Sportsmanship is something we all endeavor to demonstrate each and every time we go on the pickleball court. With this in mind, let’s consider two different situations and ask you “What’s the right call?”
Sportsmanship and “Foot Faults”
When someone steps on the non-volley zone line when hitting a volley during a recreational game, should you call it? Do you call it on yourself? Should you call a foot fault on your partner? I believe sportsmanship is always important. When I am playing with my regular group, we all call foot faults on ourselves and one another. I could give you reasons like “we want to practice the same as we would in a tournament” or “we don’t want to practice bad habits”; but for me, it is about playing by the rules. The rule says that we are not allowed to step on that line in certain situations. So when making those calls, I’m helping our team play by the rules.
Sportsmanship and “Line Calls”
Line calls are often difficult to make. You are often moving or on the other side of the court and have difficulty seeing it clearly. When you disagree with your partner’s call, what do you do? This happens at every level, in recreational play and tournament play. 
In fact, I have found myself in this situation regularly.
In fact, I have found myself in this situation regularly.If I see a ball clearly in, that my partner is calling out, I will let them know I saw it the other way. I think it is hard to tell your partner you disagree. It may feel like you aren’t being supportive. However, though I believe the vast majority of people are trying to make good calls, sometimes it is difficult and you may have seen the ball more clearly than your partner.
The bottom line for me is that we all want to enjoy our time on the court and we want to win fairly! We also want to show respect for those we play with and against. The best way to encourage others is to be a good sport. Sportsmanship is important in recreational play and in tournaments.
