101 Pickleball Terms | You Need To Know

Are you new to the world of pickleball and feeling overwhelmed by the unique terminology and lingo used on the court? Don't worry, you're not alone! From "dink" to "kitchen" to "skunk," pickleball has its own language that can take some getting used to. But understanding these terms is crucial for effective communication and successful play. In this article, we'll break down 100 common pickleball terms and lingo, giving you a comprehensive guide to the language of the game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this article will help you speak the language of pickleball with confidence and ease. So, are you ready to become a pickleball lingo pro? Let's get started!

Ace

An "ace" is a serve that lands in the opponent's court and is not touched by the opponent. It is a powerful serve that is difficult to return, and is considered a point-winning shot.

Attack

An "attack" is an offensive shot with the intention of winning the point. It is a shot hit with power and speed, typically aimed at the opponent's weaker side or a specific area of the court.

Backhand

The "backhand" is a shot hit on the non-dominant side of the player's body. It requires a different set of skills and technique compared to the forehand, and is often considered a weaker shot for many players.

Baseline

The "baseline" is the back boundary line of the court. It is where players stand during the serve, and is also the furthest point from the net. Players who stay at the baseline are typically known as baseline players.

Block

A "block" is a defensive shot used to return a hard-hit ball. It is hit with a shorter backswing and softer touch, allowing the player to deflect the ball back over the net without using much power.

Carry

A "carry" occurs when the ball is not hit cleanly, and instead remains on the paddle for an extended period of time. It is considered a fault and results in a loss of point.

Centerline

The "centerline" is the line that divides the court in half, running perpendicular to the net. It is a boundary line that players are not allowed to cross during play.

Chopper

A "chopper" is a player who uses a defensive strategy, often standing far behind the baseline and hitting high-arcing shots back to the opponent's court.

Crosscourt

A "crosscourt" shot is hit diagonally across the court, from one corner to the opposite corner. It is a popular shot used to create an angle and hit away from the opponent.

Dink

A "dink" is a soft shot that is hit just over the net and drops close to the opponent's side of the court. It is typically used in a defensive strategy, and requires a delicate touch and precise placement.

Double Bounce Rule

The "double bounce rule" states that after the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once on their side of the court before they can hit it. This rule promotes longer rallies and emphasizes strategic play.

Drive

A "drive" is a shot hit with power and speed, often used to hit the ball deep into the opponent's court. It is typically used as an offensive shot to put pressure on the opponent.

Drop Shot

A "drop shot" is a soft shot hit with backspin that lands just over the net and drops close to the opponent's side of the court. It is often used to surprise the opponent and requires a precise touch.

Fault

A "fault" is a violation of the rules that results in a loss of point. Common faults in pickleball include stepping into the non-volley zone, carrying the ball, or hitting the ball out of bounds.

Foot Fault

A "foot fault" occurs when a player steps into the non-volley zone during play, resulting in a fault and loss of point. The non-volley zone is a specific area of the court where players are not allowed to volley the ball.

Forehand

The "forehand" is a shot hit on the dominant side of the player's body. It is typically the strongest shot for most players, and is used to hit powerful and accurate shots.

Groundstroke

A "groundstroke" is a shot hit after the ball has bounced

Half Volley

A "half volley" is a shot where the ball is hit just after it has bounced off the ground. It requires a quick reaction time and is typically used to return a low, fast shot.

High Percentage Shot

A "high percentage shot" is a shot that has a high likelihood of being successful, such as hitting the ball deep and away from the opponent.

I-Formation

The "I-formation" is a doubles strategy where the serving team positions themselves in the shape of an "I" to confuse the receiving team and create openings for shots.

In Bounds

A ball is "in bounds" if it lands inside the court boundary lines. If a ball lands on the line, it is considered in bounds.

Inside Out

An "inside out" shot is hit diagonally across the court, from the middle to the opposite sideline. It is often used to create an angle and hit away from the opponent.

Jump Serve

A "jump serve" is a serve where the player jumps in the air and hits the ball with extra power and speed. It is a high-risk, high-reward shot.

Kitchen

The "kitchen" is the non-volley zone, a specific area of the court where players are not allowed to volley the ball. The kitchen is located near the net and is marked by a line.

Let Serve

A "let serve" is a serve that touches the net and lands in the opponent's court. It is a legal serve, and the point is replayed.

Lob

A "lob" is a high-arcing shot that is hit over the opponent's head, often used to push the opponent back and create space for a follow-up shot.

Match Point

"Match point" is the point at which a player or team only needs one more point to win the match.

Net

The "net" is a mesh barrier that divides the court in half and is placed at a height of 34 inches at the center and 36 inches at the posts.

Non-Volley Zone

The "non-volley zone" is a specific area of the court where players are not allowed to volley the ball. It is also known as the kitchen.

Off Speed Shot

An "off speed shot" is a shot hit with less power and speed than usual, often used to surprise the opponent and create a different rhythm of play.

Overhead

An "overhead" is a shot hit above the player's head with both hands, often used to hit a high ball or smash a ball that has been lobbed.

Passing Shot

A "passing shot" is a shot hit to the left or right of an opponent who is at the net, often used to win the point.

Pickleball

"Pickleball" is a paddle sport played on a court with a net that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

Poach

A "poach" is a move in doubles where one player crosses the court to hit a ball that is intended for their partner.

Rally

A "rally" is a series of back-and-forth shots between players that continues until one player makes an error or hits the ball out of bounds.

Ready Position

The "ready position" is a stance where a player is prepared to return a shot, with their weight evenly distributed and their racket held in front of them.

Serve

The "serve" is the shot that starts the point, where the player hits the ball over the net into the opponent's court.

Serve-and-Volley

A "serve-and-volley" strategy is where a player serves the ball and quickly moves towards the net to volley the return.

Side-Out

A "side-out" occurs when the serving team loses the point, resulting in a change of serve to the opposing team.

Skunk

A "skunk" occurs when a team wins a game by a score of 11-0.

Slice

A "slice" is a shot hit with backspin, often used to keep the ball low and force the opponent to hit an uncomfortable shot.

Smash

A "smash" is a powerful shot hit overhead with the intention of hitting the ball down into the opponent's court.

Soft Game

A "soft game" is a strategy of hitting soft shots and placing the ball precisely to win points through finesse rather than power.

Spin

"Spin" refers to the rotation of the ball in the air, which affects its trajectory and bounce on the court. Types of spin include topspin, backspin, and sidespin.

Split Step

The "split step" is a movement where the player jumps and lands with their feet apart just before their opponent hits the ball, allowing them to quickly change direction and react to the shot.

Switching

"Switching" is a doubles strategy where the partners switch positions on the court during play, often used to confuse the opponents and create new opportunities for shots.

Taking Pace Off

"Taking pace off" is a strategy of hitting a softer shot with less power and speed, often used to change the rhythm of play and throw off the opponent.

Tennis Elbow

"Tennis elbow" is a common injury caused by repetitive strain on the tendons in the forearm, often caused by playing pickleball and other racquet sports.

Topspin

"Topspin" is a type of spin where the ball rotates forward, causing it to dip and bounce higher on the opponent's side of the court.

Trickle Serve

A "trickle serve" is a serve that barely clears the net and lands just inside the opponent's court. It is a difficult shot to return and can be used to surprise the opponent.

Underspin

"Underspin" is a type of spin where the ball rotates backwards, causing it to bounce lower on the opponent's side of the court.

Up the Middle

"Up the middle" refers to hitting the ball straight down the center of the court, often used to create confusion between doubles partners or to hit away from a player's dominant side.

Volley

A "volley" is a shot hit in mid-air before the ball bounces on the court. It is often used to put pressure on the opponent and win points quickly.

3rd Shot Drop

The "3rd shot drop" is a soft shot hit just over the net and drops into the opponent's kitchen, often used to start the point and get into a better position on the court.

3rd Shot Drive

The "3rd shot drive" is a shot hit with more power and speed, often used to surprise the opponent and put pressure on them early in the point.

4th Shot Drop

The "4th shot drop" is a soft shot hit after the serve and return, often used to continue the rally and create an opportunity for a winning shot.

5th Shot Drop

The "5th shot drop" is a soft shot hit after the 4th shot drop, often used to continue the rally and create more opportunities for winning shots.

Alley

The "alley" is the area between the singles sideline and the doubles sideline. It is used in doubles play.

Backcourt

The "backcourt" is the area of the court furthest from the net, often used for defensive shots and strategy.

Back Spin

"Back spin" is a type of spin where the ball rotates backward, causing it to bounce lower on the opponent's side of the court.

Bang Bang Play

A "bang bang play" is a shot where the ball is hit very close to the net, often requiring quick reflexes and precise timing.

Block Lob

A "block lob" is a shot where the player blocks a hard-hit ball and immediately follows up with a lob shot to push the opponent back and create space for a winning shot.

Breaking Serve

"Breaking serve" refers to winning the opponent's serve, often seen as a significant advantage in pickleball.

Burn Off

To "burn off" an opponent refers to hitting multiple quick and powerful shots to tire out the opponent and create opportunities for a winning shot.

Center Point

The "center point" is the area of the court where the center line and service line intersect. It is a strategic point used to hit precise shots and control the pace of play.

Cheat Step

A "cheat step" is a movement where the player takes a step forward before their opponent hits the ball, allowing them to move quickly towards the net and hit an aggressive shot.

Chicken Wing

A "chicken wing" occurs when the player hits a shot with their elbow sticking out to the side, often resulting in an awkward and ineffective shot.

Dead Man

A "dead man" is a shot that is hit directly at the opponent, often causing them to flinch or dodge the ball rather than hit it back.

Deep Shot

A "deep shot" is a shot hit deep into the opponent's court, often used to push them back and create opportunities for winning shots.

Deuce

"Deuce" is the score when both teams have 10 points each, requiring one team to win by two points to win the game.

Down the Line

"Down the line" refers to hitting the ball straight down the sideline of the court, often used to hit away from the opponent and create opportunities for winning shots.

Drop Volley

A "drop volley" is a shot hit with a soft touch just over the net, often used to surprise the opponent and win the point quickly.

Erne

An "erne" is a shot where the player jumps and hits a ball that is passing them on the non-volley side of the court, often used to create angles and surprise the opponent.

Fault Serve

A "fault serve" is a serve that results in a fault and loss of point. Common faults include serving the ball out of bounds or into the net.

Fire Shot

A "fire shot" is a powerful and aggressive shot hit with a lot of pace and speed, often used to create opportunities for winning shots.

Footwork

"Footwork" refers to the movement of the player's feet during play, and is essential for getting into position to hit the ball effectively.

Golden Serve

A "golden serve" is a serve that results in an ace or a weak return, often used to gain an early advantage in the point.

Good Shot

A "good shot" refers to a well-executed shot that is difficult for the opponent to return.

Groundie

A "groundie" is a shot hit after the ball has bounced off the ground, and is typically used to hit low and powerful shots.

Half Court

The "half court" is the area of the court between the non-volley zone and the baseline, often used for strategic shots and to control the pace of play.

Handle

The "handle" is the grip of the paddle, and is an important factor in determining the player's level of control and accuracy.

Inside-Out Forehand

An "inside-out forehand" is a shot hit with an inside-out motion, starting on the dominant side of the body and finishing on the opposite side of the court. It is often used to create an angle and hit away from the opponent.

Jam Shot

A "jam shot" is a shot hit directly at the opponent's body, often causing them to struggle to return the ball effectively.

Lob Serve

A "lob serve" is a serve where the ball is hit with a high arc to land deep in the opponent's court, often used to start the point and create opportunities for winning shots.

Match Tiebreaker

A "match tiebreaker" is a tie-breaking system used in some tournaments where the first player or team to reach 7 points, with a two-point lead, wins the match.

Middle Line

The "middle line" is the center line of the court, and is often used as a strategic reference point for shots and positioning.

Net Shot

A "net shot" is a shot hit with a soft touch just over the net, often used to surprise the opponent and win the point quickly.

Overhead Smash

An "overhead smash" is a shot hit with great power and speed, often used to hit a high ball or to finish off a point with a winning shot.

Paddle

The "paddle" is the tool used to hit the ball in pickleball, and is made of a composite material with a honeycomb interior.

Partner

The "partner" is the player on the same team as the individual player, and is essential in doubles play.

Passing Lane

The "passing lane" is the area of the court where a shot can be hit past the opponent, often used to win points and create opportunities for winning shots.

Power Shot

A "power shot" is a shot hit with a lot of pace and speed, often used to hit through the opponent and win points quickly.

Quick Hands

"Quick hands" refers to the ability of the player to react quickly and effectively to the ball, often resulting in successful shots and winning points.

Return

A "return" is the shot hit after the serve, often used to start the rally and gain an early advantage in the point.

Serving Order

The "serving order" determines which player or team serves first and how the serve is rotated throughout the match.

Side Spin

"Side spin" is a type of spin where the ball rotates to the left or right, causing it to curve and create a different trajectory on the court.

Skid Shot

A "skid shot" is a shot hit with a low trajectory and a lot of speed, often used to keep the ball low and make it difficult for the opponent to return.

Soft Serve

A "soft serve" is a serve hit with less power and speed, often used to start the point and gain a positional advantage on the court.

Speed Shot

A "speed shot" is a shot hit with a lot of pace and speed, often used to hit through the opponent and win points quickly.

Spike

A "spike" is a powerful shot hit downward with great force, often used to finish off a point with a winning shot.

Split Stance

The "split stance" is a stance used for hitting groundstrokes, where the feet are staggered and the weight is distributed evenly between them.

Toss

The "toss" is the movement of the ball into the air before serving, and is an essential part of a successful serve.

Underhand Serve

An "underhand serve" is a serve where the ball is hit with an underhand motion, often used by beginners and players with less power in their serve.

Wipe Shot

A "wipe shot" is a shot hit with a lot of spin, often causing the ball to "wipe" along the surface of the opponent's court and making it difficult to return effectively.

Wood Shot

A "wood shot" is a shot hit with the edge of the paddle, often resulting in an unpredictable and difficult-to-return shot.

Working the Middle

"Working the middle" refers to hitting shots straight down the center of the court, often used to create confusion and force errors from the opponent.

Zone

A "zone" is a specific area of the court, often used as a reference point for shots and strategic play. Common zones include the kitchen, baseline, and service area.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a game with a rich vocabulary of terms and lingo, and understanding these terms is essential for effective communication on the court. Whether you're a beginner just starting to learn the game or an experienced player looking to improve your skills, this list of 100 pickleball terms and lingo is a great resource to help you understand the game and communicate effectively with your partners and opponents. By incorporating these terms into your vocabulary and practicing these techniques on the court, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and knowledgeable pickleball player.

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