Sports & Recreation

Pickleball Etiquette

December 26, 2022 /
Pickleball Etiquette: Pickleball is game created from improvisation. It too greatly rewards improvisation in terms of shot selection, placement, and tactics. The game favors those who employ a combination of strategy and athleticism. Players must anticipate their opponents moves, while being agile and quick enough to react with shots and returns. It's a hugely popular and rapidly growing racket sport known for its friendly learning curve and accessibility. Because of this, expect to play with a mix of novice and advanced players. Good Sportsmanship is expected. Pickleball is very much a community sport. Be mindful of the skill levels of your partner and opponents; don’t take advantage of unskilled players or criticize other’s play. 'Playing down' is often expected when playing those at lower skill levels. Instead, these are opportunities to work on your weaknesses. Strong, aggressive play is usual reserved for designated challenge courts or tournaments. Be open and honest about your skill level, disclosing the skills you’re still working on others. Be social. Acknowledge the other players when entering the court and introduce yourself to those you don’t know. Be sure to encourage your teammate when possible, and never openly criticize play. It is expected that players not over-celebrate nor cheer opposing mistakes, though be sure to give praise and compliment well placed shots and volleys. At the end of each game, players should meet at the net and 'clink' paddles in show of sportsmanship. Be consistent and fair. It's generally understood that the player facing north is the first to serve. Know that it;'s the serving player's responsibility to audibly call out the score before each serve. Players are expected to call balls 'out' on their side. If the call of 'out of bounds' is close, give the opposing player the benefit of doubt. A spectator's call is not considered valid. As a spectator, be respectful. Pickleball players tend to favor quieter crowds during playing. Keep noise levels down when possible. Do not walk across or behind a court when others are playing, instead wait until the point is completed or the next dead ball. If an errant ball comes towards you, feel free to catch it and assist in getting it back on court, it's an appreciated gesture. Alex Latorre, Etiquette Coach

Good Sportsmanship is the Rule–

Pickleball Etiquette. Pickleball is meant to be fun! It's a hugely popular and rapidly growing racket sport known for its' friendly learning curve and accessibility. Expect to play with a mix of novice and advanced players. Good sportsmanship is the rule. Be mindful of the skill levels of your partner and opponents; don’t take advantage of unskilled players or criticize other’s play. 'Playing down' is often expected when playing those at lower skill levels. Strong, aggressive play is usual reserved for designated challenge courts or tournaments. Be social. Acknowledge the other players when entering the court and introduce yourself to those you don’t know. Be open and honest about your skill level, disclosing the skills you’re still working on. Be respectful. Do not walk across or behind a court when others are playing, instead wait until the point is completed or the next dead ball. If an errant ball enters your court, call out "BALL" to stop play and re-serve the point once the ball is cleared. Be consistent and fair. The serving player should audibly call out the score before each serve. Players are expected to call balls out on their side; if the call is close, give the opposing player the benefit of doubt. A spectator's call is not considered valid. Avoid excessive celebration, though be sure to give praise and compliment well placed shots and volleys. At the end of each game, players should meet at the net and 'clink' paddles in show of sportsmanship. Pickle Ball is meant to be social and fun- enjoy it!

Pickleball is a community sport. It’s a game that is hugely popular and rapidly growing, known for its friendly learning curve and accessibility. Because of this, expect to play with a mix of novice and advanced players.

Good Sportsmanship is expected. Be mindful of the skill levels of your partner and opponents; don’t take advantage of unskilled players or criticize other’s play. ‘Playing down’ is often expected when playing those at lower skill levels. Instead, these should be opportunities to work on your weaknesses. Strong, aggressive play is usual reserved for designated challenge courts or tournaments. Be open and honest about your skill level, disclosing the skills you’re still working on others.

Be social. Acknowledge the other players when entering the court and introduce yourself to those you don’t know. Be sure to encourage your teammate when possible, and never openly criticize play. It is expected that players not over-celebrate nor cheer opposing mistakes, though be sure to give praise and compliment well placed shots and volleys. At the end of each game, it’s customary for players to meet at the net and ‘clink’ paddles in show of sportsmanship.

Be consistent and fair. It’s generally understood that the player facing north is the first to serve. Know that it’s the serving player’s responsibility to audibly call out the score before each serve. Players are expected to call balls ‘out’ on their side. If the call of ‘out of bounds’ is close, give the opposing player the benefit of doubt. A spectator’s call is not considered valid.

As a spectator, be respectful. Pickleball players tend to favor quieter crowds during playing. Keep noise levels down when possible. Do not walk across or behind a court when others are playing, instead wait until the point is completed or the next dead ball. If an errant ball comes towards you, feel free to catch it and assist in getting it back on court, it’s an appreciated gesture.

Official Rules

RULE 1: THE BALL MUST STAY INBOUNDS: The serve must be made underhand, from behind your baseline, and land diagonally across the court, alternating left and right service boxes each serve.

RULE 2: THE “TWO BOUNCE RULE”: ONE BOUNCE PER SIDE AFTER SERVE: Two bounces must occur before a ball can be volleyed out of the air.

RULE 3: THE BALL MUST BE RETURNED: The ball cannot bounce twice and can only be hit once by each team to the opposite side of the court.

RULE 4: THE “NO-VOLLEY ZONE”: Also known as the “kitchen”, is the lined box located seven feet off the net. When serving, the ball cannot land in the ’NVZ’. Players cannot step into the ‘NVZ’. After the serve, the ball can land in ’NVZ’, only then can a player enter to return the ball.

RULE 5: POINTS ARE SCORED ON THE SERVE ONLY: GAME TO 11: Winner is the first team to 11 points and lead by at least 2 points. Some games may be extended to 15 or 21 points

RULE 1: BALL MUST STAY INBOUNDS During play, the ball must remain inbounds. Line is considered inbounds. If it goes out, service changes sides. Points are only awarded to to serving team. RULE 2: THE "TWO BOUNCE RULE" The ball must bounce at least once on each side of the court, for both the serve and the return of the serve. Once this has happened, either side can play the ball in the air or let it bounce. RULE 3: UNDERHAND SERVE FROM THE BASELINE When serving the ball, the player must serve it from the baseline, the back line of the court. The serve must be struck underhand and below the waistline. The ball must bounce diagonally over the net into the opposite service area. RULE 4: THE NO-VOLLEY ZONE The no-volley zone, also known as "The Kitchen", is the lined box located seven feet off the net. When serving, the pickleball cannot land in the no-volley zone. After the serve, the ball can land in the no-volley zone. Players are not allowed to step foot into the no-volley zone unless the ball hits there first; doing so forfeits the point. RULE 5: THE GAME ENDS AT 11, WIN BY 2 A conventual Pickleball game ends when a player or team reaches 11 points. The game must be won by at least 2 points, otherwise the game continues until a side goes up by 2 points. Game scoring can be extended to 15 or 21 for doubles play.
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