Do You Knock On Wood Before You Serve? Pickleball’s Oddball Superstitions
Pickleball might be the fastest-growing sport in the world, but it’s also quietly becoming one of the quirkiest. Beneath the lightning-quick rallies and intense gameplay lies a softer, funnier side—one full of lucky socks, paddle rituals, ball preferences, and silent superstitions that players swear by.
We’ve all seen it: that player who refuses to use any ball other than the one they started with. Or the partner who always fist bumps between points. The player who insists on stepping onto the court with their left foot first. And let’s not forget the sacred water bottle placement.
Sound familiar? You're not alone.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common (and hilarious) pickleball superstitions—and maybe you’ll recognize a few of your own.
Source: Sporcle
The Lucky Paddle
Some players believe there's magic in their paddle—especially if it helped them win a close match or rally back from behind. That paddle becomes the one. It doesn’t matter that the grip is wearing down or that there's a newer model out. If it won last time, it’s coming back out next match.
And heaven forbid someone touches it without asking.
The Pre-Match Ritual
Some players approach each game with a checklist:
Right sock before left? ✅
Bounce the ball exactly three times before serving? ✅
Take a sip of water, then re-cap the bottle just so? ✅
These routines may look odd to outsiders, but for those in the know, it’s all about mental preparation. Doing things the same way every time creates a sense of control—even when the match itself is anything but.
Ball Bias Is Real
Some players have a strong preference for a particular brand or type of ball. If it doesn’t sound right when it bounces? Pass. If it’s been used too many games? Nope. A minor scuff? Absolutely not.
Others go a step further and are convinced they can feel the difference in spin or bounce with their lucky ball. Are they right? Maybe. But try telling them otherwise—you’ll get the side-eye.
Court Karma And Partner Pairing
You’ve probably heard it: “I always win on Court 4,” or “We never lose when we warm up on the left side.”
Players often develop a sense of court karma or feel that certain courts “just feel better.” Combine that with “good luck” or “bad luck” partners, and it’s a full-on science experiment in superstition.
Sometimes, just having a certain person on your side of the net feels like a built-in win—or doom. Is it vibes? Energy? Familiarity? Who knows—but it’s real to the people who believe it.
Clothing Quirks
Lucky shirts, favorite visors, tournament-day shoes—pickleball wardrobes can carry a lot of emotional weight. If you’ve won in it, you’re probably wearing it again. And if you lost while wearing it? Well, that shirt might just be retired forever.
One player even shared that they wash their “lucky shirt” only after a loss—because to wash it after a win would “rinse away the mojo.” We’re not saying it’s logical, but it sure is entertaining.
Superstition Or Just Routine?
There’s a fine line between a superstition and a routine. In fact, most of these rituals are probably rooted in the psychology of performance. Familiarity calms nerves. Rituals create rhythm. And if a routine happens to include a little extra luck? Even better.
The truth is, these little quirks are part of what makes pickleball so personal. They’re reflections of how much the game means to the people who play it—and how deeply they want to feel in sync when the ball is in play.
What’s Your Superstition?
We’ve heard them all—from secret paddle names to refusal to change courts mid-game. And we’re always curious to hear more.
So, tell us—what's your weirdest, funniest, or most steadfast pickleball superstition? Do you tap the net post for good luck? Only play with a certain wristband? Or maybe you spin your paddle before each return?
Whatever it is, embrace it. The quirks are part of the charm. And honestly, in a game where the ball barely bounces and the lines are tight, we’ll take all the good luck we can get.
