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DEBATE: To shut up OR speak up during a game of pickleball (Etiquette Edition)

DEBATE: To shut up OR speak up during a game of pickleball (Etiquette Edition)

PLUS: Ladies chained to trees to protest courts & would you buy a house across from a pickleball court?

Welcome back, Kitcheners.

Read time: 5 min

Yo, yo, yo! I can't believe it, but apparently (for some) compliments are no longer allowed during a game of pickleball.

I’m talkin’ lips sealed. Not-a peep. No congrats. No hoorays.

Is pickleball etiquette in peril?

Let’s get into it.

TODAY’S MENU

Daily Scoop: Should you shut your trap during play?
News Stash: #1 tennis influencer trying to end the war between tennis & pickleball. Ladies chained to trees to protest courts
Sizzling Skills: How to keep a banger from winning points
Kitchen Talk: Would you buy a house across from a pickleball court?

DAILY SCOOP

To shut up or to speak up, the debate

So we all LOVE a bit of one-on-one commentary during a game of pickleball.

But what happens when you are simply trying to validate your partner’s awesome play and you are met with an unwelcoming finger to the lips (i.e., shut the F up)?

The question is: Are you the annoyance, or is your partner just an AHOLE?

Well, perfect timing, because I’ve found for you a real-life scenario, thanks to Reddit.

Here’s the story:

A Reddit thread has sparked a debate within the pickleball community about whether casual conversation should be permitted during competitive play.

IE..to shut up or to speak up.

The deets? The post described how a Redditor's wife was shushed by her doubles partner after complimenting his shot. He claimed that Pickleball players should abide by tennis etiquette rules of keeping quiet during points.

In the 200+ comments, players weighed in on both sides.

I’ve summarized the comments for your reading pleasure:

Most argue that light chatter, banter, and compliments have always been a friendly part of recreational pickleball. It helps build camaraderie and a welcoming community.
Some said casual talk is fine between points and games, but during volleys, it can be distracting to players who are trying to concentrate. Calls related to strategy are okay during play.
A few commented there are occasionally players who talk non-stop or make inappropriate comments, which should be avoided
Some noted that pickleball's rapid growth means welcoming new players from diverse backgrounds, including both casual players and serious competitors. So people should be patient and respectful of varying expectations.

The verdict?

The thread shows pickleball has some work ahead in managing the sport's exponential growth and setting shared etiquette around game communication.

But most commenters emphasized keeping a positive, welcoming spirit as more new players discover the fun sport of pickleball.

My personal opinion? The redditor’s wife partnered with a baddd apple.

What do you think? 🫵🏼

Should you shut up or speak up?

NEWS STASH

Instagram @rstuhlmann

#1 Tennis influencer influencing peace between tennis & pickleball

Happenings: Tennis influencer Rachel Stuhlmann says to pump the brakes on claims that pickleball is "wreaking havoc" on her beloved sport.

Though cities convert tennis courts and high-profile tennis figures previously bashed pickleball, Stuhlmann believes both racquet sports can thrive. She's even launching a tennis "Topgolf" concept, seizing opportunities amid pickleball's rise.

Stuhlmann insists pickleball provides a "healthy social activity," though annoying when it takes over tennis facilities. But with participation up for tennis too, she advocates "coexistence," not sides.

Two sports are better than one, and converted pickleball skeptics like Martina Navratilova now agree. With investment and influence flowing, perhaps Stuhlmann can broker racquet peace?

Stuhlmann…Your two cents are much appreciated ❤️

Ladies protest courts by chaining themselves to a tree

Happenings: A gnarly pickleball complex has Sandpoint tree huggers hella heated.

Longtime local Molly McCahon is straight-up chillin' dawn to dusk chained to a precious 30-year-old willow that's on the chopping block.

The problem at hand? The new pickleball spot would axe 20 mature trees planted decades ago.

Supporters are stoked about the new facilities. But haters want to compromise to preserve the scenic greenspace and memories while still getting new courts somewhere.

With both sides stubborn as oaks, it's a battle between progress and preservation.

Neiman Marcus transforming into pickleball courts

Happenings: Developer Bulfinch and fitness biz Bosse Sports are bringing a massive pickleball center to Natick Mall in Massachusetts.

They're transforming the old Neiman Marcus anchor store into a pickleball paradise with 21 courts, training area, a restaurant, and 2 bars. Talk about an epic outing.

The partners hope to open Natick Mall's snazzy new pickleball venue by next fall.