Manners & Etiquette

For a Game Everyone Enjoys.
Pickleball Etiquette

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, but its popularity isn't just about the skills involved. A culture of mutual respect that creates a space where everyone can have fun (a true sense of community) is what makes this sport special. We've put together the etiquette to follow on and off the court, based on standards from Japan and around the world.

Respect
Respect for your opponents, the court, and the facility
Fair Play
Honest line calls and playing with integrity
Safety
A setting where you and everyone else can play safely
Have Fun
Everyone leaves the court with a smile
Spirit of the Game

The Spirit of Pickleball

Ever since it was born in the U.S. in 1965, pickleball has stood for one idea: anyone, of any age, can enjoy it together. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, the sport stands out for combining real competitive depth with a strong social side.

At the very beginning of its official guide, USA Pickleball (the national governing body for the sport in the U.S.) states that since its inception, the sport has embodied an ethic of graciousness in winning and losing, fair play, and mutual respect.

The Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) likewise places “creating an environment where everyone can play comfortably” at the heart of its recommended etiquette. Regardless of skill level, age, or gender, everyone on the court is an equal player.

Practicing good etiquette isn't about obeying rules. It's a choice we make to keep making this sport better, together.

"
Pickleball was created to be a fun, competitive, and highly social sport, and since its inception it has embodied an ethic of good sportsmanship that includes respect, fair play, and graciousness in winning and losing.
— USA Pickleball Sportsmanship Guide
The Philosophy Behind JPA's Recommended Etiquette
“As pickleballers, let's mind our manners so that everyone can enjoy playing.”
— Japan Pickleball Association (JPA)
Court Manners

8 Basics of On-Court Etiquette

Whether it's a match or a practice session, these are the basics every player on the court should follow.

01
Greet Each Other
Before the game, greet each other with “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (roughly, “Looking forward to playing with you”). After the game, tap paddles across the net to acknowledge each other's effort. In doubles, always thank your partner, too. It's even better to introduce yourself to players you're meeting for the first time (recommended by the USA Pickleball guide).
Start: “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” / End: paddle tap + “Arigatou gozaimashita” (Thank you) or “Good game!”
02
Line Calls (Self-Officiating)
You make the in/out calls for balls that land on your side of the court. If you're unsure, always call the ball in. Only call a ball “out” when you're certain. Make calls promptly; you can't change a call after the fact. Pairing your voice with a hand signal (palm facing down for in, index finger pointing up for out) makes your call clear.
Rule of thumb: When in doubt, give your opponent the benefit. Never make a dishonest call to win.
03
Calling the Score
Always call the score out loud before you serve. In doubles, the order is “your team's score − opponents' score − server number (1 or 2).” In singles, it's “your score − opponent's score.” Calling the score is the server's responsibility, and the receiver also gets a chance to confirm it.
Example (doubles): “3-2-1” = your team 3, opponents 2, first server
04
Call Your Own Foot Faults
Good etiquette means calling your own foot faults when you step into the non-volley zone (NVZ / kitchen). The same goes for foot faults on your own serve. The USA Pickleball guide explicitly says to call a foot fault on yourself the moment you notice it. In matches without a referee, honesty is the foundation of fair play.
It's a fault if your foot touches the NVZ when you volley, or if you step into the NVZ right after hitting a volley.
05
Ball On (Ball on Court)
If a ball comes onto your court from a neighboring court, call out “Ball on!” to stop play. Likewise, if your ball goes onto the next court, call it out and wait until play has stopped before retrieving it. Failing to make this call can lead to serious accidents, such as falls and injuries.
How to call it: Shout “Ball on!” or “Ball on court!” loudly. Wait until the ball has stopped moving before going to get it.
06
When to Cross a Court
If you need to walk across a neighboring court where a game is in progress, always wait until between points (when the ball is dead). Make sure the players have noticed you, then cross quickly. As you pass, it's polite to give a small nod or say “Excuse me” (“Sumimasen”). Crossing during play breaks the players' concentration and can also cause accidents.
Even if you're in a hurry, wait for the point to end. A second or two of patience can prevent an injury.
07
Returning Balls
When returning a ball to the other side, make eye contact with the player first. Hand it over if you're close, roll it gently from mid-range, and send it over with a soft bounce from farther away. Throwing a ball to someone who hasn't noticed it coming is dangerous. Also, be careful not to swap another court's ball for your own.
Eye contact → make sure they're ready → pass it gently. Never throw it hard or hit it back with your paddle.
08
Mind Your Volume and Reactions
Excessive noise or shouting during play disrupts your opponents' concentration. In particular, reacting loudly right after your opponent makes a mistake will make them uncomfortable, even if you don't mean it that way. A small celebration of your own good shot is fine, but never act as if you're pleased about your opponent's error.
JPA recommends: “Refrain from loud voices during play. Be especially mindful of how you react when you win a point on an opponent's error.”
Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship

How to carry yourself on the court, something worth learning even before technique. Compiled from USA Pickleball and other international guidelines.

01
Praise Your Opponents' Good Shots
When there's a great shot or rally, call out “Good shot!” or “Nice!” Praising your opponent isn't a sign of weakness; it's proof of your strength as a good sport. It also eases the tension of the match and lifts the mood of the whole court.
02
Celebrate Thoughtfully
A small fist pump or paddle tap after winning a point is perfectly natural. But over-the-top celebrations, shouting, and taunting your opponents are strictly off-limits. Be especially careful not to celebrate too much when you score on an opponent's mistake. There's a big difference between celebrating your own good play and celebrating someone else's mistake.
03
Don't Give Unsolicited Advice
Avoid giving advice nobody asked for, whether to opponents or to your own partner. No matter how well-meaning, it may come across as criticism. Beginners in particular can lose their motivation to play when experienced players hand them one-sided advice. Offer advice only when asked, and only outside of the game.
04
Never Throw or Slam Your Paddle
Slamming your paddle on the ground or throwing it out of frustration is dangerous, and one of the fastest ways to ruin your reputation (per the PPA Tour guide). Paddles are made of materials that can rebound at high speed, so the risk of injuring people nearby is very high. It also makes your opponents and spectators uncomfortable. When you feel angry, take a deep breath and focus on the next point.
05
No Foul Language or Crude Behavior
USA Pickleball's code of conduct requires treating all players, officials, volunteers, staff, and spectators with respect. Name-calling, insults, discriminatory remarks, and crude behavior are never acceptable. Take extra care in settings with lots of juniors or beginners.
06
Experienced Players: Adjust to Beginners
When skill levels are mismatched, stronger players are encouraged to deliberately dial back their power. Constantly targeting a weaker player's weak spots or overpowering beginners isn't a display of skill; it shows a lack of sportsmanship. Aim for a game everyone can enjoy.
07
Apologize for Net Cords and Body Hits
If your shot clips the net and drops over, or the ball hits your opponent's body, offer a quick “Sorry” (“Sumimasen”). Apologizing even when it wasn't intentional is a sign of mutual respect, and it's spelled out in the JPA's recommended etiquette. An apology doesn't mean the point is replayed, but it softens the atmosphere.
08
Dispute Calls Graciously
If you question a line call, you can calmly ask, “Are you sure that was out?”, but protesting heatedly is not appropriate. Fairness is maintained when both sides respect the principle that each team calls its own side of the court. Even if you're unhappy with a call, avoid arguments that disrupt the flow of the game.
Open Play / Free Court

Open Play (Free Court) Rules

During open play at public courts and facilities, there's a set of rules designed so that everyone gets a fair share of court time. It's a system that's spreading quickly in Japan, too.

Most Important
Paddle Stacking (The Waiting-Line System)
Players mark their place in line by placing their paddles in a holder or rack beside the court, in the order they arrive. The next group of four paddles (two pairs) goes onto the next open court. If you want to play with friends, stack your four paddles together. Skipping ahead in line or moving someone else's paddle is strictly off-limits.
Court Time Limits
When players are waiting, the general etiquette is to stay on a court for no more than two or three games in a row. When your game ends, clear the court promptly and put your paddle back at the end of the line. If the facility has its own rules, such as rotating off after one game to 11, follow them.
Be Considerate of Skill Levels
Even when skill levels differ, turning someone down because of their skill, age, or gender is discouraged. Experienced players should dial it back and create an environment where beginners feel comfortable playing. An “I don't want to partner with them” vibe drags down the mood of the whole community.
Courtesy for Groups of Friends
Even if you already have a foursome of friends, hogging a court game after game is inconsiderate to other players. After a few games, go back to the paddle stack and give other groups a chance to use the court. When it's busy, rotating off after one or two games is recommended.
Singles vs. Doubles
On crowded open-play courts, doubles takes priority, since four people can play. If you're playing singles and a group of four is waiting, you're expected to give up the court. More and more facilities also set aside singles-only courts at certain times of day.
Check Facility and Court Rules
Rotation rules, hours, footwear requirements, and noise limits vary by facility. Always check the facility rules when you play at a court for the first time. The surest way is to ask a local club or the facility's coordinator.
Safety First

Safety Etiquette

At pickleball courts, multiple games are played side by side. Review these calls and guidelines that put safety first.

Warning Call
How to Use “Care!”
If a ball looks like it might hit a player on another court, shout “Care!” early and loudly (JPA recommendation). In Japanese, “Abunai!” (Watch out!) or “Ki o tsukete!” (Be careful!) works too, but “Care!” is a call understood internationally. Alerting players so they can react in time helps prevent falls and collisions.
“Care!” “Ki o tsukete!”
Recommended
Check the Court Before You Play
Before starting a game, check what's happening on the neighboring courts, the condition of the floor, and whether any stray balls are lying around. Indoor courts in particular carry a risk of slipping on sweat or water. If you find anything on the court, remove it before you start playing.
Never
Throw or Slam Your Paddle
Throwing your paddle or slamming it on the ground out of anger or frustration is one of the most dangerous things you can do. It can lead to serious injuries to nearby players and spectators. Under USA Pickleball tournament rules, angrily throwing your paddle draws a technical foul (a one-point deduction); if it hits someone or damages the facility, you forfeit the match; and if it injures someone or damages the venue, you can be ejected from the tournament.
Caution
Warm Up and Stretch
Pickleball demands sudden changes of direction and quick reactions. A thorough warm-up before playing is the foundation of injury prevention. Senior players in particular shouldn't skip stretching their knees, lower back, and shoulders.
Recommended
Wear Proper Court Shoes
Instead of running shoes, wear court shoes with lateral support (tennis shoes, badminton shoes, etc.). Soles designed for pickleball's side-to-side movement help prevent ankle sprains. Many facilities also use dedicated indoor-only shoes.
Recommended
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Overheating
When playing on outdoor courts in summer, watch out for heatstroke. Make a habit of things like drinking water every 30 minutes, and stop playing right away if you feel unwell. Senior players in particular should also consider sitting out when it's very hot.
Do's & Don'ts

Do's and Don'ts at a Glance

For every player on the court: a checklist to refer to whenever you're unsure.

✓ DO — Things to Do
✓
Always greet each other at the start and end of a game
✓
When unsure of a line call, give it to your opponent (call it in)
✓
Always call the score before serving
✓
Call your own NVZ foot faults when you notice them
✓
Call “Ball on!” loud and clear
✓
Say “Nice!” or “Good shot!” when your opponent makes a great play
✓
Say “Sorry” (“Sumimasen”) for net cords and body hits
✓
Respect the paddle-stacking order
✓
Cross courts quickly, between points
✓
Make eye contact before rolling a ball back
✓
Check the facility and court rules in advance
✓
Shout “Care!” loudly if you sense danger
✗ DON'T — Things to Avoid
✗
Make dishonest line calls to win
✗
Make a big show of celebrating your opponent's mistakes
✗
Give advice no one asked for
✗
Slam your paddle on the ground or throw it
✗
Use foul language or make insulting remarks
✗
Cut across a court while play is in progress
✗
Swap another court's ball for your own
✗
Hog a court for long stretches
✗
Avoid certain people because of their skill, age, or gender
✗
Protest calls heatedly and spoil the atmosphere
✗
Ignore a “Ball on” call and keep playing
✗
Keep playing while ignoring players who are waiting
Facility Manners

Facility and Court Etiquette

Your conduct as a pickleballer matters off the court, too. Always be considerate of the facility and the local community.

Take Your Trash Home
Take home all your trash, including bottles, wrappers, and used tape. Always keep the court and bench areas clean for the next players.
Be Mindful of Noise
At outdoor courts, noise can become an issue for nearby homes and facilities. Avoid excessive shouting and playing music on speakers. Keep in mind that the sound of the pickleball itself carries, and be especially careful when playing early in the morning or late at night.
Follow Facility Rules
Each facility has its own rules on footwear, hours, and court use. At a new facility, always check with the staff and follow the posted rules.
Coaching from the Sidelines
Spectators coaching or giving instructions during play is also discouraged, since it breaks the players' concentration. Save your advice for after the game, off the court.
Label Your Paddle
Where lots of paddles end up in the same place, writing your initials or name on the grip helps avoid mix-ups. However, avoid writing on the face or edge guard, since it spoils the paddle's appearance.
Welcome New Players
To help the community grow in a healthy way, make a point of reaching out to beginners and people who've come to watch. Showing through your actions that “pickleball is a sport open to everyone” is what builds a strong local community.
Questions About Etiquette?
If you're unsure about a situation on the court or how to interpret a rule, feel free to ask Coach Yoshi on LINE. Beginner “What do I do here?” questions are always welcome.
Ask Us on LINE →
JPA Official Reference

Japan Pickleball Association (JPA)
9 Recommended Etiquette Guidelines

A summary of the JPA's official recommended etiquette, translated faithfully from the original Japanese. These standards apply to both tournaments and practice.

01Greet Each Other›
Greet each other at the beginning and the end. Before the game, say “Onegaishimasu” (the customary pre-game greeting) to one another; after the game, touch paddles across the net to recognize each other's efforts. In doubles, partners should also thank each other.
02Clean Self-Officiating›
Strive to make honest calls, and never make a false call in order to win. “When you can't tell, make the call in your opponent's favor.” Make calls promptly; late calls are not allowed.
03Praise Your Opponents' Play›
When there's a great play or a great rally keeps going, praise your opponents. Value an attitude of respect toward them.
04When Your Ball Goes onto Another Court›
If a ball from your court goes onto another court, call “Ball on” and wait for play to stop before retrieving it.
05When a Ball Comes onto Your Court›
If a ball comes onto your court from another court, call “Ball on” and replay the point.
06Keep the Courts Safe›
Do not enter other courts while play is in progress. Safety comes first.
07Keep Play Moving›
Keep play moving smoothly without taking too long between points. Unnecessary delays disrupt the rhythm of the game and are inconsiderate to your opponents.
08Apologize for Mishaps›
Apologize for net cords or when the ball hits an opponent's body. Always respond sincerely.
09Control Your Volume›
Refrain from loud voices during play. Be especially mindful of how you react when you win a point on an opponent's error.
Source: Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) Recommended Etiquette (in Japanese)
Note: The above is our summary based on content from the JPA's official website. Please check the official site for the latest information.
Next Step

Now That You Know the Etiquette,
Head to the Court.

Once you've learned the rules and etiquette of pickleball, all that's left is to get out and play. If you're unsure which paddle to choose, Pickleball Lab is here to help.

Shop Paddles →Ask Us on LINERead the Beginner's Guide
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