Pickleball No-Nos: The 4 Biggest ‘Jerk’ Moves on the Court (and Why You Should Avoid Them)

Pickleball is all about camaraderie, friendly competition, and good sportsmanship. However, every now and then, someone brings less-than-friendly behavior to the court, making things tense for everyone else. Here are the top four “jerk” moves that can sour the pickleball experience and tips on how to keep things respectful while still playing your best game.

1. Calling Every Close Ball “Out”

The classic “out” call enthusiast—the one who seems to think that if it’s anywhere near the line, it’s their point. This can quickly turn a friendly match into a frustrating experience, as players feel cheated out of fair play.

Why It’s a Jerk Move: Calling balls out that are clearly in can make you seem more concerned with winning than playing fairly. It creates tension and makes players question your integrity.

The Fix: When in doubt, give the benefit of the doubt. Pickleball is supposed to be friendly, so if you’re unsure, it’s better to call it “in” and move on. Your opponents will respect you more for it!

2. Smashing at Your Opponent’s Face

We all love a powerful shot, but aiming right at your opponent’s head, especially if they’re close to the net, is a quick way to turn up the temperature. While powerful shots are part of the game, using them recklessly can be intimidating—and a little reckless.

Why It’s a Jerk Move: Smashing at your opponent's head comes off as overly aggressive, and can easily result in injury, especially if they’re unprepared or caught off guard.

The Fix: Try to direct your smashes at open spaces or to your opponent’s sides. If an accidental face shot happens, make sure to apologize—keeping it lighthearted goes a long way in preventing hard feelings.

3. Hogging Every Shot

The “Ball Hog” strikes again! This player seems to think the entire court is their territory, ignoring their partner and covering all the ground themselves. Not only does this deny their partner a chance to play, but it also shows a lack of trust in their teammate’s skills.

Why It’s a Jerk Move: Doubles pickleball is a team game, and one person taking every shot just isn’t fair. This habit can make your partner feel undervalued and make the game less enjoyable for everyone.

The Fix: Share the court! Encourage your partner to take shots, communicate about who’s covering what, and recognize that pickleball is as much about teamwork as it is about personal skill.

4. Playing Too Rough During Rec Games

Recreational games are supposed to be fun and lighthearted, but when someone is bringing tournament-level intensity to a friendly match, it can throw everyone off. Playing too aggressively in a casual setting can make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Why It’s a Jerk Move: Playing at full throttle when others are just trying to enjoy the game shows a lack of respect for the group’s vibe. It can discourage less experienced players and make the court an unpleasant place to be.

The Fix: Match the energy of the group. If everyone’s in “rec mode,” keep it casual. Save the intensity for competitive matches or players who enjoy that style of play as much as you do.

Avoiding these “jerk” moves is simple: respect your fellow players, communicate, and keep sportsmanship front and center. After all, pickleball’s greatest charm lies in its community spirit. By steering clear of these behaviors, you’ll help maintain the fun, friendly environment that makes this sport so unique.