A
Ace: A serve that goes untouched by the opponent’s paddle, instantly earning a point for the server.
Approach Shot: A shot struck while advancing toward the net, aimed at gaining a strategic position.
Around The Post: A legal shot that travels around the net post, landing inbounds without crossing over the net.
Association Of Pickleball Players: A U.S.-based tour for amateur and professional players, sanctioned by USA Pickleball, renamed in 2023 from Association of Pickleball Professionals.
At The Net: Positioning at the non-volley line, considered a dominant strategic spot for controlling rallies.
Attackable Ball: A ball returned high or deep enough to allow the opponent to execute an aggressive, targeted shot.
B
Backcourt: The court area near the baseline, typically used for defensive or long-range shots.
Backhand Shot: A stroke executed with the back of the hand facing the net, opposite the dominant side.
Backspin: Spin applied by striking the ball high-to-low, causing it to rotate backward, reducing bounce height.
Backswing: The backward motion of the paddle before swinging forward to strike the ball.
Bagel: A game where one side scores zero points, resulting in an 11-0 shutout.
Bainbridge Cup: An international pickleball competition organized by the International Pickleball Federation.
Bainbridge Island: The Washington island where pickleball was invented at Joel Pritchard’s home.
Ball On: A safety call alerting players to an errant ball on the court, halting play until cleared.
Ball Type: Pickleballs designed as indoor, outdoor, or hybrid, each with specific hole patterns and durability.
Banger: A player who predominantly uses powerful, hard-hitting drive shots to overpower opponents.
Baselines: Lines at the back of the court, 22 feet from the net, marking the boundary for serves and play.
Bash: A hard shot that hits the net’s top and lands in play, often difficult to return.
Bert: A poach shot in doubles where a player crosses to their partner’s side to hit an erne.
Bevel: One of the eight sides of a paddle’s handle, used to reference grip positioning.
Block Shot: A defensive backhand shot with minimal backswing, designed to slow the ball into the opponent’s non-volley zone.
Body Shot: A shot that hits an opponent’s body, often intentionally, to win a point safely.
Bounce It: A call in doubles instructing a partner to let the ball bounce, suspecting it may land out.
C
Carbon Face Pickleball Paddle: A pickleball paddle that has a lightweight, durable surface made of woven carbon fibers, enhancing spin, power, and shot consistency.
Carry: A fault where the ball is cradled or carried along the paddle’s face during a shot.
Centerline: The line dividing the service courts from the non-volley zone to the baseline.
Chainsaw Serve: Also called Zane Navratil Serve, a serve imparting spin by swiping the ball before striking it with topspin, banned in USAP rules but allowed in some PPA games.
Champion: The final winner of a tournament bracket.
Champion Shot: A shot that bounces twice in the opponent’s non-volley zone, securing a point.
Chicken Wing: An awkward defensive shot with a bent arm and raised elbow, often in response to a body shot.
Chop: Also called Chip, Cut, or Slice Shot, a shot with a downward motion to impart backspin.
Claw: A shot where a player reaches over the net to tap a heavily backspun ball into the opponent’s side.
Closed Face: Tilting the paddle downward so the upper edge angles forward when striking the ball.
Coed Doubles: A doubles match with any combination of male and female players, no sex restrictions.
Coed Singles: A singles match where players compete without regard to sex.
Continental Grip: Also called Hammer Grip, holding the paddle so the index finger and thumb form a “V” along the handle’s edge.
Corkspin: Spin where the ball rotates around an axis perpendicular to the net, causing lateral bounce.
Cough Drop: A shot that hits the net’s top and falls back on the hitter’s side.
Crosscourt: The opponent’s court area diagonally opposite the player’s position.
D
Dead Ball: A ball no longer in play after a fault or rule violation stops the rally.
Dillball: A live, inbounds shot that has bounced once on the court.
Dillbreaker: Also called Dreambreaker, a tie-breaking singles game in MLP team format to decide a match.
Dink Rally: A series of soft, slow shots aimed at the non-volley zone to prevent attackable balls.
Dink Shot: A soft, arcing shot that lands in the opponent’s non-volley zone, often at their feet.
Dink Volley: A soft volley shot near the non-volley line, landing in the opponent’s non-volley zone.
Dinker: A player highly skilled at executing precise dink shots.
Double Bounce: A fault where the ball bounces twice on one side before being returned.
Double Hit: Hitting the ball twice before it crosses the net, legal if part of one continuous stroke.
Doubles: A match with two players per side, totaling four players, in various formats like coed or gender-specific.
Down The Line: A shot traveling parallel to the sideline, landing just inbounds.
Dreambreaker: Also called Dillbreaker, a tie-breaking singles game in MLP to resolve a tied match.
Drive Shot: A powerful, low shot aimed deep into the opponent’s backcourt.
Drop Serve: A serve where the ball is dropped and bounces before being struck.
Drop Shot: A soft shot from the back or midcourt that lands in the opponent’s non-volley zone.
Drop Shot Volley: A volley shot designed to reduce ball speed and land near the opponent’s net.
Drop Spin: An advanced shot with backspin that drops sharply after crossing the net.
Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating: Also called DUPR, a player rating system from 2.0 to 8.0, developed by Steve Kuhn.
E
Eastern Grip: Also called Handshake Grip, holding the paddle with the “V” of the thumb and index finger on the second bevel.
Elongated Pickleball Paddles: Paddles that feature a longer shape than standard paddles, giving players extended reach and added leverage for powerful shots and improved court coverage.
Erne: A volley shot near the net, executed by leaping outside the court to avoid the non-volley zone.
Every Pickle Point Counts: A scoring system in team tournaments where points are cumulative, with bonuses for games won.
F
Face: The broad surface of the paddle used to strike the ball.
Falafel: A weak shot lacking power, often falling short of the net.
Fault: Any rule violation that halts play, resulting in a dead ball or point loss.
First Serve: In doubles, the initial serve by one team member after a side-out or at game start.
Flapjack: A midair shot that must bounce once during the first two shots of a rally.
Flat Face: Keeping the paddle parallel to the net when striking the ball.
Flick Shot: A downward flick of the paddle near the net to hit a ball that lands in the non-volley zone.
Foam-Core Pickleball Paddle: A pickleball paddle that features a lightweight foam interior, typically EVA or EPP, offering a soft feel, enhanced control, and reduced vibration.
Foot Fault: A violation during serving or volleying by stepping on restricted lines or zones.
Forehand Shot: A stroke with the palm facing the net, typically on the dominant side.
Frying Pan Grip: Also called Western Grip or Pancake Grip, holding the paddle with the “V” on the fourth bevel.
G
Game: A series of rallies until one side reaches 11 points, winning by two, or higher in some tournaments.
Game Point: The moment when one more point wins the game, also called match or championship point if decisive.
Gen-4 Pickleball Paddles: the latest iteration designed with enhanced materials, improved balance, and refined edge guards, offering players superior control and power.
Gender Doubles: A doubles match where all four players are of the same sex.
Golden Pickle: A game loss of 11-0 where the losing team never serves.
Grip: The way a player holds the paddle, the handle itself, or the material covering it for comfort.
H
Half Volley: A groundstroke shot struck immediately after the ball bounces, before it reaches full height.
Hammer Grip: Also called Continental Grip, holding the paddle like a hammer with the “V” on the handle’s edge.
Hand Signal: Non-verbal gestures, like pointing or palm signals, used by players or judges to communicate calls.
Handshake Grip: Also called Eastern Grip, holding the paddle like shaking hands, with the “V” on the second bevel.
Hinder: An external interference, like an errant ball, that stops play and requires a replay.
Hybrid Ball: A pickleball with characteristics between indoor and outdoor balls, balancing weight and hole design.
Hybrid Shape Pickleball Paddle: P{addles that blend the features of both widebody and elongated paddles, offering a balanced mix of power, control, and reach for versatile play.
I
I-Formation: A doubles serving strategy where the non-server starts at the non-volley line to pressure opponents.
In: A call indicating the ball landed within or on court lines, valid for play.
Incorrect Position: Serving from the wrong court area, no longer a fault as of 2024.
Incorrect Receiver: In doubles, when the wrong player returns the serve, no longer a fault as of 2024.
Incorrect Server: In doubles, when the wrong player serves, no longer a fault as of 2024.
Indoor Ball: A lighter pickleball with fewer, larger holes, designed for indoor play on smooth surfaces.
International Pickleball Federation: A global body, established in 2010, governing pickleball worldwide.
Into The Post: A shot hitting the net post, often during an attempted around-the-post shot.
J
Joey: An ATP shot hit directly back at the opponent who made the initial ATP shot.
K
Kamikaze: Aggressively charging the non-volley line to intercept a shot quickly.
King Of The Court: A format where challengers play a “king” team, with winners taking the court.
Kitchen: Also called Non-Volley Zone, a 7x20-foot area near the net where volleying is prohibited.
Kitchen Line: Also called Non-Volley Line, the line marking the non-volley zone, 7 feet from the net.
L
Lemon Drop: A shot that hits the net’s top and lands on the opponent’s side.
Let: A serve that hits the net but lands in the correct service court, continuing play in sanctioned games.
Line Calls: Judgments on whether a ball lands in or out of bounds, made by players or referees.
Live Ball: The period from serve to fault when the ball is actively in play.
Lob: A high, arcing shot aimed deep to push opponents back to the baseline.
M
Major League Pickleball: A U.S. professional pickleball league using a team format, governed by the UPA.
Major League Pickleball Australia: An Australian pro league using the MLP team format, formerly Pacific Pickleball League.
Men’s Doubles: A doubles match where all four players are male.
Men’s Singles: A singles match where both players are male.
Midcourt: The area between the non-volley zone and baseline, including the transition zone.
Mini-Singles: Also called Skinny Singles, a singles game played on half the court, often diagonally.
Misdirection: A tactic deceiving opponents by faking shot direction or pace.
Mixed Doubles: A doubles match with one male and one female player per team.
Momentum: Forward motion carrying a player into the non-volley zone after a volley, causing a fault.
N
Nasty Nelson: A serve intentionally hitting the non-receiving opponent, resulting in a point.
National Pickleball League: Refers to professional or amateur leagues in the U.S. or Australia, including for players over 50.
Net: A mesh barrier dividing the court, 22 feet wide and 34-36 inches high, ensuring the ball clears it during play.
Net Height: The net measures 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center.
No Man’s Land: Also called Transition Zone, the vulnerable area between the baseline and non-volley zone.
Non-Volley Line: The line 7 feet from the net marking the non-volley zone, also called Kitchen Line.
Non-Volley Zone: Also called Kitchen, a 7x20-foot area where volleying is prohibited unless the ball bounces.
Nutmeg: Also called 5-Hole, a shot passing through an opponent’s legs to surprise them.
O
OPA: A shout after the third shot, signaling the start of open volleying.
Open Face: Tilting the paddle upward so the lower edge angles forward when striking the ball.
Out: A call indicating the ball landed outside court lines or service court.
Outdoor Ball: A heavier pickleball with more, smaller holes, designed for outdoor play and wind resistance.
Overgrip: A thin, padded wrap over the paddle’s grip for added comfort or tackiness.
Overhead Shot: A shot started above the head, driven downward, often called a smash.
Overhead Slam: Also called Smash, a powerful downward shot from above the head.
P
Paddy: Slang for a pickleball paddle.
Painting The Line: A precise shot landing directly on a court line.
Pancake Grip: Also called Western Grip or Frying Pan Grip, holding the paddle with the “V” on the fourth bevel.
Pantry: The unofficial area outside the court near the non-volley zone, where players land after an erne.
Partner Communication: Verbal or physical signals between doubles partners to coordinate play.
Passing Shot: A shot aimed away from the opponent to prevent an easy return, often down the sideline.
Permanent Object: Objects like walls or posts that, if hit by the ball, cause a fault.
Pickle: A game loss of 11-0, also called Pickled, where the losing team scores zero.
Pickleball: The sport or the perforated ball used in play, named for its mixed-sport origins.
Pickleball Elbow: Also called Tennis Elbow, tendinitis from forearm stress during play.
Pickleball Machine: A device that automatically launches perforated pickleball balls for practice, adjustable for speed, spin, and trajectory.
Pickleball Paddle: A lightweight, solid racket used to hit a perforated ball in pickleball, featuring a foam or polymer core and a carbon fiber or composite face for optimal control and power.
Pickleball Points: Games are played to 11 points, requiring a two-point margin to win.
Pickleballtv: A streaming channel launched in 2023, co-owned by Tennis Channel and UPA.
Pickled: Losing a game 11-0 without scoring, also called a Pickle.
Pickledome: The court hosting a tournament’s championship match.
Pickler: A passionate pickleball player, often obsessed with the sport.
Pickles: The dog of Joel Pritchard, mistakenly thought to inspire the sport’s name.
Plane Of The Net: The imaginary vertical plane above and beside the net that players cannot cross.
Player Position: A player’s location on the court, unrestricted except during serves or volleys.
Poach: In doubles, crossing to a partner’s side to take a shot, often for a put-away.
Point: A rally from serve to fault, or the score earned by the non-faulting side.
Pop-Up: A high shot that’s easily attackable, usually unintentional.
Portable Pickleball Net: A lightweight, collapsible mesh net, 22 feet wide and 34-36 inches high, designed for easy setup and transport on pickleball courts.
Professional Pickleball Association: A pro pickleball tour governed by the UPA.
Pukaball: An alternate name for pickleball, primarily used in Hawaii.
Punch Shot: Also called Punch Volley, a quick volley with minimal backswing for speed.
Put Away: A shot that the opponent cannot return, ending the rally.
R
Rally: Continuous play from the serve until a fault or dead ball occurs.
Rally Scoring: A scoring system where either side can earn a point on any rally.
Ranking: A hierarchical list of players or teams based on performance over time.
Rating: A numeric score, like DUPR or UTR-P, indicating a player’s skill level.
Ready Position: A stance with feet apart, paddle at chest height, ready to move.
Receiver: The player diagonally opposite the server who returns the serve.
Regulation Paddle Size: Paddles must not exceed 24 inches in combined length and width, with length up to 17 inches.
Regulation Pickleball Court: A court measuring 20x44 feet for both singles and doubles play.
Replay: A rally restarted without awarding a point or changing servers due to a dispute.
Reset: A shot to slow a fast rally, bringing play back to controlled dinking.
S
Scorpion: An overhead shot hit from a squatted position, often replacing a defensive backhand.
Second Serve: The serve after a team’s first fault in doubles, or the initial serve call.
Serve: An underhand stroke to start a rally, either drop or volley, below the waist.
Server Number: In doubles, indicating whether the server is the first (1) or second (2).
Service Court: The area where a serve must land, bounded by non-volley line, baseline, and sidelines.
Service Out Side Scoring: Also called Side-Out Scoring, where only the serving side scores points.
Shadowing: A doubles strategy where partners move in sync, maintaining a 10-foot gap.
Shake And Bake: Also called Crush And Rush, a doubles third-shot strategy with a drive and net rush.
Side-Out: When the serving team loses the serve, transferring it to the opponent.
Sidelines: Lines perpendicular to the net, marking the court’s lateral boundaries.
Sidespin: Spin causing the ball to curve or bounce laterally, with an axis perpendicular to the ground.
Singles: A match with one player per side, in coed, men’s, or women’s formats.
Skinny Singles: Also called Mini-Singles, a singles game played on half the court.
Slice: Also called Chop, a shot with backspin from a high-to-low paddle motion.
Slammers: Aggressive players who rely on powerful shots to win points.
Smash: Also called Overhead Slam, a powerful downward shot from above the head.
Split Stance: A ready position with feet parallel and apart for quick movement.
Split Step: A slight bounce in the ready position for rapid directional changes.
Stacking: A doubles strategy where partners align on one side before shifting post-serve.
Stroke: The swinging motion used to hit the ball, like forehand or backhand strokes.
T
Technical Foul: A penalty point awarded for rule violations like unsportsmanlike conduct.
Technical Warning: A referee’s verbal caution for minor infractions before a foul.
Third Shot: The serving team’s shot after the opponent’s service return.
Third Shot Drop: A third shot landing softly in the opponent’s non-volley zone.
Tomahawk Shot: An overhead shot switching from backhand to forehand with a wrist rotation.
Topspin: Spin causing the ball to dive and bounce higher, applied low-to-high.
Transition Zone: Also called No Man’s Land, the area between baseline and non-volley zone.
Truck Driver: Slang for a 10-4 score, used humorously when asked the score.
Tweener: A shot hit between the legs, often to return a lob or low ball.
Two-Bounce Rule: Also called Double-Bounce Rule, requiring each side to let the ball bounce once before volleying.
Two-Handed Backhand: A backhand shot using both hands on the paddle grip.
Two-Handed Forehand: A forehand shot using both hands on the paddle grip.
Twoey: A two-handed shot, typically a two-handed backhand.
U
Unattackable Ball: A low shot, like a dink, that’s too low to be aggressively attacked.
Underhand Serve: A serve with an upward paddle arc, required for volley serves.
USA Pickleball: The U.S. governing body for pickleball, formerly USA Pickleball Association.
UTR-Pickleball: A player rating system from 1 to 10, replacing USAP’s UTPR in 2024.
V
Volley: Hitting the ball in the air before it bounces on the court.
Volley Llama: An illegal volley shot made from within the non-volley zone.
W
Western Grip: Also called Pancake Grip or Frying Pan Grip, with the “V” on the fourth bevel.
Wheelchair Player: A player competing in a wheelchair, distinguished from standing players.
Women’s Doubles: A doubles match where all four players are female.
Women’s Singles: A singles match where both players are female.
World Pickleball Day: Celebrated annually on October 10, established by the World Pickleball Federation.
World Pickleball Federation: A global federation of national pickleball organizations, founded in 2018.
Y
You: A doubles call instructing a partner to hit the ball, indicating they’re better positioned.
Z
Zane Navratil Serve: Also called Chainsaw Serve, a spin-heavy serve banned in USAP rules.
Zero-Zero: The starting score for a singles pickleball game.
Zero-Zero-Two: Also called Zero-Zero-Start, the starting score for a doubles pickleball game.
