Pickleball Terms and Lingo 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 more than 90 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" (sometimes called a sling or push) happens when the ball is not struck cleanly and stays on the paddle face instead of being hit in a single stroke. A ball must be struck, not carried, so a clear carry is a fault; a double hit within one continuous swing is legal.
Centerline
The "centerline" is the line that runs from the non-volley zone line to the baseline, perpendicular to the net, dividing the right and left service courts. Players may cross it freely during a rally; it only matters for serving and returning serve.
Chopper
A "chopper" is a player who relies on chopping or slicing the ball with heavy backspin, often to defend and slow the pace of the rally.
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 hit from near the non-volley zone that arcs over the net and lands in the opponent's kitchen. It is a core control shot that slows the rally and forces the opponent to hit up.
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, usually hit from the back of the court, that lands in or near the opponent's kitchen. The third shot drop is the best-known example. It 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" is a fault caused by a player's feet. Common examples are stepping on or into the non-volley zone while volleying (or letting momentum carry you into it after a volley), and a server stepping on the baseline or inside the court, or outside the imaginary extensions of the sideline and centerline, as the ball is struck.
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 hit while the server jumps. It is not legal in pickleball: when the ball is struck the server must have at least one foot behind the baseline, and neither foot may touch the court or the area outside the imaginary sideline and centerline extensions.
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 but lands in the correct service court. Under USA Pickleball rules (since 2021) this is a live ball and play continues; it is no longer replayed. Some local or recreational play still replays lets, so check the rules in use.
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, usually with one hand on the paddle, often used to put away a lob or a high ball.
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 the stance a player holds between shots, with knees slightly bent, weight balanced and the paddle held up in front of the body.
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
"Serve-and-volley" is a tennis strategy in which the server rushes the net after serving. In pickleball the double bounce rule means the serving team must let the return bounce, so the tactic does not work the same way; the term is borrowed from tennis.
Side-Out
A "side-out" occurs when the serving side loses a rally and the serve passes to the opponents. In doubles, each side normally gets two servers (the first serve of a game excepted) before a side-out.
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" (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is common in racquet and paddle sports, including pickleball, where it is sometimes called pickleball elbow. If you have persistent elbow pain, see a doctor or physical therapist.
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 slow, low serve that barely clears the net and lands short in the service court. It is informal slang, not a rulebook term.
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 informal slang for the strip of court along each sideline. Unlike tennis, pickleball has no separate singles and doubles sidelines; the court is the same size for both.
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.
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.
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.
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 in which a player volleys the ball near the net while standing or jumping outside the sideline, beside the non-volley zone, without touching the zone. It is named after player Erne Perry and is often spelled "Ernie".
Fault Serve
A "fault serve" is a serve that results in a fault, such as hitting the net without clearing it, landing outside the correct service court or in the non-volley zone, or a foot fault by the server.
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.
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 between the non-volley zone line and the baseline, also called transition or mid-court.
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.
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 equipment used to hit the ball. Modern paddles typically have a honeycomb core with a fiberglass, carbon fiber or composite face.
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 release of the ball by the server before a volley serve. The ball must be released without spin imparted by the hand. A drop serve, where the ball is dropped and allowed to bounce before it is hit, is also legal.
Underhand Serve
An "underhand serve" is the standard volley serve: the paddle strikes the ball below the waist with an upward arc of the arm. In pickleball the serve must be underhand (or a drop serve); it is not just for beginners.
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 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.