Look, nobody wants to be the clueless rookie on the pickleball court. The main unwritten rules are: respect the queue to get into a game (paddle stacking), be honest with your line calls (if you're not sure, it was in), and always call the score out loud before you serve. Do that, and you're already better than half the beginners out there.
So You Bought a Pickleball Paddle. Now What? Don't Be That Guy.
Alright, listen up. You’ve been hearing about it for months. Your buddy Chad won’t shut up about it. You finally caved, bought a paddle that looks like a giant popsicle stick, and now you’re staring at a court full of people who seem to know what they’re doing.
Welcome to pickleball. It's awesome. But like any sport worth its salt, there are rules, and then there are The Rules. The stuff that isn't in the official USA Pickleball handbook but will get you silently judged faster than someone who puts ketchup on a hot dog. Don't worry, we got you. Here's how to not be a total jabroni your first time out.
Before the Game Begins: Court & Player Courtesy
Showing up to a busy court can feel like the first day of high school. Where do you go? Who do you talk to? It’s simple if you follow the golden rule of open play.
Most public courts use a paddle stacking or queue system. Look for a rack, fence, or bench near the entrance where players line their paddles up. The next four paddles in line are up for the next open court. Don't be the hero who just walks onto an empty court and claims it. Find the line, put your paddle down, and wait your turn. It’s the law of the land. This ain't your private country club (unless it is, in which case, congrats, I guess).
During the Rally: On-Court Conduct
Once you're on the court, the real test begins. Hitting the ball is only half the battle.
Line Call Honesty: The Golden Rule
This is the big one. Your opponent hits a ball that lands so close to the line you need a microscope to see the space. What do you do?
The rule is simple: If you didn't see it clearly out, it was in.
Seriously. Give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent. Shouting "OUT!" on a borderline call is the fastest way to get a bad reputation. The only people who can make the call are the players on the side where the ball landed. Don’t try to be a hero and make a call from across the court. Your eyes aren't that good, bro.
"Ball on Court!": Safety First
If a stray ball from another court rolls onto your court, you stop playing. Immediately. Yell "BALL ON COURT!" or "BALL!" loud enough for everyone to hear. Don't be a tough guy and try to play through it. Nobody wants to roll an ankle and miss their Tuesday night league for the next six weeks. The point will be replayed. No harm, no foul.
Partner Communication: A Quick Guide
You and your partner are a team. Talk to each other! Simple stuff like "You got it!" or "Mine!" prevents a Laurel and Hardy routine where you both swing and miss (or worse, crack paddles). Before the serve, confirm who's taking the middle. A little chatter goes a long way.
Between Points & Games: Sportsmanship Essentials
The game is a series of short, intense bursts. What you do between those bursts says a lot about you.
Calling the Score Correctly & Clearly
Before every single serve, the server must announce the score. Loudly. Clearly. It’s a three-number call: your score, their score, and which server you are (1 or 2).
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Example: If you're starting the game, you say "Zero-zero-two." (The first server is always server two).
If you forget the score, just ask. Don't guess. It messes everything up and leads to pointless arguments.
The Paddle Tap: What It Means
At the end of the game, you walk to the net and gently tap the flat part of your paddle against your opponents' paddles. This is the pickleball handshake. It’s a sign of respect that says, "Good game," even if you just got smoked 11-2. Do it after every game. No exceptions.
Handling Mismatched Skill Levels Gracefully
Sometimes you'll be the best player on the court, and sometimes you'll be the worst. If you’re playing against beginners, don’t slam every ball directly at their chest. Work on your drop shots or your third-shot drive. If you're the beginner playing with advanced players, thank them for the game and try to learn something. Don't get pouty because you're getting beat.
The Social Game: Off-Court & Community Rules
Especially during open play, the game is about community. The goal is for everyone to get a chance to play. If courts are full and people are waiting, the general rule is you play one game to 11, and then the winners stay and split, and two new players come on. Or, in many places, all four players come off so the next four in the queue can play. Pay attention to the local court culture and just do what everyone else is doing.
Don't be the squad that hogs a court for two hours to settle a personal grudge match while 20 other people are waiting. Play your game, paddle tap, and get in line for the next one.