Pickleball etiquette: How the paddle rack system works during open play
Participating in open play is one of the best ways to get better at pickleball because it is designed to allow players from different skill levels, ages, and abilities to mix play. However, for the game to run smoothly, everyone needs to understand and respect one key system used for most open play scenarios: the paddle rack. What is a paddle rack system? A...
Pickleball etiquette: How to handle trash talk on the court
Trash talk exists in almost every competitive sport, including pickleball. A little playful banter can be part of the fun, but when it crosses into distraction, disrespect, or discomfort, it often needs to be addressed. Understanding how to recognize, manage, and respond to trash talk is an important part of good pickleball etiquette. Whether you're dealing with a chatty opponent or wondering if your...
2026 USA Pickleball rulebook changes: Key updates for the new year
Every year, USA Pickleball updates the rulebook to keep play consistent, fair, and (ideally) less chaotic when something strange happens mid-rally. If you play rec games, leagues, or tournaments, the rulebook is the shared source of truth for settling disputes. Each year, USA Pickleball publishes the official rulebook for the year, which is followed by most competitive tournaments. Featured 2026 rule changes and what they mean...
