Have You Met Any Of These Pickleball Personalities?


In every aspect of life, we encounter people with "interesting" personalities.

Pickleball is certainly no exception!

Have you noticed this too?

I like to observe people. And when meeting them, I like to ask about their background. Occasionally, I get more information than I might have wanted.

Anyway, I started making a list of some "interesting" personalities.

And my wife and I named them.

See if you recognize any of these personalities from courts near you!

The Mother: As the name implies, this is a female. She usually sticks her nose into everyone's business. She tells you what you did wrong on that shot. What you need to do to improve. All without you ever asking. What a gift! She calls lines all over the court, and she is always right. I don't know about you, but I don't need another mother, despite her being certain I do!

The High School Jock: This is always a guy. When first meeting him, you learn all about his high school athletic prowess. Usually without even asking. He was All-State or All-Something! Then you find out about his surgeries, why he's wearing that knee brace, what happened to his shoulder in high school that keeps him from slamming the ball now in pickleball. He even walks with that "cocky jock walk." Please don't tell him, but he's actually not that good at pickleball. But you don't want to interrupt his glory days.

The Apathetic Frat Boy: Again, this is a guy, usually over 50. He seems to know everyone on all the courts. He may even "surf" the fence from court to court making small talk. He especially likes to talk to the younger females. When rotating in and playing doubles with him, he seems to be looking off at other courts and is not really engaged with the current game. Then, when getting ready to serve, he asks the score. When he finds out its 2-9, he says he needs to start paying attention! So annoying.

The Self-absorbed: This can be a male or female. As I said earlier, I like to ask about people's background. Generally, after a brief description of their background, most people will ask me about my background. Not the self-absorbed. I have been told life histories and a genuine autobiography during and between points. I was really just trying to be friendly. I certainly didn't need that PhD. dissertation of their life story. If I wouldn't buy their autobiography on Amazon, I certainly don't need it on the pickleball court!

The Prima Donna: This is a female. She is usually dressed in the latest pickleball dress or skort and tank top. She also usually has her make-up perfectly placed. She usually isn't very social. She comes across as arrogant, but that may not be true. She looks like a pro pickleball player. Unfortunately, when you rotate in and start playing, you find out her game doesn't match her look.

The Sexist: This is obviously a guy. He prefers to play only with and against men. However, when females rotate in to play against him, he makes it his mission to abuse them with his amazing pickleball skills. Unfortunately, his only skill is usually being a banger. Occasionally, he meets his match. And he looks stupid when he keeps hitting to the female only to have her counter him with winner after winner. Dude, not cool!

The Pre-game Excuse Maker: This is usually a guy. He walks onto the court offering excuses before even playing. He forgot to take his Advil. He didn't bring his bifocals. He left his knee wrap at home. He forgot his sunglasses. What? Did you not know you were coming to play pickleball? Did you just accidentally show up without meaning to?


There are others, but that's enough for now.

Fortunately, most people playing pickleball are really nice. They enjoy the game. They enjoy the exercise. They just want to improve. And they enjoy the social aspect of the game.

I am thankful for such nice people.

And I am thankful for the game of pickleball.

But in contrast to so many nice, amazing pickleball players, some of these "interesting" personalities just stand out even more.

Do you recognize any of them?

What personalities would you add to this list?​