Dear Eric - A Celebration Conundrum

Dear Eric —

Terry writes: “I was playing in a rec game and my opponent would shout and pump her fist after every point,  not a small ‘yes,’ but full‑on jackpot celebrations. It was obnoxious, distracting, and annoying. What should I have done?”

Short answer: Don’t mirror the theatrics, handle it calmly and strategically.

What to do in the moment

• Stay composed: matching energy only feeds the drama. Use a simple reset routine: deep breath, visual focus, and a short cue (e.g., “next”).

• Block it out: however the point ends, turning your back on them and walking to your spot can help. If you have a between point ritual, like tapping the fence with your paddle, now’s a good time to double down on that.

Address it politely

• Between games or at a side change, say something friendly but direct: “Hey, big fan of the passion, but could you tone down the celebrations? It’s pretty distracting.” Most players dial it back once they realize the impact.

• If you don’t want to confront, tell your partner or the court captain and ask for a general reminder about sportsmanship.

If it keeps happening

• Do your best to avoid playing with that person. Skip your turn if needed to not play with them. A simple “I’ll wait for the next game” is all it takes.

Bonus: turn it into mental training

• Use the distraction as a cue to reset and refocus; over time you’ll get tougher mentally and less rattled by theatrics.

Play smart, protect your focus, and don’t let someone else’s showmanship steal your game.