Pickleball is super fun but that also brings many new players to the court. Some are more serious than others while some play for the social aspect that pickleball brings. With so many different personalities with different backgrounds, experiences, and capabilities, it is important to be aware of others on the court. So here are six pickleball pet peeves to avoid so that you and everyone playing with you can have a great time.
6 Pet Peeves That Make You Look Like A Jerk On The Court
Excluding Certain Players From Playing With You
Most people playing pickleball want to get better. That is understandable but that also includes newbies. Perhaps one of the worst pickleball pet peeves among many are players that deliberately avoid new players or those they see as much weaker players. If you’re in your own private court or if your community courts have a system that clearly defines the level of players, that is fine.
However, in community recreational courts where players of all levels show up, don’t be a jerk and ban new players from rotating in. Everyone was a beginner at one point. If you really only want to play with higher-level players, arrange a set time and place for private games during non-peak hours. Or find a court where there is not a huge line of people waiting to rotate in.
Hitting Shots To Restrictive Players Knowing They Can’t Move To Get It Back
Pickleball is popular among all ages, including those that are older with restrictive movement or those with previous injuries. To clearly see that your opponent cannot run, move fast, or jump up well and then purposely placing shots where you know they will not be able to run is a jerk move.
Especially to do it over and over again. This is whether to place the shot super short while the immobile opponent is way back toward the baseline. Or to lob the ball into the sun or court lights where they can’t run back to get the shot. Be considerate of those that you’re playing with so everyone has a good time.
Coaching Or Chastising Other Players During The Game
While most people do want to get better in their pickleball game, some only play for fun. One of the most common pickleball pet peeves among players is being coached or chastised during a game. This is especially the case if the person coaching is not a great player themselves.
If you’re playing with someone for the first time or you don’t know the person well, don’t be a coach during the game. Or worse, chastise them when they make a mistake. Let the game continue for everyone and if you’re passionate about coaching, go up to them politely and privately. No one wants to be publicly embarrassed. So to shout at someone to do things a certain way or to stop hitting a certain way is plain rude.
Being A Jerk To Your Partner
Everyone makes mistakes. This is especially the case when a player is new or they haven’t mastered a certain way to hit. For example, many pickleball players have a weak backhand. So if your opponents keep hitting to their backhand, they may lose the point.
If you happen to be playing with a newer player or one that is not great, don’t be a jerk when they make a mistake. It is already frustrating to make an error, let alone the same mistakes over and over again. Be encouraging with words like “no worries” or “it’s ok, we got this” rather than scoffing, rolling your eyes, or giving them the cold shoulder. Give them an encouraging nod or paddle tap when they do make a good shot.
Not everyone will play like you or play the same style. It is better to be a good sport, no matter how bad you and your partner lose. At the end of the day, it is just a game and it is just one game. There should be a rotation of other players after so you can play better in the next game.
Blowing Up On The Court
People come to play pickleball to have fun, get some exercise, and maybe even socialize. It may not be a good feeling to lose. But no one likes a poor sport who blows up cusses loudly or even smashes their pickleball paddle against the fence or ground. It causes tension for others and makes people feel uncomfortable.
You can express your frustration without going overboard with certain language and actions. Even if you’re not directing your anger at anyone else other than yourself, it can still make others feel uncomfortable to play with you. It also makes you immature, no matter what your age is.
Targeting A Player Over And Over Again
Yes, everyone wants to win in a game but remember you’re not playing in a tournament during rec play. If you’re playing against two players where one is significantly lower in skill level, don’t keep targeting them over and over again. Yes, you will keep getting the points but you’re robbing the other player and yourself of a proper game. There is no challenge in targeting a weak player. Mix it up and allow everyone on the court to participate!
In the same way, don’t avoid hitting to a weaker player just because you want more volley time. Everyone gets better by hitting to everyone and a new challenge is created when there is a mix of players with different skill levels.
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