A man holding a pickleball paddle and ball.
Kindness on the court goes a long way. Shutterstock

Pickleball etiquette: How to keep the fun going for everyone

There’s no wrong way to enjoy pickleball, but if you want to make sure everyone else is having a good time too—especially during open play—following some basic etiquette goes a long way.

Here are a few ways to be a considerate player on the court:


1. Wait your turn

Every location has its own system—paddle stacks, court rotations, or first-come-first-serve. When you arrive, check in with a regular or observe how things work. Respect the format and be patient. Cutting the line never feels good, even in pickleball.


2. Know the basics

You don’t need to be a certified ref, but you should understand the rules—scoring, the kitchen, serving, and so on. Also, keep your voice in check. Cheering is fine, but yelling or loud commentary during points is distracting and unsportsmanlike.


3. Mind the space

Stay in your court and avoid wandering into others. If you're a high-level player, resist dominating the game. Not everyone is trying to train for a tournament—some are there to move, laugh, and enjoy the moment.


4. Show good sportsmanship

Tapping paddles before and after games is a small but meaningful gesture of respect. Be a good sport, win or lose, and others will likely return the favor.


5. Be generous with line calls

If it’s close, give your opponent the benefit of the doubt. Most open play is recreational—grace and fairness should outweigh any competitive edge. And if someone’s making questionable calls? Let it go. It’s not worth the argument.


6. Read the room

Play with awareness. If you’re playing with beginners, ease up on the power shots. If you’re new, don’t assume advanced players are there to coach you through every point. Respect where others are in their pickleball journey.


7. Return balls thoughtfully

If a ball rolls onto your court, return it calmly and accurately to the right person. And if your ball intrudes on another game, apologize and thank them for returning it. Simple courtesy matters.


8. Keep your tips to yourself

Unless someone asks, don’t coach. Even well-meaning advice can come off as criticism. Let others play their game without unsolicited feedback.


9. Don’t target the weaker player

In recreational play, constantly hitting to the less-skilled opponent isn’t fun for anyone. Spread the ball around and aim to challenge yourself by hitting to the stronger player—it helps both of you improve.


10. Call the score

Always announce the score before serving. It keeps everyone on the same page and gives your opponent a heads-up that the point is starting.


11. Be a supportive teammate

Stay positive, especially when your partner misses a shot. Encouragement builds confidence—criticism tears it down. Keep the energy light and friendly.


12. Respect the court and time limits

If your court has time limits, honor them. Rotate off when your time is up so others get their turn to play. Everyone’s there to enjoy the game.