Before you walk on court
- Introduce yourself to the host or paddle rack.
- Ask how rotation works (winners stay, paddle stack, timed games, etc.).
- Put your paddle in the queue — do not jump on court unless invited.
Calling the ball
- Yours — You have the easier shot.
- Mine — You are taking it; partner backs off.
- Bounce — Let it bounce before you swing (common on the kitchen line).
- Out — Call it early if you see it sailing wide or long.
When in doubt, communicate. Loud, friendly calls beat two players colliding.
Kitchen (non-volley zone) basics
- You cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its line.
- Momentum counts — if you volley and your momentum carries you in, it is a fault.
- Let serves and returns bounce. The double-bounce rule applies on every point.
Rotation and fairness
- Do not hog a court if others are waiting — one or two games then rotate is normal.
- Mix skill levels when the host asks; beginners learn faster with patient partners.
- If you lose badly, thank your opponents and exit gracefully. Everyone was new once.
Safety and sportsmanship
- Never aim at someone's body on purpose.
- Hand a stray ball to the nearest player, not across active points.
- Keep coaching short unless asked — open play is for playing, not lessons.
After the game
- Tap paddles at the net.
- Put balls back in the bin and clear the court for the next four.
Want gear ideas before your next session? Browse the paddle catalog or read what paddle to get.
