Pickleball Dictionary

Ace

A serve that bounces twice on the receiver’s side and therefore is not returned.

ATP

When a player hits the ball Around The Post (the net post) into the opposing team’s court.

Bert

When a player jumps over the kitchen in front of their partner to hit a ball out of the air. This is usually an offensive shot meant to win the rally.

Backcourt

The area of the court behind the baseline.

Backhand

A shot hit from the non-dominant side of the body.

Backswing

The first part of your swinging motion when you take the paddle backwards.

Baseline

The line in the back of the court. Serving players must be positioned behind their respective baseline line and it is recommended that the player receiving serve is as well.

Body Bag

When the ball hits a player’s body, causing them to lose the point.

Cross-Court

The side of the court diagonally opposite to the one someone is on.

Dink Shot

A soft shot that is intended to arc over the pickleball net and land within the non-volley zone (the kitchen).

Double Bounce

A ball that bounces more than once on one side before it is returned.

Double Hit

One side hitting the ball twice before it is returned over net. Double hits may occur by one player or could involve both players on a team.

Doubles

Two-on-two gameplay with two players on each side of the court.

Drop Shot

A groundstroke shot that falls short of the opponent’s position.

Drop Shot Volley

A volley shot that is designed to “kill” the speed of the ball and return it short, near the net.

Fault

Anything that violates the game's rules and forces the game to stop (most common faults include hitting a ball out of bounds, hitting the return of serve before it bounces, and stepping into the non-volley zone while hitting a volley).

Forehand

A shot hit from the dominant side of the body.

Erne

When a player hits a shot out of the air by jumping over the kitchen line. This is usually an offensive shot used to win the rally.

Fire Fight

When two or four players are at the Kitchen and the ball is struck rapidly between them for multiple hits. 

First Serve

The first team to serve in a game is only allowed one serve. After the first fault, the serve switches to the opposing side.

Follow Through

The part of the swing after contact is made with the ball.

Groundstroke

Hitting the ball after one bounce.

Half Volley

A groundstroke shot where the paddle contacts the ball immediately after it bounces from the court and before the ball rises.

Hinder

Any element or occurrence that affects play.

Let

A serve that hits the net cord and lands in the service court. Let may also refer to a rally that must be replayed for any reason.

Line Calls

If any part of the ball lands on the court lines, it is considered in (except in the case of the Non-Volley Line)

Lob

A shot that returns the ball as high and deep, using in an arc, forcing the opposing side back to the baseline.

Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen")

The section of court adjacent to the net, extending the entire width of the court. A player cannot volley a ball while standing in the kitchen. Its primary purpose is to ensure that players can't stand right at the net to smash balls.

Second Serve

When a serving team begins the game, or subsequently loses the first of its two allocated serves.

Overhead Smash

A hard, overhead shot, usually resulting from an opponent’s lob, high return, or high bounce.

Paddle

The instrument used to hit the ball back and forth in pickleball.

Passing Shot

A volley or groundstroke shot aimed at a distance from the player and is designed to prevent return of the ball.

Pickle

Winning a game 11-0.

Rally

Continuous play that occurs after the serve and before a fault.

Ready Position

The position all players should stand in when playing (feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, and leaning forward).

Replays

Any rallies that are replayed for any reason without the awarding of a point or a side out.

Service Court

The area on either side of the centerline, bounded by the non-volley line, the baseline, and the sideline.

Side Out 

Declared after one side loses its service and other side is awarded service.

Singles

One-on-one gameplay with one player on each side of the court.

Tweener

When an athlete hits the ball between their legs.

Volley

Hitting the ball in the air, during a rally, before the ball has a chance to bounce onto the court.