay Positive

If you’re serving, always make sure everyone is ready before starting. Hold up the ball and confirm with a cheerful, “Ready?, here we go!” Then clearly announce the score. Not sure of the score? Quietly double-check with your partner. You’ll look thoughtful instead of confused.

Compliments are the secret sauce of great sportsmanship. When your opponents hit a killer shot, acknowledge it: “Nice shot!” or “Great rally!” Even if you lose a hard-fought point, stay positive. A simple “Great point!” can turn frustration into camaraderie.

Close Calls: When in Doubt, Play Nice

Line calls can get tricky, but erring on the side of caution keeps things civil. If a ball lands on your side and is too close to call, give your opponents the benefit of the doubt and keep playing. If you’re confident it’s out but your opponents disagree, consult your partner. If they’re unsure and you’re certain, stick to your call respectfully. And if tensions rise? Offering to replay the point can defuse conflict, even if it’s not required.

Accidents Happen: Apologize Like a Pro

If you accidentally hit an opponent with the ball, don’t channel your inner pro wrestler—apologize right away! Even if it’s just a light tap on their shoe, showing you didn’t mean to hit them goes a long way. If the tables are turned and you’re on the receiving end, brush it off with a quick “No problem, I know it wasn’t intentional.”

Ball Handling: Keep It Classy

Returning the ball to your opponents might seem like a small detail, but how you do it speaks volumes. Skip the dramatic paddle flick or the frustrated kick. Instead, gently toss or softly hit it to the server. It’s a simple way to keep the game flowing and maintain good vibes.

And when a stray ball rolls onto your court, call out “Ball!” to pause the action and keep everyone safe. When it’s time to return it, don’t just whack it back without looking. Pick it up, look to see who is requesting the ball from the other court and toss it to them. There is nothing more aggravating than having someone on the other court just whack the ball randomly to get it off their court. This is not a good look.

Opponent Etiquette Summary

Being a great opponent is about more than just playing well—it’s about creating an enjoyable, respectful experience for everyone on the court. Be friendly, courteous, and sportsmanlike, and most players will respond in kind. After all, pickleball isn’t just about winning—it’s about sharing good times with good people.