Pickleball etiquette: Tips for interacting with opponents during open play

Payton Bond

Contributor

Last Edited

Apr 25 2025

Start with a hello

When I’m across the court from someone I haven’t played with before, or even if we’ve just played once or twice, I always introduce myself. A quick name exchange is all it takes to break the ice and make the game feel a little more relaxed. Open rec play brings together all kinds of players, and a little courtesy at the start helps set the right tone.

Match your intensity to the moment

If I’m playing against beginners or players still figuring things out, I try to tone it down a bit. I’ll work on placement, dinking, or just keeping the rally going. But if it’s a more even matchup, I’ll play a little harder. And of course, if the competition is tough, I play to match it and win.

Sometimes I see players hit every ball to the stronger player when they notice an imbalance, or worse, they start attacking the weaker player just to rack up points. I try to take a different approach. If the teams feel uneven, I might put a little more pressure on the stronger player to balance things out, but I still hit to both players normally.

Nobody wants to feel like they’re being picked on or ignored. Open play is a great time to adapt and enjoy all kinds of games, and I think keeping it respectful helps everyone walk off the court feeling good.

Always check before serving

I’ve learned not to rush it. I look around to make sure everyone’s ready, and once I see that they are, I call the score clearly and serve. If I’m unsure of the score, I quietly check with my partner. No shame in confirming. It shows you’re paying attention and being thoughtful.

Compliments go a long way

If someone hits a great shot, whether they’re on my side or the other, I try to say something. A quick “Nice shot” or “Good point” keeps things positive and makes the game feel more social. I’ve been in games where nobody says a word the whole time.

It’s not terrible, but it’s just not as fun. I’ve learned that good sportsmanship goes a long way in building pickleball relationships. People remember who made the game more enjoyable, not just who won.

Line calls? Keep it simple and fair

Whether it’s casual open play or a competitive game, if a ball is too close to call, even if for a fleeting moment I thought it might’ve been out, I play it as in and give my opponent the benefit of the doubt. I’d expect the same from them.

If I hit someone, I always apologize

Even if it’s just a light tag on the shoe, I’ll say sorry. It’s just a small gesture, but it shows I didn’t mean it and helps keep the mood light. And if I’m on the receiving end, I try to brush it off with something like, “No worries, I know it wasn’t intentional.”

Ball handling matters

It’s a little thing, but how you return the ball between points says a lot. I don’t flick it or kick it in frustration. I just toss it or tap it gently to the server. And if I miss them or catch them off guard, I’ll usually apologize. If a ball rolls in from another court, I call “Ball” to stop play, then look to see who’s asking for it and toss it back their way. Way better than just whacking it randomly to get it off our court.

Wrap it up the right way

After the game, win or lose, I always go to the net, paddle tap, and say “Good game” or “Thank you for the game”. No excuses for losing, and no patronizing comments after winning. If we happen to pickle our opponents and they mention how they played, I’ll usually just say, “It happens,” and keep it respectful. Ending on a good note matters just as much as how you start.

In the end

Being a good opponent doesn’t mean playing perfectly. It means being someone others enjoy sharing the court with. A little courtesy, a little grace, and a good attitude go a long way. And more often than not, people will meet you right there.

Written by Payton Bond, a pickleball enthusiast and author focused on pickleball strategy and helping others better understand the game. Check out Payton Bond on Facebook for links to his strategy guide and website.

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