Pickleball Resources

Most pickleball etiquette comes down to keeping play safe, fair, and friendly. Clubs differ in the details, so when you’re somewhere new, ask a regular how they do things.

Before the game

• Introduce yourself. Say hello and trade names with anyone you haven’t played with before. It takes a few seconds and makes the whole game friendlier.

During a game

• Call the score before every serve. Say it loud enough for everyone on the court to hear, and only once everyone is ready.
• Call the lines on your own side, and only when you’re sure. If you didn’t clearly see a gap between the ball and the line, the ball is in. Your opponents make the calls on their side.
• Own up to your faults. If the ball touched you or your paddle on its way out, or you stepped into the kitchen on a volley, say so right away, even if no one else saw it. The same goes for a fault you see your partner make.

Around other courts

• Wait for the point to end before walking behind or across a court. Then cross quickly. A player backing up for a lob won’t see you coming.
• If your ball rolls onto another court, call “Ball!” Say it loudly so the players there can stop, then wait for them to send it back rather than walking onto their court.
• If a stray ball rolls onto your court during a point, stop and call “Ball!” Safety comes before the point, so never play on with a loose ball on the court. Replay the point, then catch the owner’s eye and roll the ball back gently.

Open play

• Put your paddle in line to play. Many courts use a paddle rack: the next four paddles in line take the next open court. Every club runs this a little differently, so ask how it works there.
• Keep the line fair. Don’t skip ahead or move anyone else’s paddle. To play with a friend, move your own paddle back to join them. When your game ends, come off the court.
• Play with whoever the rotation gives you. Open play mixes skill levels. Stronger players: don’t pick on the newest player or slam the ball at anyone. Newer players: if you’d like a game with stronger players, ask nicely.

Sportsmanship

• Cheer good shots, not mistakes. Say “nice shot” when an opponent earns one, and never celebrate their errors. Skip the trash talk, and stay gracious whatever the score.
• Acknowledge a lucky shot. If your ball clips the top of the net and drops over for a winner, a quick wave or “sorry” is a friendly custom.
• Keep your cool. Everyone misses shots. Take a breath before the next point, and never throw your paddle or whack the ball in frustration.
• Give advice only when someone asks. That goes double for your partner in the middle of a game. Encouragement is always welcome; sighs and eye-rolls never are.
• Meet at the net after every game. Tap paddles or say “good game,” win or lose.

• USA Pickleball Sportsmanship Guide