Everyone has their own unique court personality, these tips on etiquette are simply some suggestions from the author on pickleball partner etiquette that you may consider. See also the related post on Pickleball Opponent Etiquette.
Pickleball Partner Etiquette – Meet and Communicate
Before initiating a game, assessing your partner’s skill level can be beneficial. If you are just meeting them, blend some personal conversation with discussions about their familiarity with the game. Their responses will guide how you engage with and support them throughout the game.
Before the game starts, tap paddles and say “Let’s do this” or something else inspiring to set the tone that you will win with them.
When your partner makes a good shot to win the point, complement them immediately and maybe add a soft Paddle tap. If they make a shot during the rally that is great, after you win or lose the point, go back in time and complement the shot, “Great get on that lob”, for example. Complement your partner during the point to add encouragement, immediately after they make a good dink or get to a ball, chirp out “Nice” or “Great get”.
On close line calls made by your partner, try to not override their “Out” call, especially if it was close. If you were closer and saw it as in, you may quietly express your opinion to your partner to see if they want to change their call, if not stick with it. If your opponents complain, calmly suggest that you or your partner saw it out.
At the beginning of a point, particularly when you’re behind and it’s your turn to serve, whether it’s you or your partner serving, it’s helpful to provide some words of encouragement to get the next point, such as “Okay, here we go.”
Help your partner by communicating when they should not play a return, shouting “Out” or “No” when a ball looks like it shouldn’t be played. If the ball is in the air but may go out on a side-line, call out “Watch it” or “Bounce it” to alert your partner to let it bounce before playing it in case it lands out of bounds.
Avoid monopolizing the court to compensate for your partner’s skill level unless they have explicitly asked you to do so. Always communicate with your partner for shots that are between you, using phrases like “I’ve got it”, “Me”, “I got”, “You”, “You go”, etc. and take shots that are on your forehand, especially if your partner would need to use their backhand. If your partner corrects you and you made a mistake, apologize with “You’re right, sorry about that.” If it was on your forehand, even if you had to step in front of your partner, explain with “Sorry, it was on my forehand, so I called for it.”
Avoid Critiquing during the Game
When your partner seeks advice on what they should or shouldn’t do, provide constructive feedback. Stay positive, and if they apologize for a mistake, reassure them with “That’s fine,” and offer a simple improvement if possible. Include encouraging words like “Don’t worry about it” and “You’re doing fine.”
Refrain from critiquing your partner’s gameplay if you’re not acquainted with their skill level. Criticism may mirror your own frustrations and foster negativity. Offer advice gently if requested after the game or a play, but avoid unsolicited suggestions, especially during the game.
After the game, if your partner clearly seemed like a novice and you wish to offer assistance, start by saying, “nice playing with you,” and wait for their response. If they acknowledge their learning process, ask, “May I offer a couple of tips?” Then, gently provide advice focusing on their playing strategy rather than their shot execution. For instance, suggest, “Try moving to the net aggressively after your serve return; I noticed you tend to hang back,” instead of critiquing their stroke, like “Your dinks are popping up; try hitting them softer.”
Summary of Pickleball Partner Etiquette
Always try to be an excellent partner by communicating effectively, offering positive feedback, and displaying a keen spirit for victory. Ultimately, the goal is to leave a positive impression that makes players eager to team up with you again. Remember, pickleball is not just about competition; it’s a social sport where many are looking to enjoy some active fun and friendly exercise.
See the related post on Pickleball Opponent Etiquette.
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