The Pickleball Glossary

Terms Every Player Should Know

Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a culture with its own unique vocabulary. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner still mastering your serve, understanding pickleball terminology can elevate your game—and your conversations on the court. Let’s dive into the essential lingo every player needs to know:

Basic Court Terms

• The Kitchen: The no-volley zone that extends 7 feet from either side of the net. You can’t step into this area unless the ball bounces first. Mastering kitchen play is key to success!
• Baseline: The line at the farthest end of the court where you serve and return shots.
• Sideline: The outer boundary lines running along the length of the court.
• Net: The barrier separating the two sides of the court, standing 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.

Key Gameplay Terms

• Dink: A soft shot that drops just over the net into your opponent’s kitchen. This is a strategic move to control the pace of the game.
• Drop Shot: A gentle hit from the backcourt that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to rush forward.
• Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the court (outside of the kitchen, of course).
• Rally: A sequence of shots exchanged between opponents during a point.

Serving Terms

• Underhand Serve: The required serving motion in pickleball. The paddle must make contact with the ball below your waist.
• Let Serve: A serve that touches the net but still lands in the correct service box. This is a do-over in pickleball.
• Ace: A serve so good that the opponent cannot return it, resulting in a point.

Scoring Terms

• Side-Out: When the serving team loses its serve, and the opposing team gains the chance to serve.
• Pickle!: A fun term used to signal the start of a game.
• Game Point: The point that, if won, ends the game.

Strategy and Technique

• Third Shot Drop: One of the most strategic shots in pickleball, this is the soft shot you play after the return of serve to neutralize your opponent’s advantage.
• Erne: A sneaky shot where a player jumps around the kitchen area to hit the ball close to the net, often catching their opponent off guard.
• ATP (Around the Post): A spectacular shot that curves around the net post, often eliciting applause from the crowd.

Fun and Unique Pickleball Phrases

• Pickled: When a team loses a game without scoring a single point—ouch!
• Falafel: A poorly hit shot that doesn’t make it over the net or lacks power. Named for the soft texture of the Middle Eastern dish.
• Paddle Tap: A show of sportsmanship, where players tap paddles instead of shaking hands after a game.

Equipment Terms

• Paddle: The piece of equipment used to hit the ball. At DAHCOR, however, we prefer to call it a Racket, aligning with the traditions of other racket sports, though we acknowledge and accept the industry-standard term “paddle.”
• Ball: A perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball, designed for slower, controlled play.
• Grip: The part of the paddle you hold. Adjusting the grip size can greatly impact your performance.

Advanced Terms

• Spin Serve: A serve where spin is added to the ball to make it harder to return. This technique is growing in popularity.
• Reset: A shot that “resets” the point, returning a fast rally to a slower pace to regain control.
• Chainsaw Serve: A controversial serve where players use their paddle or hand to impart spin on the ball before serving.

Why Understanding the Glossary Matters

Pickleball has evolved into more than just a sport—it’s a movement, complete with its own language and culture. By mastering the lingo, you’re not only improving your on-court communication but also embracing the fun, inclusive spirit of pickleball.

What’s Next for Pickleball Enthusiasts?

At Insights Court, we believe in bridging the gap between sports and education. Whether you’re diving into the history of pickleball or learning how to improve your dinking strategy, stay tuned for more articles that bring you closer to the world of racket sports. DAHCOR is here to support your journey with gear designed for performance and style—be it for tennis, padel, or pickleball.