It may seem strange to say, but not everyone loves pickleball! In fact, many people have pitted themselves against the beloved social sport. Why?

Well, this shocking-but-true revelation is thanks to the distinctive noise of a pickleball court.

This repetitive popping noise is driving some people to extreme measures! It’s stifled community-led attempts to establish new pickleball courts across America, divided communities, and caused plenty of noise complaints.

Today, we’re investigating the controversy.

What’s with all the fuss, and can players do anything to help? Keep reading to learn more and see how you can get involved at your local pickleball court!

The Sounds of the Pickleball Court

The heart of the problem is the “plonk” of the ball.

It‘s an inconsistent yet persistent sound, driving a wedge between pickleball courts and their communities. Those who play pickleball claim the noise is harmless; nearby residents describe it in a rainbow of creative but unflattering (and, at times, dramatic) terms.

In Mashpee, Massachusetts, one local has described the sound as “the gunshot’s little brother.” Meanwhile, in Denver, Colorado, a homeowner in the residential areas near a major pickleball court claims that his watch provides “constant updates” about being in a dangerously noisy environment.

Why Is the Sound So Annoying?

What makes this little noise so annoying?

Well, let’s start with the science.

Most sports use a large, soft ball. Basketball, football, and soccer all utilize sizeable air-filled balls, which emit low-pitched noise when handled. Similarly, pickleball’s top competitor, tennis, uses a fuzzy ball. Again, the texture on the surface muddles the noise, resulting in a low-pitched pop. These low-pitch sounds are inaudible to many.

However, pickleball uses a hard plastic ball and a similarly rigid paddle. This makes the resulting sound a solid mid-pitched slap, which falls firmly within most people‘s audible range. Professor Kausik Sartar, a researcher and teacher at George Washington University, concurs with the analysis, noting that the average pickleball match will be more annoying than a comparable tennis game.

Want a reference point? Think about ping-pong. Though small and light, its ball is hard plastic, and the sound of ping-pong paddles making contact is a loud, resonant pop! However, unlike table tennis, pickleball noise is rarely contained in a single building; most games are played outdoors.

And That’s Not the Only Noise

Note, too, that we’ve only discussed the sounds of the sport. We haven’t even mentioned the other noises of a pickleball court!

In addition to the plink of the ball hits, unwitting audiences are also exposed to the day-to-day hustle and bustle of the sport. The celebratory cheers of a match victory are just one of many concerns. You’re also contending with the associated banter, discussion, and traffic of pickleball players.

And, while many players are respectful, you’ll always have a boisterous minority. These individuals are the most annoying of all, as their actions sour the experience for everyone.

You’re also contending with the lively fray of a deeply social sport.

You’ll always have plenty of people chatting and stretching as they wait for an open court. While a few small discussions aren’t much, a whole crowd of players can cause massive headaches. In some cases, neighbors have also cited the persistent sounds of traffic as a source of annoyance, particularly around converted pickleball courts.

Consider, too, that most pickleball courts are converted tennis courts, which are both larger and less densely populated. A few tennis courts may become four pickleball courts, and each of those play areas can host up to four people at once! Now, what was once a 4–8-person gathering area has become a lively hub for up to 16 players! That‘s a lot of additional noise, especially if the area isn‘t designed to handle it.

Measuring the Noise

So, just how loud is pickleball?

Well, let’s start with the basics.

Most noise is measured in decibels, and that’s a whole can of worms. (We don’t have time to open that can, either; this is a pickleball blog, after all!) I won’t dig into all of the technicalities of this metric, but I’ll give you a few points of reference.

Unsurprisingly, 0 decibels (written as 0 dB) is absolute silence. You won’t experience this unless you’re in a sensory deprivation chamber. So, let’s work our way up…

• 30 dB: Whispering
• 40 dB: A conversation-less tennis game
• 60 dB: Lively talking
• 180 dB: A rocket launch

Anything between 80–110 dB is considered “loud.” It may not cause immediate hearing damage, but exposing yourself to such noises for 8 or more hours each day will have a permanent impact. Even louder than that, in the 120 and up range, will cause near-immediate and potentially permanent hearing loss.

What’s That Sound?

So, with that in mind, it’s worth noting that most places have variable sound levels.

The exact noise levels vary by time of day, court access, and individual groups. Some people are louder; others are quiet. Moreover, some areas have less soundproofing. A noisy court may be near-silent on a different day. Similarly, a boisterous singles match can be just as loud as (or, in some cases, even louder than) a doubles game.

Nonetheless, plenty of people playing pickleball have investigated the issue. A quick Google search will turn up plenty of examples, and I’ve gathered some of them here.

• 50 dB in Mashpee, Massachusetts
• 68 dB in Stansbury Park, Utah
• 70 (or more) dB on average at some courts in Denver, Colorado

Note that many HOA codes ban prolonged outdoor noise above 50–55 dB. Most cities also have similar noise provisions. Most of these noises are well within the natural range of the human ear, hence the eagerness of municipalities to restrict such sounds.

The Impact of Excessive Noise on Pickleball

So, why does any of this matter?

Surely, it’s not that big of a deal! You have a home court, a group of pickleball enthusiast friends, and none of this is impacting you.

Well, here’s the bad news: Those annoyed homeowners have the most say when it comes to establishing new courts. You can campaign your heart out, but nobody will build a court where it isn’t wanted.

That background noise is a grating, unbearable experience for some, and this seemingly minor noise problem is causing massive ripples through the pickleball community.

Communities Are Blocking Those Pickleball Paddles

The unpredictable, persistent pop of pickleball has driven some neighbors to outright ban the sport in their neighborhoods. It’s the repetitiveness of hearing the same sound mixed with the unpredictability of pickleball hits that tend to annoy people the most, with some residents going so far as to compare it to machine guns!

You’ll find countless examples of such rulings, stretching from the bougiest country clubs to the smallest urban parks. Residents are sick of hearing that pickleball paddle, and the noise level is sparking plenty of debates.

“But it’s just a little pickleball noise!” you may be saying. “Surely, it’s not that serious!”

Well, unfortunately, it is. Public meetings across America are railing against this beloved game, and I even have some examples ready:

• In Burlington, British Columbia, Canada, nearby residents petitioned for (and succeeded in securing) the removal of a sports park’s outdoor pickleball courts.
• Residents of East Hampton Park, New York, blocked a nearby pickleball court in March of 2023.
• The Daily Pilot reported lawsuits over the pickleball noise in Newport Beach, California, as far back as 2016!

Even Canada has issues with the noise level! In 2022, Evan Saunders, a Thorold Today investigative journalist, released a report on one park’s unceremonious pickleball ban. The decision came after a lengthy battle over the racket of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s pickleball courts, which resulted in massive $1,000 fines for members of the sporting club.

Less Time for Playing Pickleball

Alternatively, residents may restrict access to the court. Many communities have accepted the construction of a pickleball court, only to realize the sound is too much to bear.

As an example, the courts in Mashpee, Massachusetts, are closed to play on Sundays.

Many other courts have followed suit, limiting play time for fans of the sport.

Frustrated Communities and Canceled Games

Now, I’m not saying that the folks down the block are your enemies. In fact, many residents actively support pickleball. Unfortunately, uncaring players are making it hard to tolerate.

For some, the pickleball noise is accompanied by a loss of privacy. Once-isolated homes are now front-row seats to massive pickleball games, and the racket is the lease of their worries. Residents of such locales cite nosy players and intrusive attitudes as yet another point of contention. (Not everyone is as enthusiastic about being sociable as pickleball players!)

What Can You Do to Reduce the Average Noise Level?

Now, we can‘t change the game. The rules are the rules, and we won’t be changing out that plastic perforated ball any time soon. So, what can you do as a player?

Well, the first step to improving the sport is organizing. Be sure to know and follow the rules of any court you happen upon, and don’t be afraid to ask players about their community’s practices. Respect the court, respect the community, and follow the unspoken rules of pickleball sportsmanship.

Practice Self Control

Change begins on an individual level.

It may seem like a big deal to you, but that hard-won point should be celebrated with restraint.

Avoid loud conversations and cheers. Such displays are both intrusive and unsportsmanlike. Instead, opt for a quiet celebratory dance or paddle tap.

Again, know the rules of a court before you play. Some places (such as college campuses, community parks, and retirement communities) have fairly strict guidelines for open play. In fact, noise complaints have forced some spots to ban playing on certain days, such as Wednesdays and Sundays.

Remind Others to Be Respectful

You can also encourage others to exercise restraint.

Tutor new players on the rules of the sport and discourage boisterous behavior. If you must discuss something with the other team, consider asking them to meet you at the net, so you don’t have to yell across the court. Discouraging music on the courts will also improve sound levels.

You may even want to encourage your friends to purchase purpose-built noise-dampening pickleball equipment.

That being said, don’t be pushy, especially if you’re a newcomer. Most courts have established rituals and practices. Some of these may seem odd to you, but they’re a beloved cornerstone of that group’s experience. Most pickleball players are welcoming and level-headed folk, and a civil discussion is often the best way to change minds.

Check Out Those Community Meetings

Finally, as an avid player, consider attending some meetings! Few things get built without a community’s approval, and it never hurts to chat with neighbors.

Listen to their arguments and add suggestions if you know of any. For example, if neighbors complain of the potential noise levels, suggest that the court be moved to a less communal spot. Alternatively, present some of the commercially available solutions to pickleball noise. Even a low barrier around the courts can contain some of the chaos.

One of the best resources to consult is Pickleball Sound Mitigation, an organization founded by Bob Unetich. The website offers plenty of tips and tricks to reduce those loud interruptions. In addition to large-scale solutions — such as pavement and sound barriers — Pickleball Sound Mitigation also sells quieter paddles.

Spread the Pickleball Love

If all else fails, it may be time to invite the naysayers to a game! It’s hard to get annoyed at something you enjoy, and you may find some unexpected friends in the community.

Don’t be afraid to educate those around you and broaden the reach of America‘s fastest-growing sport. Even a few rounds of pickleball can potentially change hearts and minds. You may even consider sending prospective players to our blog for more information.

So, until next time, stay safe and enjoy the game!