by Kelly Campbell
Etiquette is a massive part of sports, whether we realize it or not.
Most popular sports have a set of unspoken rules, codes of conduct, and acceptable (or unacceptable) behaviors. They’re often not officially recognized, but well-known amongst athletes and spectators, and can drastically influence public perception. Pickleball is no exception.
As pickleball continues to grow, so does the list and legitimacy of these implicit norms. You can master your dinks and smash your serves, but unless you adhere to the unofficial behavioral rulebook, your success as a player is limited.
To many, etiquette might seem trivial compared to actual athletic skill and wins, but we know that good manners on and off the court carry a lot of weight. The invisible playbook and our adherence to it are a testament to a strong pickleball community and its legitimacy, shaping the spirit of the game.
Are you in the know about pickleball social norms and etiquette? Read on for more about why good etiquette counts, especially in the pickleball world.
Why Etiquette in Sports Matters (Who Cares?)
Whether it’s a pickup game or a national tournament, sports etiquette shows that you value your opponents, teammates, and the game itself. It fosters trust, makes play enjoyable, and helps sports stay inclusive—especially for newcomers.
Sports etiquette is what transforms competition into community. It’s a sign of respect—for your opponents, your teammates, and the game itself. These unspoken norms create a positive atmosphere and are put in place in part to help keep sports inclusive and accessible.
Some are also suggested to promote player safety, set the tone for intensity without hostility, and encourage shared sportsmanship that elevates everyone’s experience. Athletes train to master the physical game—but it’s your behavior and etiquette as a player and person that often defines your legacy.
Unspoken Etiquette in Other Sports
Unspoken rules exist across all sports, helping create a shared language of respect and restraint. Etiquette, class, attitude, and good sportsmanship separate a good athlete from a respected one.
Some hold up more than others, but these are some of the most well-known unofficial rules for players and spectators of recreational and professional play in the U.S.’ top sports:
Baseball
Players:
- Don’t steal bases when your team is ahead by a lot
- Don’t bunt to intentionally end a no-hitter
- Pitchers should not deliberately hit players with pitches
- Celebrate, but don’t showboat a home run
- Don’t throw your bat
- Non-pitchers should not step on the pitcher’s mound
Spectators:
- Don’t talk about a no-hitter while a potential no-hitter is in progress
- Do not interfere with balls in play, and do not attempt to catch a questionable home run or foul ball that a player could retrieve for an out
- Avoid heckling players
- If you catch a foul ball, give it to a child near you
Football
Players:
- Avoid showboating and taunting opponents
- Avoid padding stats (inflating individual achievements at the expense of team win or performance), especially with an aggressive lead
Spectators:
- Avoid obscene chants and gestures
- Be respectful to the stadium and clean up after yourself when tailgating
Basketball
Players:
- Avoid dangerous fouls, such as closeouts, which commonly cause injuries
- Help players off the floor after a foul
- In pickup games, winners stay on the court
- Trash talk is common, but don’t go too far
- Congratulate winning opponents at the end of a series
Spectators:
- Don’t shout or make sudden noise during a free throw
- Avoid excessive heckling
Golf
Players:
- Don’t stand directly behind a hitter
- Don’t block someone’s putting line with your body or shadow
- Don’t hold up play looking for a lost ball
- The player furthest from the hole goes first
- Do not express anger by yelling, screaming, or throwing clubs
- Don’t touch another player’s ball
Spectators:
- Don’t talk or make noise while someone is hitting
- Don’t make sudden movements or engage in any distracting behaviors while players are hitting
- Celebrate quietly after the play with the signature golf clap and non-distracting celebrations
- Help players look for lost balls until called off
Pickleball Etiquette: The Unwritten Code of the Court
Pickleball is a grassroots sport that has exploded in popularity, fueled by its sense of community, inclusivity, and ease of accessibility. As the game continues to grow, maintaining proper social etiquette is essential to preserving the spirit and integrity that made it so appealing in the first place. That’s why USA Pickleball even has a Sportsmanship Guide, and many other clubs, leagues, and companies have an unofficial list of proper etiquette.
Here’s our list of some of the most important pickleball rules outside of the game itself:
Players:
- Tap paddles with opponents before and after matches
- Introduce yourself to all players and refs, and treat all with respect
- Even if you are not an expert, know the rules of pickleball and follow them
- Honor System: If a call is very close, give the advantage to your opponent; make fair and honest calls if there is no ref
- Unsolicited Advice: Don’t coach others unless asked
- Don’t warm up prematurely or while another match is ongoing unless necessary
- Share courts and respect play time; stick to your reservation slot
- Retrieve rogue balls promptly
- Yell “ball” if your ball goes onto another court
- If the ball lands in an area that doesn’t threaten an ongoing game or player, wait until their game is over to retrieve it
- Stop a rally if a ball is hit onto your court, and replay once you return the ball.
- Communicate well with teammates and opponents; discuss your levels, expectations, and desired intensity for matches. If you’re playing with weaker players, play at their level.
Spectators:
- Don’t shout during a match or distract players
- Don’t cheer for player errors; only for positive plays
- Don’t retrieve balls unless a player asks
- Stay silent while the ball is in play
Athletes Who Crossed the Etiquette Line (and Paid for It)
Even top athletes face backlash when they ignore unspoken norms. It’s easy to think talent and winning are everything—but cross an unspoken line, and you’ll learn fast: the real game has more layers than a winning streak. While some are significantly worse than others, these athletes are now known for poor behavior and controversy that sometimes clouds their athletic achievements:
Riley Newman and Lea Jansen: These two PPA pros are known to forego the commonplace paddle tap between games. Some think it’s no big dill, while others consider it a sign of poor sportsmanship.
Mike Tyson: In 1997, the American boxer infamously bit off opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear. Enough said.
Draymond Green: This NBA player has a reputation for pushing boundaries on the court with excessive trash-talking and physical altercations, leading to multiple suspensions and fines. In 2024, he was suspended for putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold.
Fernando Tatis Jr.: In 2020, this MLB player was criticized for violating an unspoken rule (swinging on a 3-0 count with a blowout lead) when hitting a grand slam in 2020 against the Rangers.
Nick Kyrgios: This Australian tennis player is known more for his disrespectful behavior than his tennis skills and has a strong track record of smashing rackets, arguing with umpires, and trash-talking opponents.
2024 World Series: Two Yankees fans were banned from all MLB parks indefinitely after interfering with Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. The fans grabbed Betts’ glove while he was making a play.
What Kind of Player Do You Want to Be?
At the end of the day, it’s your choice. But to truly grow as a player and person and demand the respect of fellow dinkers, you have to make an effort to follow official and unofficial rules.
Our favorite sport has undergone significant changes over the last few years, making it more important than ever to uphold its core values. Every single pickleball player––professional or recreational––helps develop our culture and community. Think about how your behavior affects others, and aim to be the type of player other players look up to and rely on.
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