Pickleball Lingo and Definitions
Remember, familiarizing yourself with these pickleball terms and lingo will help you better understand the game, communicate with other players, and enhance your overall playing experience. Now you can impress your friends, speak intelligently about the game, and understand basic strategies!
Dink: A soft shot that is hit with finesse and lands just over the net in the opponent's non-volley zone (the kitchen). Dinking is often used to set up a strategic play or to counter hard-hitting shots. Check out our guides on excellent dinking paddles.
Kitchen: The non-volley zone, which is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net. Players are not allowed to volley the ball (hit it in the air without it bouncing) while standing inside the kitchen.
Lob: A high, arcing shot that is hit deep into the opponent's court, usually over their heads. Lobs are effective for defensive play or to force opponents away from the net.
Third Shot Drop: The shot that the serving team hits as their third shot after the return of serve. It is typically a soft shot that lands softly in the opponent's non-volley zone, forcing them to hit upward shots.
Drive: A hard-hit shot that is struck with power and speed. Drives are used to put pressure on opponents, aim for winners, or force mistakes. Check out our guides on powerful driving paddles.
Volley: A shot that is hit in the air without allowing the ball to bounce on the court. Volleying is allowed as long as the player is not standing in the non-volley zone.
Ernie: A shot where a player on the side opposite to the ball crosses in front of their partner to hit the ball. This move is used to surprise opponents and create unexpected angles.
Banger: A player who consistently hits hard shots, usually drives or smashes, to overpower opponents and put them on the defensive.
Poach: When a player moves out of their designated area to intercept or take a shot that would normally be the responsibility of their partner. Poaching is done strategically to surprise opponents and gain an advantage.
Side Out: When the serving team loses their serve and the opposing team gains the opportunity to serve.
Out: When a ball lands outside the court boundaries or hits the net and does not go over.
Foot Fault: Stepping on or over the baseline or sideline during a serve, resulting in a fault.
Fault: A violation of the rules that results in the loss of a point or loss of serve.
Bounce: When the ball hits the ground before being returned by the opponent. In pickleball, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed.
Non-Volley Zone Violation: When a player volleys the ball while standing inside the non-volley zone. This results in a fault and the loss of a point.
Side Line: The boundary lines on the right and left sides of the court that determine whether a ball is in or out of bounds.
Baseline: The boundary lines at the back of the court that determine whether a serve is in or out.
Let Serve: A serve that hits the net and lands in the proper service court, resulting in a replay of the serve.
Half-Volley: A shot where the player hits the ball immediately after it bounces, just before it reaches its highest point.
Overhead Smash: A powerful shot where the player strikes the ball forcefully downward, often when the ball is high and within reach.
Bounce Volley: A shot where the player hits the ball immediately after it bounces, without letting it hit the ground a second time.
Ace: A serve that lands in the proper service court and is not returned by the opponent, resulting in an immediate point.
Two-Bounce Rule: In pickleball, each team must allow the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This rule ensures more rallies and strategic play.