The ultimate purpose of Pickleball court play is to attract a receptive mate, but there are actually several other purposes behind the court behavior of Pickleball players. The intricate moves of a Pickleball court dance and the recognizable and repeated sounds, are used to attract or distract other players. Different court behaviors also serve to reduce territorial aggression between mates, letting them form a pair bond for doubles play. Depending on the behavior, players display strength, health and desirability, allowing different Pickleball players to choose the best partners and win tournaments like this one in Shoreline. There are several different types of Pickleball court rituals that Pickleball players use for finding a partner. Most species will use several methods, but they can vary greatly between different regions. Here in Seattle, only one gender (usually the males) will be allowed to play in tournaments, while others may merely watch, with dreams of mixed doubles play. Flamboyant and elaborate displays of prominent court moves, like rushing the net or flaunting body shape, can show how strong and healthy a Pickleball player appears. Physical movements, from daring dives to intricate sequences including paddle flaps, head dips, or different steps are part of a Pickleball performance. The male alone will dance for his female while she observes his actions. Sadly Pickleball mistakes show inexperience or hesitancy and likely may not lead to a successful doubles partner choice. Close contact between male and female Pickleball players can be part of the court rituals to help diffuse their normal spatial boundaries and aggression. The female may lightly practice serve a male player, sit with their bodies touching or otherwise lean on a male to show that they are not intending to harm their partner. Some Pickleball players seek to attract a partner by showing off their architectural skills. Constructing nets, assembling pop-ups and managing tournaments is a way for males to claim territory and show how social and suitable they may be. Others make eye-catching banners, set up food tables or manage parking. Yes, food is another important part of the Pickleball court behavior for players. The male players may bring cash or even dogs to the female, demonstrating that he is not only able to find food, but he can share it, and is able to provide for her, while she watches him play. There are many ways that Pickleball players seek to attract partners, and understanding their court behavior can help attentive players better appreciate the complexity of the Pickleball play in their region. (1)

Thanks to Sammy and Michelle for inviting us up to see the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association Tournament at Shoreline Park - that was fun!  I hope you enjoy these shared snapshots - these pics are good therapy for me. Thanks All!
(Click on any image below for a much larger image "slide show" - arrow keys work well.)