Which Pickleball Player Are You?
Vocal Energizer or Quiet Assassin? Start with what helps your doubles partner.
Watch: which court personality are you?
In this 41-second Founder’s Journal episode, Mark explores two familiar styles of doubles play. You might recognise yourself—or your partner—in both.
These are playful observations, not formal psychological categories.
Watch on YouTube →
The Vocal Energizer: bringing the spark
“Let’s go!” “We’ve got this!” The Energizer makes support easy to hear. After a tough rally, their instinct is to lift the mood and move on to the next point.
If this sounds like you, keep the encouragement supportive. Ask whether your partner likes frequent encouragement or prefers a little space. What motivates you may distract someone else.
The Quiet Assassin: letting the paddle talk
In Mark’s video, this player builds pressure with placement: a soft angle pulls an opponent wide, then a well-placed speed-up creates a difficult response.
Quiet does not mean disconnected. One brief observation—“They’re leaving space down the middle”—can give your partner something useful to work with. Share it between points, then listen.
How can you communicate better with your doubles partner?
Ask this before your next game:
“Between points, what helps you more—encouragement, a tactical tip, or just a paddle tap?”
- Share your preference. Explain what helps you reset after a missed shot.
- Agree on a cue. Choose a short phrase or gesture you both find helpful.
- Check in afterward. Keep what worked and adjust what didn’t.
A vocal player might read silence as frustration; a quieter player might find constant advice distracting. A quick conversation removes some of that guesswork. For guidance on respectful conduct, see the USA Pickleball Sportsmanship Guide.
Which one is your pickleball partner?
Send them Mark’s video and compare answers. Follow KOBO Founder’s Journal for more court observations.
Exploring a new paddle, too?
Compare the Thunder AXE’s specifications with the feel and handling you want from your next paddle.
Explore the Thunder AXE →View current pricing and options at the KOBO store.
Quick questions
Is it better to be vocal or quiet in pickleball doubles?
Neither style is automatically better. Agree on the encouragement and information that help both partners, then adapt during the match.
Can you be both court personalities?
Yes. These are informal descriptions, not fixed types. Your approach may change with your partner, the score, or the match.
Are these tips only for 3.75-plus players?
No. The video speaks to 3.75-plus players, but asking your partner how they prefer to communicate is useful at any level.
Read the full video transcript
Are you a 3.75 or higher pickleball player, ready to level up? Which court personality are you? The vocal energizer? Let's go! We've got this! You bring the energy and help your partner bounce back after a tough point. The quiet assassin. You let your paddle talk. A soft angle pulls them wide. Then a well placed speed up jams their paddle side shoulder. One brings the spark, the other quietly picks apart the defense. Neither is better, and you might be a little of both. Send this to your pickleball buddy and tell them, this is definitely you! Follow for more pickleball psychology. And if you're exploring a new paddle, check out the KOBO Thunder AXE through the link below.