Pickleball is competitive, fast-paced, and full of people who love improving their game. That competitive spirit is one of the things that makes the sport so fun. But there is a difference between being a helpful teammate and becoming the partner everyone hopes they don’t get matched with again.
This is especially important when playing open play with new people or acquaintances from your club. These are not your regular tournament partner or your close friends who know your personality, your communication style, and your intentions. In these situations, a little self-awareness goes a long way.
Don’t Try to Be the Team Captain
Everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to play smart. But open play is not the place to take over as the coach, strategist, and captain of the team.
Communicating is good. Saying things like “watch the middle” or “let’s try attacking the backhand” can be helpful. But constantly giving commands, telling your partner every shot they should hit, or explaining every mistake can quickly become exhausting.
There is a big difference between encouraging your partner and trying to control them.
Also, be honest about the skill level of the person you are trying to “lead.” Sometimes the most vocal partners are the ones trying hardest to prove they understand the game. They know the fundamentals, they know the strategies, and they have watched enough videos to explain the perfect shot, but they may not consistently execute those strategies themselves.
Knowing what should happen and being able to make it happen are two very different things.
Don’t Make a Scene
The most annoying partners are often the loudest ones.
The dramatic sigh after a missed shot. The shaking of the head. The comments under your breath. The frustrated body language after your partner makes a mistake.
Nobody enjoys playing with someone who makes every point feel like a championship match.
Keep your reactions in check. You are playing a recreational game with people who came to have fun. Your frustration does not make you look more competitive, it usually just makes you look difficult to play with.
Remember, it’s pickleball. Not the Olympics. (And constant complaining is a good way to make someone wish they could shove a paddle somewhere uncomfortable.)
Watch Your Tone
Most annoying partners are not trying to be annoying. They usually have good intentions. They want to win, they want to help, and they believe they are making the team better.
The problem is often how they deliver the message.
“Next time, try staying back after the serve” sounds a lot different than “Why are you moving up there? You’re doing it wrong.”
The words matter. The tone matters even more.
You can give advice without making someone feel like they are being criticized.
Don’t Suck the Joy Out of the Game
People play pickleball because they enjoy it. They enjoy the exercise, the competition, the friendships, and the laughs that happen on the court.
Don’t be the person who turns every game into a stressful experience.
If you don’t like how someone plays, remember this: you do not have to play with them again. Finish the game, tap paddles, say “good game,” and move on.
There is no need to create drama.
Keep the Trash Talk Off the Court
If you have a bad experience with a partner, don’t run around the club telling everyone about it.
People notice. The players who constantly complain about others usually end up becoming known as the problem themselves. If you are always criticizing different players, eventually people start wondering if the common denominator is you.
Handle the moment, let it go, and move forward.
Be Competitive, Not Combative
The best pickleball partners bring energy, encouragement, and a positive attitude. They compete hard, communicate clearly, and make the game more enjoyable for everyone around them.
You don’t have to be quiet. You don’t have to stop caring about winning. You don’t have to ignore mistakes.
Just remember: there is a person on the other side of the net who came out to enjoy the game too.
So compete. Have fun. Encourage your partner.
And most importantly, don’t be a jerk.