We had an incredible turnout for the Grand Opening of the new Demuth Pickleball Complex on Wednesday, with 22 new courts, shade, water, benches, grass, bike racks, backboards and courts labeled by skill level. We had City Officials, Counsel members, Recreation Department Officials, and the Coachella Valley Scorpions!
With a new season, new venues and new players beginning, I thought that I should highlight some important etiquette behavior for this column to help player in the future.
Coach Mary's tip of the Week: Let's do an etiquette refresher
(Don't forget to watch the accompanying videos at desertsun.com, or look them up on YouTube.)
Here three do's and don'ts from PlayPickleball.com.
Three Do’s:
- Be kind to everyone around you, your partner, your opponent, and other players who are waiting to play.
- Ask for permission to cross behind or through a court. Wait until the point is over to enter the court.
- If there is a “Ball On!” situation, safety comes first. Call the point dead and replay the point.
Three Don’ts:
- Do not run or walk onto an adjacent court to get your ball, or to travel through that court until play is dead.
- Do not celebrate loudly during or after a match. Be considerate, bump paddles, and do not hinder your opponent by yelling during play.
- “When in doubt, call the ball in.” Give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent. Call out balls right away, with a verbal and physical cue (hand up, pointing out.) It is even better if both you and your partner make the verbal out call right away.
More etiquette tips from Pro Pickleball Media
- Do not lob to players looking into the sun. To avoid problems, switch sides halfway through the game.
- Do not lob or “pick on” players with mobility issues. Hit to both opponents.
- In social play, if there is a discrepancy, you can play the point over. This takes away the arguments and confrontations.
- Say the score out loud prior to starting your serve motion. This is a tourney rule! Do not quick serve before your opponent is ready. If you are not ready as the receiver, be sure to raise your paddle in the air until you are ready.
- In tennis, if your ball hits the net and rolls over, and you get the point, players show a “Sorry” gesture. The same should apply to Pickleball.
- If your partner makes an error, they already feel bad. Do not roll your eyes, huff, or comment. Bump their paddle and say “Next time.”
- Saying “You do not belong here, you need to go to a lower or higher level.” This is mean, and unnecessary. If courts are labeled by skill level this should not be a problem. Share the courts with good humor and consideration. Rotate off if the courts are crowded after one game. Rotate off when a new court becomes available.
And some more from Enhance Pickleball:
- Do not give unsolicited advice. If your partner does not ask you for help or advice, do not correct or coach them.
- If your partner calls a ball out that you think was in, you should try to correct them or replay the point. This creates a more positive court atmosphere.
- If you foot-fault, call it on yourself. This is good sportsmanship and etiquette. If your partner foot-faults, you can warn them, then call it on them.
- When you win a point, do not scream or brag. If you miss a point, do not make excuses. Be sure to congratulate your opponent when they execute a great shot.
- Be sure to hit to both of your opponents in social play. Do not pick on the weaker player. We all want to participate, and you can label this game as a practice or drill opportunity.
- If you “Body Bag” your opponent, hitting them with a ball, be sure to apologize.
- If you are going to be late, be sure to let your group know so they can invite another player to sub in until you get there.
- If a friend paid for a court rental, be sure to pay your share.
- If you have an odd number of players in your group, be sure to devise a rotation system so each player is on a “Bye” round, and no one is out for too long.
Opportunity to play
Next Outdoor
Round Robin is Sunday, Nov. 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving at Fritz Burns Park in La Quinta. Email Mary to register: mgbarsaleau@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball Tip of the Week: A refresher on proper pickleball etiquette
