Love and Pickleball: How to Play with Your Spouse Without Starting a War

They say communication is key to a healthy relationship… but what happens when you and your partner are both charging the kitchen line and arguing over a foot fault?

Pickleball is quickly becoming the go-to couples’ activity. It’s fun, active, and lets you spend real quality time together. But let’s not sugarcoat it — playing doubles with your significant other can go from cute to chaotic fast. One moment, you’re giggling over a missed dink, the next, you’re locked in a silent battle over who was really at fault for that pop-up smash.

If you’ve ever walked off the court in actual relationship distress, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, we’re here to save you from becoming another couple who gets banned from their neighborhood league for ‘irreconcilable differences in court strategy.’

Here’s how to keep your relationship strong on and off the court.

🎾 The Honeymoon Phase: Learning Together

When you’re both just starting out, it’s all laughs, missed dinks, and “nice try!” vibes. This is the golden phase. You’re bonding, moving, and making memories — even if most rallies last two hits.

Pro tip: Stay patient. You’re not trying out for the Olympics. Keep it low-pressure and enjoy the ride.

😬 When Competition Creeps In

Suddenly, one of you gets hooked. Lessons, clinics, YouTube tutorials, the works. Now games aren’t just games — they’re battles. And when your partner doesn’t match your energy or improvement rate, the tension starts to rise.

If any of these sound familiar, you might be entering the "uh-oh" phase:

• “Stop coaching me!”

• Silent treatment after a missed shot.

• Passive-aggressive paddling.

It happens. The key is knowing how to manage it.

🛠️ Setting Ground Rules for Court Peace

A few simple agreements can turn war zones into love zones:

• Play to have fun. Winning’s cool, but don’t let it ruin your vibe.

• No coaching unless asked. Seriously. Don’t be that spouse.

• Rotate partners regularly. It keeps things fresh and helps everyone improve.

💬 Final Serve

Pickleball can actually strengthen your relationship — as long as you treat the court like a team-building zone, not a battlefield. Laugh through the mistakes, high-five the wins, and remember: your partner isn’t your opponent.

Unless you’re playing singles. In that case… good luck.