The rulebook covers the game. Etiquette covers everything else — how open play rotates, who calls lines, and how to be the player everyone wants on their court.
Paddles up. At most drop-in sessions, paddles line up along the fence in arrival order. When a game ends, the next 4 paddles play. Don't skip the line, don't hold a court for a fifth game if others are waiting.
Managed rotations. Clubs using an app (like Pickle IQ) rotate you automatically — trust the queue, don't self-assign courts.
The team on the side the ball lands makes the call. If you didn't see it clearly, it's in. Never overrule the other team's call. If you disagree with your partner and either of you saw it out, it's in.
Wait for a point to end. Make eye contact with a player. Walk quickly and quietly behind the baseline. Never cross mid-rally, even if you think there's a gap.
Don't sandbag; don't crush every ball at the beginner. Aim to keep the ball in play, hit within their range, and target them with shots they can handle — that's how they improve and how you keep your soft game sharp.