Introduction
Do you have any pet peeves? Pickleball pet peeves are enough to drive me crazy…
Pickleball, a fun and popular game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has gained a massive following in recent years.
As more and more people take up the sport, it’s only natural that players develop some pet peeves—those little annoyances that can make even the most avid pickleball enthusiast grit their teeth.
In this article, I talk about my biggest pet peeves, so you can avoid them and keep the game enjoyable for everyone on the pickleball courts.
Pickleball Pet Peeves that are really common….
Poor Court Etiquette
Good court etiquette is the foundation of any enjoyable pickleball experience. However, some players fail to observe basic pickleball rules, making the game less fun for everyone. Common violations include:
- Walking across another pickleball court during play
- Not waiting for a point to finish before retrieving stray balls from an adjacent court
- Excessive shouting or disruptive behavior
Unsolicited Coaching
While it’s natural to want to help others improve, advanced players and some not-so-advanced players offer unsolicited advice that can be annoying and even demeaning. Whatever your skill level, only offer advice if another player asks for it.
Unless someone specifically asks for your input, it’s common courtesy to keep your opinions to yourself. If you feel compelled to share your knowledge, consider offering to run a coaching session, so those who are interested can opt-in. It’s a great way to leverage your skills to help new players.
Paddle Throwing or Slamming
Expressing frustration by slamming or throwing your paddle not only reflects poorly on your sportsmanship, but it can also be dangerous. Flying paddles can cause injury, and the noise can disrupt other players. Instead of letting your emotions get the better of you, take a deep breath, and try to learn from your mistakes.
Overly Competitive Players
Pickleball is a social sport, and while healthy competition can be invigorating, excessive aggression can ruin the experience for others, especially a new player.
Overly competitive pickleball players may engage in excessive trash-talking, challenge every call, or get visibly upset after losing a point. Remember, pickleball should be enjoyable for everyone involved, so keep your competitive spirit in check.
Of course, a more casual approach works in recreational play and might be okay for new people but for those who want more of a challenge, it’s best to ensure that you’re playing with like-minded people who have a similar level of play and pace of play.
It can be more difficult to do this during open play where there’s a player rotation system that allows players of all skill levels, including new players to rotate in and out.
Playing with a Wet Ball
A wet pickleball can be slippery, difficult to control, and dangerous to play with. It’s important to ensure that your ball is dry before starting a game, especially after rain or if it has fallen into a puddle. Playing with a wet ball not only compromises the quality of the game but also poses a risk of injury to players.
Ball Hogging
In pickleball, it’s important to share the ball and give everyone an opportunity to play. Ball hogging—refusing to pass the ball to teammates or monopolizing play—can be incredibly frustrating for others on the court. To promote a positive and inclusive environment, make an effort to involve all players in the game.
Inconsistent Line Calling
Fair and consistent line calling is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the game. Inaccurate or biased line calls can lead to disputes and detract from the enjoyment of the game. To avoid unnecessary conflicts, players should familiarize themselves with the pickleball rules and be honest when making calls.
Lack of Warm-Up Time
A proper warm-up is essential for injury prevention and optimal performance. However, some players may be impatient and eager to start the game immediately, leaving others feeling rushed and unprepared. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, allow for adequate warm-up time before beginning a match.
Blaming the Partner
Pickleball is a team sport, and blaming your partner for mistakes or losses is both unhelpful and unsportsmanlike. Instead of pointing fingers.
Tennis Players Complaining
When tennis players complain about the nuances of pickleball. The first thing they do is complain about the pickleball paddle and the size and weight of a pickleball ball.
And then they talk about how easy pickleball is compared to tennis. It’s true that pickleball might be an easier sport to learn but it’s difficult to master.
And yes, pickleball courts are smaller (less coverage required) than tennis courts, but let’s just enjoy the game.
FAQ – Pickleball Pet Peeves
What are the 3 etiquettes of pickleball?
1. Be considerate of other pickleball players who are playing on adjacent courts. Don’t walk onto another court to get a ball if their ball is still in play. Always announce yourself and wait for the players to acknowledge you.
2.