Very often new players, and many veteran players seem to forget that there is, like other sports, an etiquette when on the pickleball court. Here are a few tips to help make yours, and the others on the courts pickleball expierence be much more enjoyable.
When someone inadvertently hits a ball onto your court from an adjacent court, retrieve it and toss them that same ball that they hit onto your court. Don’t switch balls. Return the ball to the player who is asking for it. Always shout “ball on!” and STOP play if a ball rolls onto your court. Safety ALWAYS comes first.
When retrieving a ball from an adjacent court, make eye contact with someone from that court and then directly toss or hit them the ball. Don’t just hit the ball back into their court without looking. Never step onto another court to retrieve your ball.
If you are obviously the weakest player on the court, thank the other players for
playing with you after the game. However, don’t take advantage of their graciousness by staying on the court for an indefinite period of time. More than a
game or two will suffice.
Don’t play keep away from the best player on the other team during rec play just so you can win – they want to play too.
If you are obviously the strongest person in your foursome, tone down the
competitiveness and hit your opponent’s balls so they can return them.
Don’t cross the court behind a match until play has stopped. It’s not only rude, but dangerous as well.
If you are asked to play with a group that is obviously of a lower skill level than
you, graciously accept and play a game or two with them.
Learn names. At the end of the game always meet at the net and say thank you…great game.
In rec play, don’t exploit someone’s physical limitations just so you can “win.”
Public courts are just that, public courts. Unless otherwise governed by the recreation department, pickleball rules are the same as tennis rules. Social media groups, or other organized groups do not take any preference on public courts.
Don’t be excessive in the celebration when your opponent makes an error. And when you make an error, there is no need to apologize. We all make mistakes. If you hit your opponent then yes say sorry! Please don’t blame your poor shot on the wind, sun, or other environmental conditions. Everyone is playing with those same conditions. When someone says: “great shot” just say thank you. Period! No need to excuse it away as luck.
If you and your partner can’t determine if the ball was in or out– or if you disagree
with your partner on a line call- the benefit of the doubt goes to your opponent. Keep in mind it is your responsibility to call the shot in or out- NOT your opponent. Also, your opponents should not argue with your call…even if it’s a bad call.
Bring your own pickleballs to the court. Mark them with a marker with an identifying mark. Pickleballs do break and others should not be supplying balls for others on a regular basis. Always have at least three pickleballs in your bag. In the Northern New Jersey area the Franklin X40 outfoor ball is standard for both indoor and outdoor play. This ball is what is most often used in tournament play.
Personal belongings do not belong on the court. Only a towel and a water bottle shoud be brought to the court but left well out of the playing area, and the playing area of the adjoining courts.
Learn the rules, more often than not players inrecreational play do not know the official rules. You should be aware that some rules in rec play are not always adhered to. For example: a ball can not be officialy out of bounds until it touches the ground. Therefore catching a ball that is obvioulsy out to save the ball from entering other courts is often permitted. However it's good to know the house rules in rec play.
Never throw your paddle, and always control your temper. There is a rule that prohibits profanity and it should be adhered to like any other rule.
Don't lob behind restricted players. This has to do with proper etiquette, but it’s more about safety than being courteous.
We all know that you have to do whatever it takes to win in a tournament setting. If that means lobbing behind immobile players or people who can hardly run for the ball, then so be it. But in recreational play, this is considered to be extremely disrespectful, cheap and annoying.
Call the score loudly and clearly. There are 3 different numbers to keep track of and everyone from beginners to advanced players can get confused. For beginners it’s the score that trips them up the most. This is why having a constant update at the beginning of each serve is so helpful. So do everyone a favor and call out the score loudly so that things don’t get off track.
Call the score loudly and clearly. There are 3 different numbers to keep track of and everyone from beginners to advanced players can get confused. For beginners it’s the score that trips them up the most. This is why having a constant update at the beginning of each serve is so helpful. So do everyone a favor and call out the score loudly so that things don’t get off track.
If part of a social media group where signups are implemented like FaceBook, Signup Genius or Team Reach, always signup when attending. This allows the coordinators to properly manage the event.
Don't give lessons on the court unless they want them. One of the great things about pickleball is that everyone wants everyone else to get better.
That’s a good thing.
But there’s a line that you don’t want to cross with this. Most people who come to play recreational pickleball are just there for fun. They don’t care if they win or lose and they probably don’t even care if they improve or not. Trying to give them lessons on the court can make their experience annoying and frustrating.
Make sure you ask players if they want tips while they play. It makes a huge difference and it makes them more likely to actually listen to you.
Enjoy the game, stay healthy, stretch but most importantly HAVE FUN!
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