Beginners Guide to all Pickleball Terminology

Are you just starting out in the world of Pickleball and feeling lost with all the terminology? Pickleball, like any sport, has its own unique lingo which can be daunting for beginners.

This guide is here to help simplify these terms and make your transition into this exciting game a whole lot smoother. Let’s dive right in and get you up to speed!

Basic Pickleball Terms and Definitions

In this section, we will go over the basic terms and definitions that every pickleball player should know.

Equipment Terms

In pickleball, understanding equipment terminology offers an effective way to enhance the game skills. Here are some commonly used terms:

1. Pickleball: A fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
2. Paddle: Used by players to hit the ball; it’s typically made from wood, composite or graphite materials.
3. Ball: There are two types of balls – indoor and outdoor, each designed for its respective environments.
4. Indoor Ball: This type is lighter with larger holes; it’s perfect for indoor play on smooth surfaces.
5. Outdoor Ball: Designed with smaller holes and more weight to withstand wind factors outdoors.
6. Rack: This term refers to the area where paddles and balls are stored.
7. Paddy: Slang term for a pickleball paddle.
8. Grip: Refers to the handle part of the paddle; it comes in different sizes fitting each players’ comfort level.

1. Double Elimination: A tournament format which requires a player or team to lose twice before being eliminated from the competition.
2. Doubles: A match where two teams with two players each compete against each other on one court.
3. Singles: Match between two players competing against each other on one court.
4. Skinny Singles: A game in which only half court is used even though there are two players playing against each other.

Court Terms

Let’s dive into pickleball court terms that will help beginners understand game rules and strategies.

• Non-volley zone (NVZ): Known as the “kitchen”, it’s an area close to the net where volleys are prohibited.
• Non-volley line: This is the boundary line of the NVZ.
• Backcourt: The area towards the end of each side of the court.
• Centerline: The line dividing the service areas into left and right halves.
• Sideline: The lines marking the sides of the court.
• Baseline: It marks the end of a pickleball court on both ends.
• Kitchen line: Another name for a non-volley line, indicating a rule violation area.
• Midcourt: This term refers to the mid-area between baseline and NVZ.
• Permanent object: Any fixture on or above the court surface like lighting posts, trees, etc. Hitting one results in loss of rally or serve.

Serving Terms

Serving in pickleball initiates the game and involves specific terms that players need to understand.

• Serve: An underhand strike of the ball that starts a rally.
• Drop serve: A type of serve in which the player drops the ball and hits it after it bounces once.
• Volley serve: Another form of serving where the player strikes the ball in midair before it touches ground.
• Underhand serve: A required serving technique for both drop and volley serves, where the paddle contacts the ball below waist level.
• Server number: Identifies whether you are “server one” or “server two” in doubles play.
• Ace: A successful serve not returned by the opponent resulting in a point.
• Side out: Occurs when the serving team commits a fault, causing another team to take over as servers.
• Double bounce rule/Two bounce rule: Following this rule, each team must let the return of serve bounce once before playing their first shot.
• Service outside scoring: The action taken when a server serves out of turn or from incorrect position, leading to loss of service.

Types of Shots in Pickleball

Players in pickleball use a variety of shots, including the drive, smash, dink, lob, and drop shot.

General Game Play Terms

Pickleball comes with an array of terms used during gameplay. Here are some common ones:

• “Ace” is a serve that isn’t touched by the opponent and results in a point.
• “Approach Shot” is a hit towards the opponents’ court, attempting to move closer to the net.
• A “Backcourt” refers to the area near the baseline on either side of the court.
• “Backspin” is when a player hits the ball underspin causing it to spin backward after landing.
• The term “Backhand” refers to a stroke hit with one’s arm moving across their body.
• The “Baseline” is the back boundary line at each end of the court, perpendicular to the net.
• A “Carry,” also known as a throw or sling, is an illegal shot where contact between paddle and ball last too long.
• The term “Centerline” denotes line dividing each service court lengthwise into two equal parts from non-volley line up to baseline.
• Players call for a “Chop” when they attempt hard under – spin shots, making it difficult for opponents receiving them low around their feet.
• When referring to directional shots in pickleball games, that’s what we call “Cross – Court”, describing any ball sent diagonally into opponent’s court.
• A “Drop Shot” puts you back in control when your opponent tries pushing you away from net, ideally falling close enough so it cannot be volleyed back.
• Finally, if ever find yourself swinging upwards at incoming serve or return & placing it high above net then you’ve just executed an excellent “Flick Shot”!

Types of Pickleball Games

There are various types of pickleball games, including doubles and singles matches, as well as variations like skinny singles and double elimination tournaments.

Rule Violations

Players can incur faults for various rule violations in pickleball. These include:

1. Touching the non – volley zone (NVZ) after volleying the ball due to momentum.
2. Serving outside the designated scoring area.
3. Failing to serve diagonally across the court.
4. Striking the ball before it has crossed over the net.
5. Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the permanent objects surrounding the court.
6. Committing a foot fault by stepping on or over the baseline while serving.
7. Violating line calls, such as calling a ball in that was actually out or vice versa.

On Court Communication

Learn the terms for different types of pickleball players and how communication plays a crucial role in successful gameplay. Dive deeper into the world of pickleball terminology and enhance your on-court communication skills.

Funny Pickleball Slang Terms

Pickleball has its fair share of quirky and amusing slang terms that players love to use on the court. From “Paddy” to “Dinner,” these terms add a touch of humor to the game.

New Pickleball Terms for 2022

In 2022, the pickleball community has introduced some exciting new terms. Here are seven of them:

1. Tagging – Hitting an opponent with the ball during a rally.
2. Tattoo – The mark left on the body after being hit by the pickleball.
3. Third Shot Drop – A drop shot from the serving team that lands in the opponent’s non-volley zone.
4. Transition Zone – The area between the non-volley line and the baseline.
5. Topspin – The forward and downward rotation of the pickleball.
6. Two-Bounce Rule – Requiring the ball to bounce twice before it can be hit out of the air.
7. Falafel – A term used to describe a shot that is completely mishit and goes off in a strange direction.

Essential Pickleball Terminology

This section covers key pickleball terms related to the court, such as the non-volley zone and baseline, as well as scoring terms like ace and side out.

Pickleball Terms Related to the Court

Here are some pickleball terms related to the court:

1. Baseline: The back boundary line of the court.
2. Centerline: The line running perpendicular to the net that divides the court into two equal halves.
3. Sideline: The boundary lines on the sides of the court.
4. Non-volley zone (NVZ): A seven-foot area on either side of the net where players are not allowed to hit volleys.
5. Net height: The standard height of a pickleball net is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
6. Permanent object: Any obstruction within the court, such as a post, fence, or wall.
7. Kitchen line: The line located three feet from and parallel to the net, also known as the non-volley line.
8. Midcourt: The area between the kitchen line and baseline on each side of the court.

Pickleball Scoring Terms

Pickleball scoring terms are essential to understand in order to keep track of the points during a game. Here are the key terms you need to know:

1. Fault: When a player fails to serve the ball into the proper service court or commits another serving violation, resulting in a loss of serve.
2. Hinder: When a player obstructs their opponent’s ability to make a play on the ball, resulting in a replay of the point.
3. Technical foul: A penalty assessed for rule violations or unsportsmanlike conduct, often resulting in a loss of point or loss of serve.
4. Side out: When the serving team fails to score a point, causing them to lose their serve and allowing the receiving team an opportunity to serve.
5. Ace: A serve that is not touched by the receiving team and lands within the boundaries of their court, resulting in an immediate point for the serving team.
6. Return of serve: The shot made by the receiving team after being served by their opponents.
7. Third shot drop: A strategic shot made by the serving team as their third shot, typically aiming for a soft landing in order to prevent an aggressive return from their opponents.

Other Common Pickleball Terms

Other common pickleball terms include:

1. Let: When the ball touches the net during a serve but still lands in the correct service court, resulting in a replay of the point.
2. Second Serve: If a fault is committed on the first serve, the player gets another chance to serve, known as the second serve.
3. Server Number: The order in which players take turns serving throughout a game or match.
4. Nasty Nelson: A powerful shot aimed at hitting the opponent’s body with the ball.
5. Volley Shot: Hitting the ball out of mid-air without letting it bounce on your side of the court first.
6. Put Away: A shot that is hit hard and deep into an opponent’s court, making it difficult for them to return.
7. Drive: A forceful shot hit with power and speed towards your opponent’s side of the court.
8. Smash: An overhead shot hit forcefully downwards towards your opponent’s side of the court.

Pickleball Sayings

Pickleball enthusiasts have their own unique language on the court, filled with plenty of fun and quirky sayings. These sayings add to the camaraderie and spirit of the game. Some popular pickleball sayings include “Pickle!” which is shouted when players are caught off guard by a surprise shot or strategy.

Another saying is “No man’s land,” referring to the area between the non-volley zone and baseline where it can be challenging to make effective shots. Players may also use the phrase “Golden pickle” as a term for winning all matches in a tournament.

In addition to these playful sayings, there are other expressions that highlight specific shots or strategies on the court. For example, “Third shot drop” refers to a soft and strategic return of serve that aims to create an opportunity for your team at net.

The term “Slammers” is used when referring to aggressive hitters who rely on powerful smashes and overhead shots throughout the game. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, understanding these pickelball sayings adds another layer of enjoyment and connection with fellow players on the court.

Overall, having knowledge of pickleball terminology goes beyond just understanding basic terms; it also includes familiarizing yourself with these amusing sayings used within the community.

By incorporating these phrases into your own game lingo, you’ll become part of this vibrant pickleball culture while enjoying matches with fellow players who share your passion for this exciting sport!

Conclusion: Putting These Terms to Good Use

Now that you’re familiar with all the pickleball terminology, it’s time to put these terms to good use on the court. Whether you’re playing doubles or singles, knowing these terms will help improve your communication and understanding of the game.

So grab your paddle, step onto the court, and get ready to show off your new knowledge of pickleball terminology!