DALLAS, TX – Line calls will forever be a topic of discussion in the picklesphere.

At least there are referees at the pro level and technology is slowly being implemented to ensure that the accuracy of calls is getting better and better. One day, we’ll be just as advanced as tennis in this department. For now, though, line calls during rec play generally revolve around the honor system. 

Whenever I watch the pros, I marvel at their ability to declare that a ball is "Out!" while it’s still sailing towards them. That's a byproduct of major experience and remarkable feel.

Of course, there have been some questionable calls at the pro level, but it's so much worse when I’m out at my local courts where it's one bad call after another.

Brad, Chad, Bryan and Ryan will call every drive that’s right on the line out to keep that competitive edge. And everyone will more than likely argue about it when it’s 10-9-2. 

What do you do when the ball is blasted past you at warp speed and you can’t tell where it lands? Do you call it in or out?

If you don’t see that the ball is explicitly out, then it’s in.

Call a ball out only if you can see a visible space between the line and where the ball lands. It must clearly be out. 

If you’re questioning it, call it in. 

Let’s be frank. Some people have different moral compasses than others. While some will follow the rules to a t, others might use a little bit of creative wiggle room when they’re down. 

But I beg of you, don’t be that person that lies. Or stretches the truth.

Now I know some competitive people are more than happy to get into an over-the-top debate over line calls. Nobody likes playing with those kinds of players. If you want to have people to play with, be an honest opponent. It’s as simple as that. 

Winning isn’t everything, especially when you’re playing at 6 p.m. after work with friends, neighbors, and pickleball pals. It’s not that serious. 

On the other hand, if you find yourself facing an opponent who's making questionable line calls that are so obvious they deserve their own Memes of Pickleball post on Instagram, do your best to let it go. It isn't worth getting into a brawl over stuff like this. 

Pickleball is all about community, friendships and fitness, so if you want to reap the incredible benefits of America's fastest-growing sport, don’t ruin it by making poor calls or arguing over a call. You aren't at a tournament with money on the line, you’re at a local court where everyone knows you. 

Don’t let a pesky line call ruin your day or split your partnership up. It’s just a game. 

Advice for dealing with bad line calls? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).