Pickleball Player Types: Have You Met Them All?
I picked up pickleball about six months ago and have played mostly recreational games. I enjoy the competition and sportsmanship shared during the matches and the chance to improve in every game.
I also love all of the characters that come out to play. Honestly, in all the sports I have played, there are always many different types of people, each with unique characteristics/quirks that come out during the games. Here is my quick rundown of the top 12 fun player characteristics I have encountered:
1. The Communicator
Loves the phrase: “I got forehand.”
Mentions the score for every point.
Points out the opponent’s weak spots within earshot.
Tries to take forehand on each point.
2. The Motor
Loves the phrase: “That all you got?”
Drinks caffeinated sports drinks.
Gets about 80% of the balls hit within the lines.
Runs around the court, trying to hit everything.
3. The Monk
Loves the phrase: “Mhm.”
Does not talk at all but makes low grunts and noises to acknowledge anything
Has a brutal high-five.
Walks away silently at the end of each game.
4. The Wall
Loves the phrase: “Nothing is getting by me.“
Able to return everything within their reach.
Every dink and drive within their wingspan is pushed back consistently.
Usually found hanging out at the kitchen line.
5. The Competitor
Loves the phrase: “It didn’t feel out, off my paddle. Are you sure?”
Complains when others make shots that they cannot reach.
Loves body shots, spins, and questioning line calls.
Proud of being a banger.
6. The Sun God
Loves the phrase: “Sun’s out, gun’s out, baby.”
Dressed in short shorts, sleeveless shirt, and sometimes shirtless, even at night.
Dumps sand from their pickleball shoes before putting them on.
Usually wears a bandana as a headband and sleek bike racer Oakleys.
7. The Chatterer
Loves the phrase: “Let’s go! Are we playing hit the tape today?”
Always talking about the other players.
They love to comment on every shot and complain when their opponent makes a good shot.
Won’t let anything go that annoys them until you agree with them.
8. The Socializer
Loves the phrase: “Hey, I have to tell you about…” directed at their non-playing friends after their opponent just called: “7 – 5, number 2.”
Always talking to the people on the sidelines.
Invites everyone on the court to an after-party in the parking lot.
Must catch up with friends in the middle of games, regardless of the score or who is serving.
9. The Upgrader
Loves the phrase: “This new 7.3 ouncer has a matte face and a tacky finish that has added so much topspin to my drives.”
Carries a pro tour bag and five pickleball paddles to every match.
Has money to burn on the latest and greatest equipment.
Needs to tell everyone on the court why this supplement or paddle will improve your game.
10. The Negativity Guru
Loves the phrase: “Oh - come on!”
Complains about every shot, every person walking by the court, and any other outside influences that distract them.
Has a conniption when another court’s ball rolls onto their court during a game.
Loses focus for the entire game after dumping their service return into the net.
11. The Lobber
Loves the phrase: “All’s fair in love, war, and pickleball.”
Their main goal in every game is to push you away from the non-volley zone.
Tries to make every shot a lob.
Uses their pickleball paddle as a launch pad.
12. The Brofessional
Loves the phrase: “Did you see that shot, bro?"
Former tennis player
Likely comes from California or Hawaii
Thinks he’s a pro pickleball player
Final Thoughts
After converting my thoughts to bytes, I have realized that I am a mix of all of these characters, having literally spoken each of these phrases myself over the last six months. What’s great about the pickleball community, is that you not only get to choose your style of play and who your teammates are, but also what player type you’ll be on any given day. Of course, the characters you may encounter may be different, such as these pickleball stereotypes:
For most players, pickleball is about having fun in open play, getting some exercise, and socializing in mixed doubles matches. It’s okay to be yourself and say what’s on your mind. New pickleball players shouldn’t worry about the characters they meet on the courts, the USAPA rulebook, or trying to play perfectly. Most players will never reach the level of Tyson McGuffin or play on a PPA tour, and that’s okay.
So get out there, have fun, and be who you want to be on the pickleball court. What pickleball characters have you met while playing? Drop a comment below!
