Navigating the ‘Divorce Court’: Pickleball Tips for Couples Who Play Together
Pickleball is supposed to be a fun, light-hearted way to spend time with your partner—until you find yourselves bickering over a missed shot or questionable calls. For couples who play together, the court can sometimes become a minefield of minor squabbles and competitive tensions. This phenomenon has led to the infamous nickname we at Inky Dink Do call: “Divorce Court.”
The Reality of Playing as a Couple
For many couples, playing pickleball together starts with the best intentions. You’re out there to get some exercise, enjoy the game, and bond with your partner. But as soon as the game heats up, so can the tempers. Maybe one of you is more competitive than the other, or perhaps you have different ideas about strategy. Whatever the reason, what was meant to be a fun game can quickly spiral into a mini argument that leaves you both fuming.
Real-Life Court Drama
We’ve all seen those moments on the court that make you shake your head and laugh—or cringe. Like the time one couple argued for ten minutes about who was responsible for covering the middle, while their opponents politely waited for them to sort it out. Or the husband who insisted on coaching his wife mid-game, only to receive a death glare. And let’s not forget the classic scenario where one partner goes for the heroic shot—completely missing—and then spends the next few minutes defending their choice while their partner mutters something about "playing it safe next time."
How to Avoid Post-Match Drama
So, how can couples enjoy playing together without letting the game ruin their day? Here are a few tips to keep the peace on the court:
- Communicate Off the Court: Before you even step onto the court, talk about your expectations. Are you playing for fun, or are you aiming to win? Being on the same page can prevent misunderstandings during the game.
- Focus on the Fun: Don’t forget why you’re playing together in the first place—to have fun! Celebrate the good shots and laugh off the bad ones. Also grab your inkydinkdo.com Divorce Court towel as you head out to the courts to remind you it all about having fun.
- Switch It Up: If things get too heated, switch partners or play singles for a while. Sometimes a little distance on the court can bring you closer together off it.
- Celebrate the Wins (and the Fails): Whether you win or lose, make a point to celebrate together after the match. Grab a drink, laugh about the game, and remember that it’s just a game
Play at Your Own Risk (But Play with Love)
Playing pickleball as a couple can be a fantastic way to connect, but it can also test your patience with each other. By keeping things light, communicating clearly, and focusing on the fun, you can turn "Divorce Court" back into a place of laughter and connection—just the way it should be. Remember, it’s all about love, even when the competition heats up.