If you’ve ever played pickleball, you’ve probably noticed that players say “sorry” a lot. Miss a shot? “Sorry.” Accidentally hit the ball a little too hard at an opponent? “Sorry!” Hit the net, and the ball dribbles over for an unearned point? “Oh wow, sorry about that.”
Pickleball, despite being a fast-paced and competitive game, has a unique culture of politeness. But why do we feel the need to apologize so often in a sport where unpredictability is part of the fun? Let’s break it down.
Pickleball Is a Social Sport
Unlike tennis, which can be more solitary, pickleball thrives on social interaction. Whether you’re playing doubles or rotating partners in open play, the game fosters connection. Saying “sorry” becomes a reflex—a way of keeping things friendly and showing consideration for others.
Fun Comes First, Competition Second
Pickleball may be competitive, but at its core, it’s a sport designed for enjoyment. Most players, even in serious matches, want to keep the game lighthearted. Apologizing is a way of acknowledging that you didn’t intend to make a frustrating or unexpected play—like accidentally hitting an opponent or getting an unintentional lucky shot.
Avoiding the “Bad Sport” Label
Nobody wants to be seen as the overly aggressive player who only cares about winning. A quick “sorry” helps smooth over any awkward moments and reassures others that you’re playing with good sportsmanship in mind. Even if you’re secretly celebrating a point, an apology can make it feel less like a cheap win.
Accidental Shots Feel Personal
In some sports, hitting an opponent is just part of the game (like with dodgeball). But in pickleball, where precision is key, accidentally hitting someone can feel a bit… personal. Even though it’s unintentional, saying “sorry” helps defuse any tension and keeps the game enjoyable for everyone.
We’re Programmed to Be Polite
Many of us have been trained from childhood to say “sorry” as a default response. Pickleball simply activates that habit. When something unexpected happens—whether it’s a mishit, a ball clipping the net and falling in your favor, or a shot landing right at someone’s feet—an apology feels like the natural reaction.
Do We Really Need to Say “Sorry”?
Here’s the truth: no, we don’t. If you just can’t help yourself from blurting out “sorry”, consider the phrase I have adopted from one of our fellow club members. You can rephrase your statement to be “sorry, not sorry.”
While it’s nice to be courteous, pickleball is a game of unpredictability. Shots will go wild, lucky bounces off the net will happen, and someone is bound to get tagged by the ball in the shoulder (or somewhere on the body) at some point. Instead of constantly apologizing, embrace the chaos! A simple “Nice shot!” or “All part of the game!” can be just as effective in keeping the good vibes alive.
So next time you find yourself mid-“sorry” on the pickleball court, pause for a second. Did you really do something wrong? Or are you just caught up in the habit? Play hard, have fun, and remember—there is no “sorry” in pickleball!
