Pickleball Etiquette: The 4 Most Annoying Habits and How to (Politely) Call Them Out

Pickleball is known for its friendly and inclusive community, but every now and then, some players bring habits to the court that make you want to groan. Whether it’s hogging the ball or making questionable line calls, these behaviors can add unnecessary frustration to the game. Here are the four most annoying things that players do on the pickleball court—and some lighthearted ways to help them get the hint without ruffling too many feathers!

1. The “Ball Hog”

Ah, the Ball Hog—a player who insists on taking every shot, even the ones that are clearly on your side of the court. You know the type: calling “mine” on every ball, cutting in front of you, and leaving you feeling like a spectator in your own game.

How to (Nicely) Call Them Out: 

Next time they leap into your zone, say something like, “I love your energy! You must have some serious cardio to cover both sides of the court! Maybe I can give you a break and take the next one?” Hopefully, they’ll catch the drift and ease off a bit.

2. The Chronic Line-Caller

We all want to win, but the Chronic Line-Caller seems to believe that every close call falls in their favor. Their over-enthusiasm for claiming shots as “out” can make you question if they’re playing pickleball or preparing for law school.

How to (Politely) Address It: 

The next time they make a questionable call, give them a grin and say, “Looks like you’ve got eagle eyes! If we’re not sure on a call, how about we just re-play the point to keep it fair?” This gives them a graceful way to avoid disputes while nudging them to be more honest.

3. The “Coaching Enthusiast”

The Coaching Enthusiast loves to offer advice—whether you asked for it or not. Sure, a few tips here and there are helpful, but when every shot comes with unsolicited feedback, it can get overwhelming. Sometimes, you just want to play without a lecture!

How to Gently Suggest a Pause: 

Smile and say, “Wow, you must have some great tournament experience with all these tips! Let’s just play a few rounds without coaching so I can try some things out.” This makes it clear that you’re looking for a more relaxed game—without offending their inner coach.

4. The Long-Winded Storyteller

Every game has a break between rounds, but the Long-Winded Storyteller treats it as an open mic night. Before you know it, they’re deep into a tale about last weekend’s match, complete with every detail of each shot, while everyone else is waiting to get back on the court.

How to (Kindly) Keep the Game Rolling: 

Between stories, say something like, “That sounds epic! Let’s pick up the next game, and you can finish the story while we’re switching sides.” This gives them a chance to continue their tale—without keeping everyone waiting.

Pickleball is a social game, and these little quirks add to the fun... most of the time. With a little humor and a lot of patience, you can encourage good habits and enjoy a smooth game. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even inspire a few players to break their own annoying habits!