If you’re new to pickleball, you may have heard terms like “dink,” “kitchen,” or “third shot drop” and thought, What on earth are they talking about? Don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Like any sport, pickleball has its own unique language, and understanding the terminology will help you become a better player. Whether you’re just starting or already competing in tournaments, knowing the lingo will not only improve your game but also help you connect with other players.
So, let’s dive into the essential pickleball terms every player should know!
1. General Pickleball Terms
Pickleball
Let’s start with the obvious—pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a court similar to a badminton court with a low net and a plastic perforated ball (similar to a wiffle ball).
The Pickleball Court
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, which is smaller than a tennis court but has similar markings, including service areas, sidelines, and a non-volley zone (aka the kitchen).
The Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball paddles are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. They’re usually made from wood, composite, or graphite. Choosing the right paddle can improve your game!
2. The Kitchen & Non-Volley Zone Terms
The Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most well-known terms in pickleball. It refers to the non-volley zone—a 7-foot area on both sides of the net where you cannot volley the ball (hit it before it bounces).
Fun fact: If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after hitting a volley, it’s a fault!
Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)
This is just the official name for the kitchen—they are the same thing.
Kitchen Violation
A kitchen violation occurs when you volley the ball while standing inside the non-volley zone or if any part of your body touches the kitchen after a volley.
3. Scoring & Serving Terms
Side Out
A side out happens when the serving team loses the rally, and the ball goes to the opposing team for their turn to serve.
Double Bounce Rule
Also known as the two-bounce rule, this rule states that the ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit volleys. This prevents immediate net-smashing and encourages longer rallies.
Rally
A rally is the continuous back-and-forth exchange of shots between players after the serve, until one team wins the point.
Ace
An ace is a serve that is so good the receiver cannot return it, scoring an immediate point for the server.
Let
A let is when the serve hits the net but still lands in the correct service box. In recreational play, it’s usually redone without penalty.
Fault
A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation, such as hitting the ball out of bounds, stepping into the kitchen while volleying, or serving incorrectly.
4. Types of Pickleball Shots
Dink
A dink is a soft shot that barely clears the net and lands in the opponent’s kitchen, making it difficult to attack.
Drop Shot
A drop shot is a soft hit that lands just over the net in the non-volley zone, forcing the opponent to move forward.
Third Shot Drop
One of the most strategic shots in pickleball, the third shot drop is played softly into the opponent’s kitchen to neutralize their advantage and set up a longer rally.
Volley
A volley is when you hit the ball in the air before it bounces.
Drive
A drive is a hard-hit shot aimed low over the net to force an opponent into a defensive position.
Lob
A lob is a high, arching shot designed to push your opponent toward the baseline, giving you control at the net.
Smash
A smash is a powerful overhead shot used to finish a point. Think of it as the pickleball version of a slam dunk!
5. Pickleball Strategies & Playing Styles
Stacking
A doubles strategy where players switch positions after the serve to keep their strongest player on a particular side.
Poaching
A move in doubles where one player aggressively steps into their partner’s area to intercept the ball.
Banger
A banger is a player who prefers to hit powerful, fast shots rather than engage in dinking.
Soft Game
The soft game focuses on finesse and control rather than power, using dinks and drop shots to force errors.
6. Pickleball Gear & Apparel Terms
Moisture-Wicking Pickleball T-Shirts
Pickleball can get sweaty, especially in hot weather! Wearing a moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt like the 50/50 DryBlend or 100% Polyester Mesh t-shirt from Big Green Pickle can keep you cool and dry.
Pickleball Tumblers
Hydration is key! Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, keeping a pickleball-themed tumbler on hand ensures you stay refreshed between rallies.
7. Fun & Miscellaneous Pickleball Terms
Pickled
If your team loses a game 11-0, you’ve been pickled—it’s the pickleball equivalent of a shutout.
Pickleball Widow/Widower
A spouse or partner who loses their significant other to pickleball obsession.
Erne
An advanced shot where a player jumps outside the sideline to hit the ball in the air before it bounces, avoiding the non-volley zone rules.
Falafel
A weak shot that doesn’t have enough power—kind of like a pancake that didn’t rise!
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the essential pickleball terms, you’ll feel more confident on the court and be able to chat with fellow players like a pro!
🏓 Learn the lingo so you don’t get lost in conversation.
🏓 Use these terms to improve your understanding of the game.
🏓 Stay comfortable with moisture-wicking gear and hydration.
Ready to step up your pickleball game? Grab a moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt and pickleball tumbler from Big Green Pickle and hit the court in style!
