Pickleball isn’t just about winning points — it’s also about building community and showing respect to your opponents and partners. One of the most recognizable traditions in the sport happens at the end of the game: the paddle tap.
But what’s the correct way to do it? Should you tap paddles? Tap grips? Shake hands? Let’s break it down.
The Purpose of the Paddle Tap
At the end of every pickleball game, it’s customary to walk to the net and acknowledge the other players by tapping paddle faces or tapping grips. This is a way of saying “Good game” or “Thanks for playing.”. It’s the pickleball equivalent of the post-game handshake in tennis or other sports.
But which one is correct? Technically, both are correct as there is no official pickleball rulebook entry that says it must be one way or the other. However, the most common way to end a game is the paddle face tap. Many players prefer the paddle face over the grip because it’s more hygienic and sanitary (my preference is to not have to touch another persons sweat)
Still not sure or don’t really care? Then I would recommend taking the lead and go in with the paddle face. Either way the point of all this is to keep pickleball friendly because more than likely, that opponent may become your partner one day! Whether you tap the paddle face or the grip, do it with a smile, a kind word, and the spirit of good sportsmanship.
