Pickleball etiquette for beginners

The unwritten rules

Every court has rules nobody writes down. Learn these and people will be glad to play with you, even while you are still figuring out the game.

On the court

• Call the score before you serve. Say it loud so both teams hear. It keeps everyone honest and on the same page.
• Make honest line calls. Your side calls the balls on your side. If you are not sure whether it was in or out, give it to the other team. Being fair matters more than one point.
• Call your own faults. Stepped in the kitchen? Say so. People respect it, and word gets around.

Around the court

• Do not walk behind a court during a point. Wait until the rally ends, then cross. Walking through can be dangerous and rude.
• Return stray balls safely. If a ball rolls onto another court, wait, then roll or hand it back. Never fire it across.
• Tap paddles after a game. Win or lose, a light paddle tap and a "good game" is the standard. It is the handshake of pickleball.

The social side

Do not coach people who did not ask. Even good advice feels bad when it is unwanted. And when you see someone new looking lost at the edge of the courts, say hi. Somebody did that for you, or you wish they had.

None of this is hard. It comes down to being fair, safe, and friendly. Do that and you will be welcome anywhere.