Pickleball etiquette: How to behave on court

Pickleball may be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world with more and more competition appearing in the eco-system, but at its heart, it remains a social game built on camaraderie, respect, and a shared love of play.

Whether you're playing a friendly match in a session or grinding through the biggest tournament in your life, how you behave on the court is as important as any forehand or serve. It's what keeps the game fun, welcoming, and fair for all involved.

Here’s a guide to the key principles of proper pickleball etiquette that every player—new or experienced—should know and live by, and what we believe in at Pure Pickleball.

1. Respect the Game and the People You Play With

At its best, pickleball is about connection - you will meet people playing this game that you might not come across in your regular day-to-day life, but you are all there for the same reason. You want to have fun playing pickleball!

That means treating your opponents, partner, and anybody else who happens to be there with respect. Greet others before the game, introduce yourself if you're playing with new faces, and thank your opponents after the match. A simple, and genuine, “Good game” or paddle tap can go a long way.

And if you're playing doubles with a stranger, remember: you’re a team now. Encourage each other and stay positive, even if things aren’t going your way. Everyone makes mistakes on court - hits that ball into the net when it looked impossible to do so, smashes the easy winner into the wall instead of into the middle of the court. It happens. You will do it, your partner will do it. But really, it does not matter. Don't let that mistake cross the line into unacceptable behaviour - you know what it looks like. It starts with a cross word with yourself. The next time, you might let a few rude words come out that others can now hear. The next time, it's a bit louder again and there might be some paddle bashing (those paddles aren't cheap, why would you want to damage it?!) Honestly, it's not going to improve your game, your partner's game, or increase the enjoyment of everyone else around you so don't do it!

2. Know (and Follow) the Rules

It may seem basic, but understanding the rules of pickleball is a foundational part of court etiquette. Nothing makes a friendly game go south faster than a player repeatedly stepping into the non-volley zone on a volley or serving from above their hip and not holding their hands up and admitting their mistake.

If a dispute arises, try to resolve it calmly. In casual friendly play, replays are often the best solution. The spirit of the game matters more than the point.

3. Call the Lines Fairly

Calling balls in or out is part of the game, and doing it with fairness and integrity is part of being a good player. If you're unsure, give the benefit of the doubt to your opponents. And when you're on the receiving end of a close call, trust that your opponent is doing their best to be honest—arguing every point won’t win you respect.

Never forget, if you have played the shot it is their call to say whether it is in or out. And remember this too, if it is you making the call and you cannot 100% say it was out - THEN IT WAS IN!

4. Good Communication With Your Partner

Good doubles teams communicate constantly—on every ball if needed. Use phrases like “Mine,” “Yours,” “Switch,” or “Out” to stay in sync. Probably even more importantly, avoid negative comments when a partner makes a mistake. Everyone misses shots. Instead, offer encouragement and focus on the next point.

5. Control Your Temper!

Yes, competitive fire is part of sport—but pickleball is not the place for outbursts, thrown paddles, or loud rants. If you feel frustration bubbling over, take a deep breath, smile it off, and remember: it’s just a game. Playing with composure earns you more respect than any rally ever will.

6. Be Mindful of What Is Going On

When at a venue and there are other people on court playing or being coached, do your best to hold back from talking during points or coaching or moving behind someone’s court while they’re playing. Wait for a rally to finish before retrieving an errant ball, and keep social conversations to a minimum during gameplay. Remember, in many indoor venues, it is hard enough to hear what is being said on court when there is nothing else going on - let alone when there's loud conversations happening on the sidelines or on a practice court next to a coaching session.

7. Help Keep the Court Safe and Clean

Pick up stray balls, water bottles, and any litter after your match. Try and keep that top that you have taken off because it is warm on the side, not next to or behind a court where someone might trip over it.

If your ball goes across someone else's court, call "ball" so they know - it saves someone twisting their ankle on it or (worse) treading on the ball and killing it! Also, when in a venue that has multiple balls for you to play with - don't just grab another ball and crack on, get the one you were using!

If you notice hazards—like dirt/dust on the court or a wet patch—point them out and do what you can to help keep the area safe. It’s a small gesture that benefits everyone.

8. Read The Room

Lastly, every pickleball setting has its own rhythm. A high-level tournament match is different from a Sunday morning social session. Pay attention to the environment and match the energy. If the setting is relaxed, don't take things too seriously. Play appropriately, even if you are obviously the best player on court in that moment. If it’s competitive, bring your focus—but not your ego.

In the End, It’s All About Respect

These points are good things to take with you wherever you play your pickleball, but they are definitely things we believe in and will politely remind people of at Pure - trust me, there's nothing Colin and I look forward to less than having to gently mention any of these to people!

Pickleball isn’t just about who wins and who loses—it’s about the relationships built along the way. Good etiquette is what turns games into great experiences and strangers into playing partners you look forward to seeing again.

So the next time you step on the court, bring your paddle, your A-game, and most importantly, your good manners. Because in pickleball, kindness and respect always win.