Sportsmanship is really just about being nice to everyone: the other team, your own team, the refs, and the game itself. It’s the unwritten set of rules that keeps pickleball fun, open to all, and still competitive in a good way. Whether you win or lose, how you act affects how everyone feels about playing.

• Call the ball the way you see it, even if it means you lose the point.
• Just go with whatever the ref calls during an official game.
• Talk to your partner in a nice way, don’t blame them or make them feel small.
• Give your opponent a quick “nice shot” when they hit a good one.
• Try not to go overboard with celebrating or rubbing it in.

Playing like a champ when you win and staying cool when you lose gets you more than just points; it gets you respect. After every match, just tap paddles and say “good game” or “nice playing with you” at the net.

• Be welcoming to new players, especially beginners.
• Share court time fairly in open play.
• Wait your turn without rushing others off.
• Pick up balls promptly and thank others for a good game.
• Support the community: volunteer, help organize, or cheer others on.

How you act off the court creates the culture your club or community becomes.

• Lead with a smile when you step on court.
• Introduce yourself before a game and thank everyone after.
• Let go of ego, even if you’re the best player there.
• Apologize when you foot fault, miscall, or accidentally hit someone.

When you act with integrity, you elevate the sport for everyone around you.

Pickleball thrives on its friendly, social atmosphere. The lines, points, and medals fade but how you made others feel lasts. Playing with great sportsmanship makes you the kind of player everyone wants to share a court with.