Be aware of whether you are playing in a mostly social/recreational setting or in a competitive setting! Tournament games, league games and games on a Challenge Court tend to be competitive. Games during Open Play tend to be more social/recreational. In a competitive game, your goal is for you and your partner to win. In a social/recreational game, your goal is for everyone to enjoy their pickleball experience.

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• In a social game, avoid targeting an opponent; give both opponents a chance to participate.

  • Note: If you target the weaker opponent, the better opponent won't have a chance to play and they'll become bored. Naturally, they'll look for someone else to play with & against. So if you enjoy playing with better players, give them a chance to hit the ball!​

• In a social game, avoid body shots and especially avoid head shots.

• In a social game, do not run up the score; if you're way ahead, play easier and give your opponents a break. You don't have to give away points, but consider taking your foot off the gas against weaker opponents.

• In a social game, use easy serves; the serve is intended to put the ball into play, not to score a point.

• In a social game, you might avoid exploiting any inherent limitation of your opponent.

• In a social game, do not exploit the environment (e.g. position of the sun, fences).

• In a social game, consider avoiding lob shots except as a defensive measure, especially against less agile opponents.

  • Note: Elderly players, especially, may hurt themselves when they try to move backwards to return a lob. This is a common source of injury!

• In a social game, consider avoiding radical spin; some top spin and back spin are fine.

• In a social game, avoid aggressive poaching, especially if your opponent is trying to give your partner a chance to participate. Allow your partner to play and allow them to make some mistakes!

• In a social game, make reasonable concessions regarding rules (e.g. perhaps allow your opponents to catch a ball that's obviously headed out).

• In a social game, you may take a moment to offer advice to your partner and opponents as long as they are receptive to it.