Pickleball is not only a physically engaging sport but also a social one. Practicing courtesy on the court ensures a positive and enjoyable experience for all players. One key aspect of courtesy in pickleball is respecting your fellow players, whether they’re teammates or opponents. This includes maintaining good sportsmanship, communicating effectively, and adhering to the rules of the game.
Giving the Ball to Opponents after Points:
After a point is scored in pickleball, it’s customary to retrieve the ball and prepare to serve for the next point. When giving the ball to opponents, it’s important to do so in a clear and considerate manner. Begin by picking the ball up off the court. Don’t be lazy and kick it under the net or hit it with your paddle under the net. Someone has to bend over and pick it up, so if you have retrieved the ball, be courteous and gently hit it or toss it over the net to the server.
You might first ensure the ball is clean and dry, and might need to be inspected for any damage, like cracks. Then, approach the net and gently underhand toss or hit the ball to your opponents. Aim for a comfortable height that allows them to easily catch it.
Avoid throwing or hitting the ball aggressively or out of anger, which might make it difficult for your opponents to receive.
Additionally, maintain eye contact or exchange a nod to acknowledge the exchange. Too many times balls hit players in the head or elsewhere because they did not know it was being sent their way.
This small gesture of passing the ball demonstrates respect for your opponents and contributes to the overall positive atmosphere on the court.
Remember, being gracious, courteous, and respectful in all aspects of the game, even something as ordinary as ball retrieval, reflects the true spirit of pickleball.
Getting Full Benefit Of The Sport