How to Handle Pickleball Line Calls: Fair Play and Best Practices

Pickleball is a fast-paced game, and sometimes, making accurate line calls can be tricky. Whether you’re playing in a friendly match or competing in a tournament, knowing how to handle line calls with fairness and good sportsmanship is crucial. Not only does it keep the game enjoyable, but it also prevents disputes that can ruin the fun. In this post, we’ll cover best practices for making pickleball line calls, how to deal with disagreements, and how to ensure fair play on the court.

1. Understand the Basic Line Call Rules

Before diving into best practices, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the basic line call rules in pickleball. Here are a few key points to remember:

Lines are In: If the ball lands on any part of the line, it is considered “in.” This includes the baseline, sideline, and centerline. The only exception is the kitchen (non-volley zone) during the serve—if the ball touches the kitchen line on a serve, it’s considered out.
Benefit of the Doubt: If you are unsure whether a ball landed in or out, the benefit of the doubt should always go to your opponent. In other words, if you’re not 100% sure the ball was out, you must call it in.

Why it matters: Knowing the rules and applying them correctly ensures that line calls are fair and accurate, reducing the chance of unnecessary arguments.

2. Be Honest and Objective

One of the core principles of pickleball is sportsmanship. Whether you’re playing a casual game or in a competitive setting, it’s essential to be honest when making line calls. Here’s how to stay objective:

Call it As You See It: Make line calls based on what you actually see, not what you wish or hope the outcome would be.
Don’t Assume: If you didn’t clearly see whether the ball was in or out, assume it was in. Guessing or assuming the ball was out without seeing it definitively can lead to unfair calls.
Own Up to Mistakes: If you realize after making a call that you were wrong, don’t be afraid to correct yourself. It’s better to admit a mistake and continue playing fairly than to stick with an incorrect call.

Why it matters: Honesty keeps the game enjoyable and builds trust between players, ensuring that everyone feels the game is being played fairly.

3. Communicate Clearly

Good communication can make all the difference in handling line calls smoothly. Whether you’re calling a ball in or out, it’s important to make your calls clear to both your partner and your opponents:

Say It Loud: When making a call, clearly say “out” or “in” in a firm voice so there’s no confusion.
Use Hand Signals: If it’s noisy or if your voice might not carry across the court, using hand signals can help. Point your finger upward if the ball is out, or keep your hand down if the ball is in.
Talk to Your Partner: In doubles, coordinate with your partner on close calls. If both of you have a good view of the ball, discuss it briefly and make a call together. If only one person saw the ball clearly, trust their judgment.

Why it matters: Clear communication prevents confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page, reducing the likelihood of disagreements.

4. Handle Disagreements with Grace

Disagreements about line calls are bound to happen, especially during competitive matches. How you handle these situations can make a big difference in maintaining a friendly atmosphere:

Stay Calm: If there’s a dispute over a call, stay calm and avoid raising your voice or getting defensive. Respect your opponent’s opinion, even if you disagree.
Offer a Re-Serve: In friendly games, if both teams cannot agree on a call, offering a re-serve can be a good solution. This allows the game to continue without tension.
Use a Referee (If Available): In tournament settings or organized play, a referee may be present. If you’re unsure about a call, ask the referee for a decision rather than arguing with your opponent.

Why it matters: Handling disagreements with grace keeps the focus on the game itself and helps preserve a friendly and respectful atmosphere on the court.

5. Trust Your Opponent’s Calls

Just as you expect your opponent to trust your line calls, you should trust theirs in return. If your opponent makes a call and you disagree, it’s important to respect their decision unless you have clear evidence that the call was incorrect:

Give the Benefit of the Doubt: If a ball lands close to the line and your opponent calls it out, trust their judgment unless it’s an obvious mistake.
Avoid Confrontation: If you believe your opponent made a bad call, bring it up calmly and respectfully. Avoid accusing them of cheating or arguing excessively, as this only creates tension.

Why it matters: Mutual trust between players ensures that line calls don’t become a point of contention and keeps the game enjoyable for everyone.

6. Know When to Use Video Replay

In some competitive pickleball settings, especially at the professional level, video replay may be available to resolve disputed line calls. However, this is rare in casual play. If you’re playing in a setting where video replay is available, be aware of the following:

When to Request It: Only ask for a video review if you genuinely believe a mistake was made and there’s uncertainty around the call.
Accept the Result: Once a video review has been conducted, accept the final call and move on, whether it was in your favor or not.

Why it matters: Video replay can help ensure accuracy in line calls, but it should only be used when necessary to keep the game flowing smoothly.

7. Practice Making Line Calls

Like any skill in pickleball, making accurate line calls can improve with practice. During practice games, make a conscious effort to focus on the lines and call balls accurately. Over time, this will help sharpen your eye for line calls and reduce hesitation during matches:

Focus on the Ball’s Contact Point: Remember that the call is based on where the ball touches the ground, not where it bounces afterward. Focus on the point of contact to make more accurate calls.
Play Practice Drills: You can also set up drills where you practice hitting shots close to the lines. This will not only improve your accuracy but also help you get used to watching the ball closely for calls.

Why it matters: Practicing line calls helps build confidence in making quick and accurate judgments during real games.

Final Thoughts
Making fair and accurate line calls is essential for keeping pickleball fun and competitive. By understanding the rules, communicating, handling disputes with grace, and staying honest, you can ensure that everyone enjoys the game. Whether you’re playing in a friendly setting or a high-stakes tournament, following these best practices, will help you become a trusted and respected player on the court.