Pickleball Lingo: 12 Pickleball Terms You Should Know

Pickleball is a dynamic and thrilling game that is rapidly gaining traction.

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It is a fast-paced sport that incorporates aspects of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

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It can be played between two or four people and is normally played on a court with a net.

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The rules of pickleball are easy to learn, and the game can cater to any ability level - from beginners to experts.

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The versatility of pickleball means that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

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Whether you're a novice looking to learn the basics or a practiced competitor, there's something for everyone.

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Furthermore, pickleball is a great sociable sport, as it requires strategy and teamwork to succeed.

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It is a straightforward game to pick up and can be savoured by players of any age.

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So why not take up a paddle and join the fun? You'll be surprised at how quickly you'll learn the game and how quickly you'll become addicted.

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But once you've grabbed your brand new fancy paddle, you don't want to show up to court not knowing what you're talking about.

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So here are some pickleball terms you probably don't know to help you get ready for the courts!

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Pickleball Terms

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Pickleball is an intense and competitive sport that requires skill, knowledge, and a familiarity with the various terms and techniques associated with it.

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From the strange sounding 'dillball' or 'fizzbuckler' to the more common 'dink shot' or 'falafel', all of these terms are essential in mastering the game.

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Knowing them will help you anticipate moves, understand the game better, and be prepared to face any challenge. Ok maybe this is a little exxagerated. But atleast you'll be able to fit in with the new pickley vernacular.

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Dillball

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A 'dillball' is an inbounds shot that bounces once, making it a live ball.

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Dink Shot

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The opposite of a dillball is a 'dink shot', which is a soft shot that arcs over the net and lands in the 'kitchen', or the non-volley zone which is 7 feet from the net.

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Dink shots in pickleball are like the secret sauce on your favorite dish - they add a little extra zing to the game! These low, soft shots are like whispers on the court, sneaking past your opponent's defenses and landing just where you want them. And just like the perfect squeeze of lemon on your plate, a well-placed dink shot can brighten up even the dullest of rallies.

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Dinking is all about finesse, requiring a delicate touch and precise placement. It's like playing a game of cat-and-mouse with your opponent, forcing them to run back and forth while you keep the ball just out of reach. And when you nail that perfect dink, it's like hearing the sizzle of your food hitting the pan - it's pure pickleball magic! So don't be afraid to add a little dink to your game - it might just take your play to the next level!

The Kitchen

The pickleball kitchen is where all the spicy action takes place! It's the sizzle in the pan, the zest in the game, if you will. In this lively little corner of the court, volleys are strictly forbidden. This rule is in place to prevent players from dominating the game with overhead smashes. Don't worry though, there's still plenty of room for creativity and fun, with a wide variety of shots to choose from such as dinks and lobs

The Lob

A lob in pickleball is a high, arcing shot that is used to get the ball over your opponent and back into play. It's typically hit with a backswing that is higher than other shots, and it's often used as a defensive shot when an opponent is at the net.

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The lob in pickleball is the ultimate boss move. It's the cherry on top, the sprinkles on the sundae, the whipped cream on the latte of shots. With a lob, you can send your opponent running from one corner of the court to the other, like a chicken with its head cut off.

Falafel

A 'falafel', on the other hand, is a dead paddle or a ball with little to no power behind it.

Split Stance

The 'split stance' is a technique used to prepare for a return. When done correctly, the feet are apart and parallel, ready to hit the ball.

Pickles

No not the vegetable. Sometimes the server may shout 'pickles' to alert all players on the court that he is about to serve.

Opa

For no reason in particular opa is sometimes shouted after the third shot has been hit and open volley has started. It's probably just to get everyone pumped up for the match.

Flabjack

No its not some vague pickleball related insult you call a slow pickleballer. A 'flabjack' is a midair pickleball shot that must bounce once before it can be hit during one of the first two shots of any point.

Flatface

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Lastly, a 'flat face' is the term used to describe the position of the paddle when the hitting surface is parallel to the net.

Punchshot

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No this is some fruity drink you have betweeen rounds.  A punchshot is just a short volley shot with a little back swing and little follow through. This shot is punchy hence the name!

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The punch shot in pickleball is a powerful, aggressive shot that's designed to end rallies quickly. It's like a right hook in a boxing match - it packs a punch and can leave your opponent reeling.

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The punch shot is hit with a quick, compact motion, using a lot of wrist and arm to generate power. It's usually hit with a forehand grip and is often used to drive the ball deep into the opponent's court.

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Conclusion

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Well folks, we hope this article has helped you brush up on your pickleball lingo! From "dink" to "kitchen," you're now ready to sound like a seasoned pro on the court.  Knowing these terms won't make you a pickleball 4.0 player anytime soon, but its a fun way to level up your knowledge, and fit in on the courts.

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Just remember, pickleball is all about having fun, so don't take the terms too seriously. And who knows, maybe you'll even invent your own pickleball slang and become a legend in the sport! Now grab your paddle and get out there for some friendly competition.

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