Pickleball Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts on the Court

Do: Respect Your Opponents and Partners

Pickleball is a social game, and a big part of its appeal is the camaraderie shared among players. Always greet your opponents and partners before a match, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the game. A simple “good game” can go a long way in showing respect, regardless of the outcome. Paddle tapping at the net after a match is customary to thank your partner and your opponents for the game. Just make sure to do it lightly. Some people even offer the handle end of their paddle to avoid accidental scratches.

When playing at Power Pickleball Club, where players of varying skill levels gather, it’s especially important to be mindful of others’ abilities. If you’re an advanced player paired with a beginner, encourage them with constructive feedback and keep the game fun and relaxed. Avoid giving your partner unsolicited advice. If you feel duty-bound to offer commentary on their technique, ask first to make sure it will be welcomed.

Remember, pickleball is about having fun, so keep the competitive spirit in check and focus on enjoying the game.

Don’t: Engage in Excessive Gamesmanship

Excessive gamesmanship—such as trying to rattle your opponent, arguing over line calls, or making overly aggressive shots—can quickly sour the mood on the court. (Note: Intentionally distracting your opponent is a fault, and line calls are the responsibility of the defending team. If you don’t see a gap of color between the ball and the outer edge of the white line, call it “in”. If two partners disagree on the call, the default call is “in”.) Remember, pickleball is a game that values fairness and fun over cutthroat competition. Power Pickleball Club offers an environment tailored for focused gameplay, so use this opportunity to focus on honing your skills in a supportive setting rather than resorting to tactics that might diminish the experience for others.

Do: Call Out the Score Loudly and Clearly

Calling out the score before each serve is not just a formality—it’s an essential part of the game. It keeps everyone informed and prevents any confusion during the match. Make sure to call the score loudly and clearly, especially in a noisy environment or when playing with new partners. This simple act of communication ensures that everyone knows where the game stands, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable match. At Power Pickleball Club, we’ve heavily invested in acoustic treatments to make this communication easier.

Don’t: Ignore the Rules of the Game

Pickleball has a set of rules designed to support fair and fun play. Whether it’s staying out of the non-volley zone (or “kitchen”) when volleying or the “two bounce rule”, every rule exists for a reason. Ignoring or bending the rules can frustrate your opponents and lead to an uneven playing field. Take the time to learn the rules if you’re new to the game, and if you’re unsure about something during a match, ask for clarification.

Power Pickleball Club offers the perfect environment for learning and practicing the rules of pickleball. Our free Pickleball 101 course teaches you all you need to know to get started, and our eleven state-of-the-art courts provide plenty of opportunities for honing your skills.

Do: Stay Aware and Be Courteous

Pickleball is a fast-moving game, so stay alert to avoid causing accidents or disrupting other matches. If your ball rolls onto another court toward the players’ feet, call “ball on” so no one will step on it and roll an ankle. If it rolls away from the players, don’t interrupt their rally, but wait for a break in play before retrieving it. By the same token, if a ball from another court enters your space, call “ball on” and pause the game so you can safely return it. If a ball goes over a fence and is retrieved by another player, hold up your paddle to indicate you’re the one to whom it should be returned.

Good sportsmanship also means not distracting players with shouted conversations right outside the fence surrounding the court. Your awareness and courtesy on the court help everyone stay safe and have fun.

Don’t: Start a Rally Before Everyone is Ready

Wait until your opponent is ready before serving. In tournament play, you can indicate you’re not ready by holding up your paddle or turning your back to your opponent. In recreational play, it’s important to ensure your opponent is set and ready to receive before serving.

Don’t: Damage the Facility or Equipment

It’s up to all of us to keep the equipment and courts at Power Pickleball Club in good shape for everyone to enjoy. Please don’t lean on the nets; it pulls them out of tension and causes wear and tear. Likewise, don’t climb over fences. Only water is allowed on the courts; other food and drink can be enjoyed in the snack bar. Use clean court shoes for playing, as grit and dirt from outside can damage the floors. Ideally, each player will have clean, dedicated shoes just for pickleball, but if you have to wear your outside shoes, please clean them off thoroughly before entering the court area.

A Little Respect Goes a Long Way

Good etiquette is the heart of pickleball, ensuring that the game remains fun, fair, and enjoyable for everyone. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll not only improve your own game but also contribute to the friendly and supportive culture that makes pickleball such a blast. Whether you’re swatting the ball around with friends or participating in a competitive match, remember to bring your respect, sportsmanship, and courtesy to the court along with your game face!

Are you new to pickleball or looking for a place to play? Check out the Power Pickleball Club website or schedule a tour to find out more about the preeminent pickleball hub of the Pacific Northwest!