At SportsEdTV, we love the joy, community, and chaos that is pickleball. But let’s be honest, some players don’t get the memo on etiquette.

So we asked our SportsEdTV group members a simple question:

“What’s the worst etiquette you’ve seen on a pickleball court?”

The answers came flooding in, some hilarious, some cringeworthy, and some just plain outrageous. We’ve ranked the top offenders and added a lighthearted take on each. If you recognize yourself in any of these… well, there’s always time to change.

1. Intentionally Hitting Someone

Pickleball is not dodgeball. If you’re aiming for someone’s chest with a smirk, you need a timeout—and maybe a hug.

2. Giving Unwanted Advice

No, Chad. No one asked. Your unsolicited TED Talk on backhand mechanics isn’t welcome, especially if you just missed three serves in a row.

3. Sandbagging at Tournaments

If you're a 3.8 player dominating a 3.0 division, you're not a champ—you're just padding your medal count. Play up or stay home.

4. Calling Balls Out Without Seeing Space

If there’s no daylight between the ball and the line, it’s in. Unless you’re an astronaut viewing it from orbit, don’t call it out.

5. Paddle-Rack Hijackers

Thinking it’s funny to moonwalk others’ paddles out of the bin? Cue your official membership to the Court Chaos Club.

6. Yelling or Screaming Excessively

Pickleball’s not WWE. Scream less, enjoy more. If your decibel level is higher than your dink, reassess.

7. Temper Tantrums in Rec Play

It's not the US Open. Nobody needs your death stare after a missed return.

8. Ignoring 'Ball on Court' Alerts

If another ball rolls in, stop the point. It’s not a jungle gym. Nobody wants an ankle sprain.

9. Crossing the Court Mid-Rally

Unless bees are chasing you, don’t stroll into someone else’s rally. Use the gate.

10. Walking Behind the Court Mid-Point

You’re not invisible. Wait until the rally ends before making your runway debut behind the baseline.

11. Not Returning a Ball to Another Court

The ball’s next to your feet. You looked at it. Then you walked away. Why?

12. Lobbing Into the Sun

Save the evil genius tactics for tournaments, Dracula.

13. Body Bagging in Social Play

You don’t win rec play—you get fewer friends.

14. Not Tapping Paddles After Games

We don’t care if you lost 11-0. Tap paddles.

15. Serving Without Calling the Score

Say it loud, say it proud—or say goodbye to points.

16. Making Partner Chase the Ball

Don’t roll the ball 20 feet behind them like it’s a punishment.

17. Using a Smartwatch or Phone During Play

Unless it’s telling you to hydrate, don’t check your texts mid-rally.

18. Weaponizing the Ball

If your serve leaves bruises and PTSD, tone it down.

19. Walking Onto the Court During a Game

The match doesn’t pause for your entrance.

20. Not Being Kind

Be cool. Everyone starts somewhere.

21. Poaching Every Shot

If you steal every dink, your partner may start poaching your parking spot.

22. Conversations During Play

You’re mid-rally, not at brunch.

23. Burping, Farting, or Crop Dusting

It’s hard to focus when you’ve been crop-dusted like a cornfield.

24. Rolling or Slinging Stray Balls Mid-Rally

Launching a rogue ball during someone else’s point is the fastest way to lose friends.

25. No Paddle Tap or Intros

You’re in doubles, not a spy movie.

26. Playing With a Tennis Racquet

It’s pickleball, not powerball.

27. Warming Up Like It’s the Olympics

Save the 120 mph drives for the actual match, Flash.

28. Refusing to Rotate Off in Open Play

Winning doesn’t mean you bought the court.

29. Taking Over the Partner’s Position

If your partner’s a lefty and you're on the left... stop stealing the middle.

30. Commenting Loudly on Opponent’s Mistakes

Yes, they missed. No, you don’t need to narrate it like a sports commentator.

Dishonorable Mentions: The Bizarre, Bold & Just Plain Wrong

31. Cheering at Your Opponent’s Mistake

There's winning, and then there's gloating. If you're fist-pumping over a net cord, maybe cool it.

32. Hard Hitters Targeting Beginners

Blasting smashes at someone still learning how to hold the paddle? That’s not dominance—it’s just tacky.

33. Vaping or Smoking While Playing

This isn’t a 1950s bowling alley. Let your lungs (and those around you) breathe.

34. Taking a Phone Call on Court

Yes, this really happens. Mid-serve, mid-rally, mid-conversation. If you're doing deals during dinks, maybe reschedule.

35. Overcoaching Your Partner (Loudly)

Whispering tips is one thing. Shouting corrections like you're a drill sergeant? Time for a timeout.

36. Spitting, Burping, Grunting, and... Other Bodily Surprises

From crop dusting to kimchi-burping to mid-point grunting contests—it’s a court, not a bathroom.

37. Sandbagging with Pride

Yes, we mentioned this already, but some do it so boldly that they even ask for congratulations. The audacity!

38. Obsession with Ratings

If you're rejecting games with someone who's 0.3 DUPR points off, you might be taking this a tad too seriously.

39. Arguing Every Call

A good rule of thumb: if your tone sounds like you're testifying in court, you're doing it wrong.

40. Wearing Inappropriate Shorts (or None at All)

Spandex too tight? No pants? “Lunchbox on full autopilot”? Yikes. Let’s keep it family-friendly, folks.

41. Kicking Your Opponent

This isn’t Mortal Kombat. If you’re using your foot on anyone but yourself, it’s time to step off the court—and into therapy.

42. Swearing at Your Opponent

Trash talk is one thing. Profanity-laced tirades? That’s not passion—it’s poor sportsmanship.

43. Doing a Nasty Nelson on Purpose

Sure, it’s legal. But if you're gunning for your opponent’s shoulder off the serve, maybe rethink your life goals.

44. Calling the Score So Softly No One Hears It

Muttering “four-two-one” like a confused ghost? Speak up, or don’t be surprised when chaos ensues.

45. Not Returning the Ball to the Server on Side Out

Whacking it randomly to the back fence isn’t just lazy—it’s passive-aggressive.

46. Letting the Ball Roll Onto Other Courts

If your ball disrupts play and you don’t bother to yell “ball,” you’re part of the problem.

47. Walking Off the Court Mid-Game in a Hissy Fit

Your drama shouldn't derail everyone else’s fun. Sit, sip water, and shake it off like a grown-up.

48. Laughing at Opponents' Mistakes

Snickering at someone’s flub isn’t confidence—it’s insecurity with better sneakers.

49. Refusing to Acknowledge Other Players at Game End

Ghosting your paddle tap is the coldest handshake in pickleball. Don’t be that person.

50. Screaming in Celebration Right After an Opponent Misses

We get it, you're excited. But timing matters—and so does grace.

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