Dear Eric - Warm Up Worries

Steve writes: “We were playing winners‑stay with two waiting. When our game finished the two waiting players went on the court then spent 5–7 minutes dinking and warming up instead of being ready to play. There was another open court, so they could have warmed up there as we finished. Should I have said something? Shouldn't they have been ready?”

Short answer: Yes,  you should’ve said something, and yeah, they should’ve been ready. If an open court was available, there was no excuse to warm up on the court that was next in rotation and hold everyone up.

Why it’s annoying

Winners‑stay relies on players being ready to step in. When people take their sweet time warming up on the very court that’s next, it stalls the whole line. If another court was open, they could’ve done their full warm‑up there and been 100% ready when your match ended — no drama, no delay.

How to handle it (nicely)

Call it out before your game ended, and friendly: “Hey,  there’s an open court to warm up on; would you mind finishing there so we can keep the rotation moving?”

Offer a straightforward option: “Warm up fully on that court and jump in when we finish.” That makes the expectation clear without sounding confrontational.

If they ignore you, be firmer: “We’re on a line and need teams ready to play when the game ends. Please wrap up your warm‑up.”

If they push back

Stay calm. Remind them the line exists and that everyone benefits from quicker rotations. If it’s a regular venue, mention court norms or suggest posting a courtesy reminder.

Prevention tips

Final thought: Most people aren’t trying to be annoying,  they just don’t think about the line. A polite, timely nudge (especially when an open court offers a perfect warm‑up spot) keeps play fair and friendly. Don’t stew, speak up.  

— Eric, Open Play Post