The Unwritten Rules of Pickleball

The Unwritten Rules of Pickleball: A Guide to Pickleball Etiquette

Explaining pickleball to a new player can be challenging – there’s three numbers in the score, the serve return HAS to bounce, and they think if they step a toe in the kitchen, they will die.

But beyond the official rules of pickleball are the “unspoken” or unwritten rules. These are mostly just general pickleball etiquette, but they’re important to note in order to be a good player, partner, and good sport in general.

 So without further ado, here are the unwritten rules of pickleball, according to Just The Dinks.

1. Wait Until the Point is Over to Cross the Court

Picture this: you're mid-rally, adrenaline pumping, focusing intensely on a point. And then, like a scene out of an action movie, someone casually strolls across your court. Even if it’s in the back of the court, it can still be a huge distraction. Always wait until a point is finished before crossing someone else’s court. Think of it as the pickleball version of waiting for the walk signal at a crosswalk. And if your ball is mis-hit and is heading for another court, yell out “Ball on!” to make sure they don’t trip. They might not be happy that their point is paused, but it’s better than a rolled ankle!

In the heat of the game, it's bound to happen: you go for a speed up, and instead, you nail your opponent in the thigh. Oops! Pickleball is full of fun and friendly competition, so if you accidentally hit someone, a quick, “Sorry about that!” goes a long way. Just make sure it’s sincere – no one likes a sarcastic apology. And if you're on the receiving end? No grudges; it's all part of the game!

3. Be Honest With Your Level

We get it – pickleball is addictive. But if there’s a beginner court, leave it for the beginners. If you’re an experienced player, don’t sacrifice the quality of a match just so you can get on the court quicker. Few things are frustrating as watching a player hog the court, take every ball, and ruin the vibes. Also, if there’s a next paddle up system, don’t cut in that either.

4. Leave the Coaching for the Coaches

If you’re hanging in open play or in some casual rec play, resist the urge to drop unsolicited coaching advice. Even if your teammate is having a rough game or misses a shot or two, focus on encouraging words and paddle taps, rather than trying to put on your coaching pants. If they ask for some tips or advice, go right ahead. But other than that, avoid this and you won’t seem like a know-it-all.

5. Apologize for Net Cord (?)

This one is moderately controversial, but if your shot clips the net cord and rolls over, it can be good sportsmanship for a quick apology. The net cord shot is as unpredictable as it is effective, and that’s why it demands a special kind of sportsmanship. You might be thinking, “Why should I apologize for a lucky break?” Good question! In pickleball, as in life, it’s about maintaining good vibes and sportsmanship. By offering a quick, sincere apology – just a quick raise of your hand - helps acknowledge the luck factor and keep the game friendly. Plus, it’s just good manners!

There you have it – Just The Dinks’ guide to the unspoken rules of pickleball. Follow these tips, and you’ll not only play better but also be a pickleballer that everyone loves to have on the court. Now, get out there, have fun, and remember: it’s all just a game. A very addictive, incredibly fun game.