Pickleball Etiquette: Tagging - Do you Play Dirty?

There is a code among pickleball players.  While it can be highly competitive, it is also a very social sport so it is important to observe the code aka pickleball etiquette!

Picklejuice Clean Shot Paddle Spray Cleaner

The fastest way to annoy another player is to tag them.  Tagging is when you purposely hit another player with the ball to win the point.  Having said that, getting hit with the ball is part of the game.  Not all players are good enough to place their balls perfectly on a shot so as long as the other player is remorseful and it is not an ongoing event during the game, it is most likely unintentional.

Does this mean you cannot slam? Absolutely not.  When an opponent returns the ball too high, you can absolutely slam the ball down with a great overhead shot.  

Shot etiquette goes both ways.  If you do not like the ball slammed at you, it is your responsibility to keep the ball low to the net or return the ball deep.  If you lay the ball up in the air, a good player will perform an overhead smash.  If you are accidentally hit with the ball, the smashing player should apologize so that you know that the hit was not intentional.

There are some players who hit every single shot hard.  These players are often referred to as bangers and are not taking full advantage of the nuances of the game.  Soft dink shots played low to the net can be more effective, and once the ball height increases then the change up or fast shot can put the point away.

The takeaway is this.  Give each other the benefit of the doubt and take responsibility for the slam if you set up the slammer with a poor shot. If you are a banger, practice the dink shot when you can.

All in all, winning is not everything in social pickleball.  People are.  

Here is to improving your game, competitively and socially!

Tanya, Pickleball Passionista