Major League Pickleball (MLP) is built on high-energy competition, electric atmospheres, and unforgettable moments for both players and fans. Some of the wildest scenes in pickleball history have happened on an MLP court — especially when the trash talk starts flying.

Who could forget MLP Orlando last year, when Anna Leigh Waters brought the fire after her matchup against Hayden Patriquin?

Patriquin has never been shy about talking trash on the court, but as he’s matured, he’s toned it down a bit.

“I used to trash talk a lot. I think it’s good for the sport. I think it’s good to have a little banter back and forth,” he explained. “But I’m actually very quiet now because I think it makes me play better. And now I’ve gotten a little better, so I don’t have to talk as much.”

Even so, Patriquin is still widely considered the biggest trash-talker in MLP.

“I still think trash talking is good,” noted Patriquin. “Matt Wright was the craziest trash-talker I’ve ever played against, but it doesn’t get under my skin. It just fires me up to play better.”

Wright is undoubtedly one of the boldest trash talkers on tour. But amazingly enough, talking trash actually helps him play better. 

“If they’re getting loud or obnoxious, I’m going to zero in on that immediately,” insisted Wright. “I will never curse at you, but I will say enough that’s going to aggravate you, create tension, and light that fire in me.”

Some of Patriquin’s most memorable trash-talking moments have come during his long-running rivalry with Julian Arnold.

Whenever those two faced off, it was guaranteed entertainment and a must-watch matchup.

For Jack Sock, getting into trash talk on the pickleball court was something he actually embraced after coming from the tennis world, where that kind of on-court banter is generally more discouraged.

“I love trash talking. Honestly, one of the most exciting things for me getting into pickleball from tennis is that you can actually talk some trash on the court,” said Sock. “With tennis, you’re obviously a lot further away and it’s a bit more quiet. Pickleball is loud, and I like getting to add to the noise.” 

“I love it when my opponent trash talks back,” mentioned Sock. “I love telling someone like Hayden to ‘Respect your elders!’”

At the very least, the trash talk seems to be part of the fun for Sock.

But it still raises the question: How far is too far? Should pickleball follow tennis and crack down on excessive trash talking? Caden Nemoff doesn’t think so.

“I think trash talking should totally be allowed. I would rather have trash talk than a completely quiet match,” said Nemoff. “I would never start it, but when someone does it, I have to match their energy. I think it’s fun.”

What do you think about trash talking on the court? Fair game or should it be penalized? Let us know your thoughts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).