A Guide to Common Terms and Phrases in Pickleball

If you're new to pickleball, understanding the language used on the court can help you grasp the game more quickly, communicate better with other players, and feel more at ease while playing.

This guide explores the essential terms and phrases in pickleball. Whether you're just starting out or want to brush up on your pickleball vocabulary, let's dive into the language of pickleball!

1. Basic Terms and Equipment

To get familiar with pickleball, it’s essential to know the foundational elements of the game. Here are some of the primary terms:

• Pickleball Paddle: The paddle is the equipment players use to hit the ball. It’s larger than a table tennis paddle but smaller than a tennis racket, made of lightweight composite or wooden materials.

• Pickleball: The ball used in pickleball resembles a wiffle ball, with holes and a lightweight design. The ball can be for indoor or outdoor play, with outdoor balls generally being harder and having smaller holes.

• Net: Similar to tennis, the net divides the court in half. It’s set at a height of 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.

• Court: A pickleball court measures 20x44 feet, smaller than a tennis court but divided similarly with service areas on each side.

2. Key Court Areas

Understanding the layout of the pickleball court is crucial to mastering gameplay. Here’s a breakdown of the main areas you’ll find on the court:

• The Kitchen / Non-Volley Zone (NVZ): This area, also called the “kitchen,” is a 7-foot section on either side of the net. Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside this zone. This rule exists to keep players from dominating close to the net, adding a strategic element to gameplay.

• Baseline: The line at the back of each side of the court. Players must stay behind this line to serve and often return to it after hitting the ball, especially when serving.

• Sidelines: The lines along the sides of the court, which mark the boundary for both singles and doubles play.

• Centerline: This line divides each side of the court into two service courts. During the serve, players aim to hit the ball into the diagonal service court across from them.

3. Serving and Scoring Terms

Serving and scoring in pickleball have specific rules and terms, which might be different from other racket sports. Here are the ones you’ll hear the most:

• Serve: The serve is how each point begins. Players serve underhand, contacting the ball below the waist, and aim to land the ball diagonally across the court in the opponent’s service area.

• Let: If a serve hits the net but still lands in the correct service area, it’s considered a “let.” In this case, the serve is replayed.

• Side-Out: This term is used when the serving team loses the serve. In doubles, both players get a chance to serve before the other team has a side-out and becomes the serving team.

• Rally Scoring: Although traditional pickleball uses a side-out scoring system (where only the serving team can score), some players opt for rally scoring. This means a point is awarded on every serve, regardless of which team served.

• Point: A point is awarded to the serving team when they win a rally. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.

4. Shots and Techniques

Pickleball has a variety of shots and strategies, each with its own name. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular shots:

• Dink: A soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, designed to force them to play closer to the net. Dinking is a fundamental strategy in pickleball, as it can set up winning shots.

• Drive: A powerful, straight-line shot aimed at the opponent. This shot is typically used when players are further back on the court and want to put their opponents on the defensive.

• Volley: Hitting the ball out of the air without letting it bounce. Volleys are commonly taken close to the net, but players must stay out of the kitchen when making these shots.

• Drop Shot: A shot that aims to land softly in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to move forward. This shot is often used to transition to the net and put the opponents on the defensive.

• Lob: A high, arcing shot that sends the ball deep into the opponent’s court. Lobs can catch opponents off guard, especially if they’re close to the net.

• Smash: An aggressive, overhead shot similar to a tennis “spike.” The smash is a powerful shot often used to end a rally.

5. Common Game Play Terms

As you start playing, you'll hear players use these words and phrases to communicate with their partners or strategize on the court:

• Poach: When a player crosses over to their partner’s side of the court to intercept a shot. Poaching can surprise opponents, but it requires good communication between teammates.

• Third Shot Drop: This is a critical play in pickleball. After the serve and return, the third shot is ideally a drop shot that lands in the kitchen, giving the serving team a chance to approach the net.

• Reset: A defensive shot that “resets” the rally by reducing the pace and placing the ball into a safe position, often with a soft dink or a gentle drop into the kitchen.

• Stacking: A strategic formation used in doubles, where players position themselves to maximize their strengths or cover for each other. Stacking can be confusing for opponents, but it requires good coordination between partners.

• Erne: An advanced shot where a player jumps or moves outside the sideline to hit the ball out of the air while still avoiding the kitchen. This can surprise opponents and is named after Erne Perry, who popularized the move.

• ATP (Around the Post): A shot that travels outside the net post and lands in the opponent’s court. It’s only possible if the ball bounces low and wide, creating an angle to play around the net.

6. Key Rules to Remember

Knowing pickleball’s basic rules will help you understand the language even better. Here are some rule-related terms and points that are crucial to gameplay:

• Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it, and then the serving team must also let it bounce before hitting it. This “double bounce” rule prevents quick, aggressive play right from the start.

• Fault: A rule violation, such as a serve that doesn’t land in the correct area, stepping into the kitchen during a volley, or hitting the ball out of bounds. A fault results in the loss of a point or the loss of serve.

• Dead Ball: When a rally ends due to a fault, the ball is considered “dead.” The play stops, and the point is awarded or the serve changes sides.

• Foot Fault: When a player steps into or on the non-volley line while hitting a volley, they commit a foot fault, resulting in a loss of the point or serve.

7. Common Phrases You’ll Hear on the Court

Aside from specific terms, players commonly use informal phrases to communicate and strategize. Here are some you might hear:

• "Nice shot!" – A general compliment for a well-played shot.

• "Good eye!" – Used when a player smartly lets an out-of-bounds ball go without touching it.

• "Yours!" – A shout between partners to communicate that the ball is intended for the other player.

• "In!" or "Out!" – Calls made to indicate if the ball landed in-bounds or out-of-bounds.

• "Mine!" or "Got it!" – Indicates a player’s intention to hit the ball so their partner doesn’t go for it.

• "Watch the lob!" – A warning to your partner to be ready for a high, arching shot.

• "No man's land!" – Refers to the area between the kitchen and the baseline. It’s typically not ideal to stand here, as players are more vulnerable to difficult shots in this position.

Final Tips for Mastering the Language of Pickleball

Learning the terminology of pickleball doesn’t happen overnight. The best way to get comfortable with these terms is through practice and by playing with more experienced players who can guide you. Here are a few quick tips:

1. Observe and Listen: Watch pickleball games online or observe matches at your local courts to pick up on the terminology in real-time.

2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask other players if you’re unsure of a term or rule. The pickleball community is known for being friendly and welcoming to newcomers.

3. Practice Regularly: The more you play, the more natural these terms will become. Familiarity with the language will improve your confidence and game strategy.

4. Stay Patient: Remember, learning any new sport takes time. Enjoy the journey and the unique language that comes with it.

Understanding the language of pickleball adds an essential layer to enjoying the game. Knowing these terms allows for better communication, smoother gameplay, and a greater appreciation for the sport’s nuances. So, next time you’re on the court, confidently call “Nice dink!” or “Watch the lob!” as you put your new vocabulary to the test. Happy playing!