How to Feel More Confident Playing with Strangers

Pickleball is all about meeting new people, but let’s be honest, playing with strangers can feel awkward at first. Maybe you’re worried about messing up, not knowing their playstyle, or just figuring out who’s supposed to cover the middle. But here’s the thing: no one’s expecting you to be perfect. Confidence isn’t about being the best player on the court, but about showing up, settling in, and having fun. 

If the thought of jumping into a game with new people makes you hesitate, these tips will help you shake off the nerves and step on the court with confidence.

1. Control What You Can

You can’t control your partner’s skill level, their weird third-shot drop technique, or whether they call the score correctly (let’s be real, someone’s always off). But you can control your own game. Show up ready; warm up, make sure your grip feels good, and get a few practice shots in. When you feel prepared, you’ll naturally feel more confident.

Pro Tip: If you’re walking into open play, give yourself 5-10 minutes to hit a few balls before jumping into a game. The extra touches will help you settle in.

2. Start with a Positive Mindset

Your partner isn’t judging your every move. They’re probably just as focused on their own game. Instead of overanalyzing every shot, remind yourself that pickleball is supposed to be fun.

Studies show that how you talk to yourself affects performance in sports. Instead of thinking, Don’t mess up, try telling yourself, Let’s go for it! Positive self-talk helps reframe nerves into excitement, making it easier to settle into the game.

Try This: Pick one confidence-boosting phrase to repeat to yourself before and during the game—something simple like "Play smart, play loose" or "Just have fun." It might sound small, but shifting your mindset can have a big impact.

3. Talk It Out

Good communication makes everything easier. A quick “Nice to meet you! I’ll call mine early” before the game starts? That can take the awkwardness down several notches.

What to Say Before the Game:

• “Hey, do you like covering the middle, or should I?”

• “I’ll try to call shots early—let me know if you want anything different!”

• “Let’s just have fun and keep the ball in play!”

Call the ball loud and early, be encouraging, and keep the conversation light. Even a little chit-chat between points makes things feel more natural.

4. Go with the Flow

Every new partner has their own quirks; some like to play aggressive, others are more laid-back. Instead of stressing over every missed shot or mismatched strategy, use it as a learning experience.

And remember: even the pros don’t always sync up perfectly with their partners. If they can figure it out, so can you!

When Things Feel Off: Instead of getting frustrated, adjust your approach. If your partner keeps taking shots you thought were yours, step back and let them lead. If they’re unsure, take charge and communicate more. Being adaptable makes you a stronger player.

5. Don’t Take It Too Seriously

Nobody likes playing with someone who’s tense, frustrated, or overcompetitive. The fastest way to feel more confident? Make the game fun.

• Laugh it off: Miss a shot? Hit a weird bounce? Just smile and move on. Confidence is about staying in the moment and keeping the energy light.

• Hype up your partner: A simple “Great shot!” or “Nice try, we got this!” makes the game feel more like a team effort instead of a solo performance.

• Look around: Everyone is out there for the same reason: to play, connect, and have fun. At the end of the day, nobody is remembering your mistakes, but they will remember if you were a good sport.

Confidence Comes with Reps

The more you put yourself out there, the easier it gets. By the third or fourth game, playing with new people won’t feel like a big deal. And who knows? You might even walk away with a new pickleball buddy.

So take a deep breath, step onto the court, and own it. You’ve got this.