Are you learning Pickleball for the first time or are you brushing up on the game?  Here's a list of Pickleball terms and definitions you should know.

ACE: Any serve that is not returned by the receiver or, more specifically, a serve that the receiver's paddle never touches.

Addicted To Pickleball: You are physically and mentally dependent and can’t stop thinking about the game. You are always trying to find ways to play, watch or talk about Pickleball.

Advanced Player: There is no formal nor official definition, however it’s generally considered to be at least a 4.0 rated player. A 4.5 player and above is considered by just about everyone to be advanced.

Ambassador: A volunteer who works for the growth and support of the game.  They work on behalf of the Pickleball governing body of their home country. 

Approach Shot: A shot executed while moving from the backcourt towards the non-volley line.

Around-the-Post (ATP): When a player hits a legal shot around the outside of the post on either side of the court.  The shot will not go over the net, but around it. 

Association of Pickleball Professionals: A pro Pickleball tour NOT sanctioned by USA Pickleball, and that may allow variations from the USA Pickleball official rules. 

At the Net: A player positioned at the non-volley line; considered a strategically dominant position.

Attackable Ball or Attackable Shot: A ball returned over the net in a way that allows the receiving side to make a strategic offensive shot.  This can mean the ball was hit high and deep enough to allow their opponent to return a targeted aggressive volley from outside the non-volley zone, or the ball has enough height after the bounce to permit a targeted aggressive groundstroke.

Backcourt: The last few feet of the back of the court nearest the baseline that is still within the court boundaries.

Backhand: Striking the ball with the reverse side of the paddle while the back of the player’s hand is facing the net.

Back-Pedaling: When a player moves hastily backwards which will likely cause them to fall awkwardly.

Backspin or Underspin: The reverse rotation of the ball in relation to the ball’s trajectory, where the axis of rotation runs parallel to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net.  Backspin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from high to low.  It provides lift as the ball travels through the air and results in a lower and shorter bounce once the ball strikes the ground or tends to make the ball angle down after hitting the opponent's paddle.

Backswing: This type of move is when the player moves the paddle backward in preparation for the next shot.

Bainbridge Island: An island in the state of Washington, USA, where the sport of Pickleball was invented at the home of Joel Pritchard.

Ball Type: Pickleballs come in two basic types, "indoor" or "outdoor", but some may be labeled "hybrid" with features that fall between the two. Rules permit any USAP approved ball to be used in indoor or outdoor matches.

Ball! or Ball On!: A call made to alert all players when an errant ball is on the court, usually a ball from another court. For safety, all play should immediately stop and the serve started over once the court is clear.

Ball: The plastic Pickleball ball used to play the game. It has holes cut through it, similar to a Wiffle ball.  NOTE: There is a difference between indoor and outdoor Pickleballs.

Banger: A player who typically hits every possible shot very hard, often from the baseline.

Baselines: The lines parallel to the net at the back of the Pickleball court 22 feet from the net.

Bash: A hard shot that hits the top of the net (i.e., the tape) and then lands in play on the opponent's side of the court. A bash is typically unintentional and very difficult to return as the ball changes speed and/or direction due to contact with the net.

Behind the Back Shot: A trick shot in which the player wraps their paddle arm around and behind their own back to strike the ball on their non-dominant side.

Bert: In doubles, a poach shot where a player crosses in front of their partner to execute an Erne on their partner's side of the court. 

Block Shot or Blocking: A backhanded defensive shot with little or no backswing intended to slow the ball and drop it in the opponent’s non-volley zone; used in response to a body shot.

Body Shot: A shot that hits the body of the opposing player, thereby winning the point.  Care should be taken to avoid the head, neck or face.

Bounce It!: In doubles, a call made by one partner to the other instructing them to allow the ball to bounce before striking the ball.  Called when a player thinks the ball may land out of bounds.

Bounce: The Pickleball moves quickly up, back, or away from the surface after hitting it.

Carry: Hitting the ball in such a way that it does not bounce away from the Pickleball paddle but tends to be carried along on the face of the paddle during its forward motion.

Centerline: The line bisecting the service courts that extends from the non-volley line to the baseline.

Chainsaw Serve: A serve that starts by swiping, brushing or rolling the ball against the paddle before tossing the ball in preparation for striking the ball, thereby imparting spin on the ball, then striking the ball with a topspin stroke imparting even more spin. The serve was popularized by Zane Navratil.  As of 2021 the serve is no longer allowed per USAP rules.

Challenge Court: During social play or a large group practice, a court where the winner(s) of a match stays and takes on the next challenger(s). Since there is no rule regarding this, variations abound, such as limiting a winning player to a specific number of games on the challenge court.

Champion Shot: In the non-volley zone, a Pickleball shot bounces twice.

Chicken Wing: An awkward defensive shot made with the paddle arm bent and the elbow extended up and away from the body.  It also can refer to the shoulder and armpit area, on the paddle side of a player's body, that when targeted can force the player to make a chicken wing defensive shot.

Chop, Chip, Cut, or Slice: Striking the ball using a slightly open-faced paddle while moving the paddle in a downward undercutting motion to impart backspin on the ball.

Closed Face: Tilting the paddle face down when striking the ball with the upper edge of the paddle angled forward.

Closed Fist Behind the Back: A signal to the receiver, from the receiver's partner, to not switch sides after the return.

Composite: Something made up of separate parts or elements. Many paddles and paddle surfaces are composite.  These paddles usually incorporate an open-called honeycomb core covered with one or more face materials.

Continental Grip: Holding the paddle handle so that the index finger and thumb form a "V" in line with the edge of the paddle.  Hold the paddle vertical like you are hammering a nail.  This grip is the most common and can be used for forehands and backhands.

Continuous Play:  Starts with a serve and ends with a fault. 

Cookie Shot: An easy shot you should happily enjoy.

Corkspin: The rotation of the ball where the axis of rotation is parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the plane of the net.  Corkspin is imparted by brushing up or down on either side of the ball.  It has minimal effect on the ball while traveling through the air but can cause the ball to severely dart left or right after hitting the ground, but minimal effect when struck by the opponent's paddle.

Court Dimensions: Court lines on each side of the net that are parallel to the net, and 7 feet from the net, that run from one sideline to the other.  The non-volley line, and the sidelines on either side of the NVZ, are part of the non-volley zone.

Court: A Pickleball court measures 44’ by 20’, with baselines and sidelines along it’s perimeter.

Cross-Court Dink: This is a soft shot hit from the back of one side of the court that lands in the opponent’s non-volley zone.

Cross-Court: The opponent's half of the court that is diagonally opposite the player striking the ball.

Cut Serve:  A serve hit with sidespin.

Cutthroat:  A game involving only three people.

Dead Ball: A ball that is no longer in play, or any action that stops play.  A dead ball occurs whenever one of the following occur; a fault is committed, the ball strikes a permanent object, or a hindrance is called. 

Dead Dink: Sets up in the middle of the NVZ, sits up high and doesn’t have a lot of spin.

Dedicated Court:  A court built specifically for Pickleball, as opposed to a multi-user court.  This court has painted lines and a net that are only for Pickleball.

Deep Shot: To hit the ball deep to the opponent’s portion of the court near the baseline.

Default: To give an opponent a win by absence or choice.

Dig:  To "defend" the ball usually in the transition Zone with the paddle low, split stance very wide and absorbing the power of the offensive shot so that (ideally) the ball can be reset into the kitchen as an unattackable ball.

Dink or Dink Shot: A soft and low shot that is intended to arc over the Pickleball net and land within the opponent’s non-volley zone.

Dink Volley: A soft return shot made at or near the non-volley line, prior to the ball bouncing that just clears the net and drops into the opponent's non-volley zone.

Dinker: A Pickleball player that is exceptionally good at dinking.

Disconnect: When a partner offensively moves forward from his/her partner’s back position on the court to attack a ball, abandoning the convention of staying the same depth from the net as one’s partner.

Divorce Court: When married or committed couples play doubles, with or against each other.

Double Bounce Rule:  After each serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before it can legally be volleyed.

Double Bounce: A ball that bounces more than once, on one side, before it is returned.

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

Doubles: Pickleball matches having two players per side.  Mixed doubles; both sides have one male player and one female player.  Men's doubles; both sides have two male players.  Women's doubles; both sides have two female players.

Down the Line: This is a type of shot that is placed parallel to the baseline.  It is usually one of the hardest shots to receive.

Drive Shot: A powerful groundstroke or volley hit fast and low over the net to the opponent's backcourt.

Drop of Doom: A drop shot that is so good, the opponent hits it into the net.

Drop or Drop Shot: A soft return shot made from the backcourt or midcourt, after the ball has bounced, that lands in or near the opponent's non-volley zone.

Drop Serve: A serve where the ball is dropped to the ground and allowed to bounce one or more times before striking it with the paddle.

Drop Spin: This is an advanced skill for expert Pickleball players.  It tends to drop sharply across the net.

Drop Volley: A soft return shot made from the backcourt or midcourt, prior to the ball bouncing, that lands in or near the opponent's non-volley zone.

Drop-In-Play: A format in which players gather together to play Pickleball, kind of casual-like.  Rather than arranging a foursome, players can drop in as individuals or teams and mingle with other players.

DUPR: An abbreviation for “Dynamic Universal Pickleball Ratings”. Created by Steve Kuhn, founder of Major League Pickleball, in 2021.  A player rating system that takes into account a variety of factors including score differential.

Dura: The Dura Outdoor Pickleballs, also known as the Dura Fast 40, are a seamless one-piece rotationally molded ball specially designed for Pickleball.

Edge Guard: Tape that is applied along the edge of a paddle for protection and/or to increase weight of the paddle head.

Edgeless Paddle: A paddle that does not have an edge guard.  These paddles tend to offer larger hitting surfaces but can suffer from durability issues.

Erne: Hitting the ball while leaping over your corner of the kitchen and landing outside the court. 

Even Court: The right half of your court while facing the net. The service court from which the first serve after a side out is made. (Called the “deuce court” in tennis.)

Face: The large flat surface of a paddle that is intended to contact the ball.

Fault: A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation.

Figure 8 Drill: Typically done with two players.  One player is designated to only hit the ball diagonally to the other player, while the other player only hits the ball straight ahead.  After a period of time, the players switch up.

First Server, First Serve: In doubles; the first team member to serve the ball after a side-out.  If a side-out occurs when the team's score is even, the team's starting server will be the first server, otherwise the non-starting server will be the first server.

First-Server Band: A band worn on the first server (usually on the wrist) on each team during tournament play.  The band assists the referee and the opponents in tracking the correct server’s position.

Flapjack: A shot that must bounce before being hit, such as the serve and return of serve.

Flat Face: Keeping the paddle face parallel with the plane of the net when striking the ball without angling the racket up or down.

Flick Shot: When you flick your paddle downward as you extend your arm near the net and reach for a ball that otherwise would barely lay in the kitchen and be difficult to hit with speed.

Flob: A failed lob (which) usually ends up smashed back at your partner).

Follow Through: On the swing, the continuing forward motion (after the back swing) in the direction you want the Pickleball to travel.

Foot Fault: A foot fault can occur when serving or when volleying. When serving; failure to keep both feet behind the baseline, with at least one foot in contact with the ground or floor, when the paddle contacts the ball. 

Footwork: The player’s movement of their feet in an effort to be in good balance and well-prepared to receive and hit shots.

Forehand: The stroke made by leading the swing with the palm of the hand and front of the paddle adding energy to the strike.

Full Stack: When a team stacks both prior to serving and prior to receiving.

Game Point: Occurs when the serving team has a chance to finish the game on the next point (such as when the score is 10-9).  You must win the game by two points.

Game: It refers to a series of plays that are executed by each team. A game is complete once one team has scored 11 points (and must have a 2-point margin).  In some instances, a game may be played to 15 or 21 points.

Graphite: A popular paddle-face material that is another way of describing carbon fiber.

Green-Light Ball: A high ball (chest and above) that you should definitely attack as long as you are in a ready position.

Grip Material: The material covering the handle of the paddle.  Some factors considered when choosing a grip material include: cushioning, tackiness, thickness and durability.

Grip Pressure: Holding/squeezing the handle 3 or 4 out of 10.  A 10 is a cramp in your arm from squeezing too hard.

Grip: May refer to; the manner a player holds the paddle: the most common grip style is the Continental grip.

Groundstroke: Hitting the ball after one bounce.

Hairpin Dink: Step in forward with one leg into the NVZ and lift the ball just over the net with an intentional short to drop. The ball drops very close to the net.

Half Stack: When a team stacks only prior to serving.

Half Volley: A groundstroke shot where the paddle contacts the ball immediately after it bounces from the court and before the ball rises to its potential height.

Hand Signals: A non-verbal cue used to communicate during the game.  Hand signals might be used by line judges or players.  Common hand signals include: Hand covering eyes; a line judge's signal that they are unable to make a call because their view of the ball was obscured. Pointing the index finger; a call that the ball was out.  The finger might be pointing up or in the direction the ball was out.  Palm facing down; a call that the ball was in.  Open palm behind the back; a signal to the receiver, from the receiver's partner, to switch sides after the return.  Closed fist behind the back; a signal to the receiver, from the receiver's partner, to not switch sides after the return.

Head: Part of the Pickleball paddle above the handle that includes the paddle face (hitting surface and the paddle edge).

Hinder or Hindrance: An interference of play by something outside of the game, such as an errant ball or a person crossing the court.  Hinders result in a dead ball, and the point is replayed.  A dead ball occurs as soon as a hinder is called by either side.  If it is subsequently determined that the hinder call was invalid, then the point is not replayed, and the side calling the hinder loses the point.

Hybrid Ball: A Pickleball with features somewhere between an indoor ball and an outdoor ball. 

Hydration Break: A 15-30 second break in competitive play for the purpose of keeping the players hydrated on hot days.  There is no coaching or strategy talking, just get your drink and return to play.

I-formation: In doubles; a player positioning strategy used by the serving team, where the non-serving player starts at the non-volley line. The intent is to confuse the receiving team while allowing the serving side to preposition one player at the net, putting pressure on the receiving side to make a quality fourth shot. The strategy can be risky and requires the non-serving player to stay low and out of the ball's flight pattern.  The serving team must wait for the return ball to bounce, which means the server must cover the entire width of the court on the third shot, if their partner is already up at the non-volley line.  The non-serving partner can be intentionally targeted by the receiving side forcing a fault for the serving side.

In: A line call made when a ball lands within the court lines, or in the case of a serve, within the service court.  Sometimes indicated using a pointed index finger hand signal.

Incorrect Position: When the ball is served from the wrong serving area.

Incorrect Receiver: In doubles; when the wrong receiving team member returns the serve.

Incorrect Server: In doubles; when the wrong serving team member serves the ball.

Indoor Ball: A Pickleball designed primarily for indoor play.  A ball that has 26 holes.  Characteristics of an indoor ball include fewer holes, each with a larger diameter, less weight, and softer less durable plastic.  The design provides better performance where wind is not a factor, and the court is smooth, such as a wood floor.

Inside Foot: The foot closes to the centerline on the court.

Inside-Out: A shot where the hitter displays all signs of hitting a ball toward the middle but alters the wrist position at the last instant and sends the ball straight or to the sideline instead.

International Federation of Pickleball (IFP): A federation of national Pickleball organizations. Established in 2010 to serve as the world governing body for the sport of Pickleball.

Joey: Hitting an ATP shot directly back at the opponent that made the ATP shot.  Named for Joe Valenti. 

Junior Player: A player between the ages of 7 and 19. As determined by the USA Pickleball Association.

Kitchen Fault/Violation: Occurs when any part of a player has stepped on or touched the kitchen, including the kitchen line, while in the act of volleying.

Kitchen Line: A commonly used nickname for the line parallel to the net separating the non-volley zone from the rest of the court.

Kitchen: Non-volley zone – 7ft. area on either side of net.

Kitchen: The very commonly used nickname for the non-volley zone, the 7-x-20 foot area near the net where a player is not allowed to volley the ball.

Ladder: A format of play, typically held weekly, where players compete and move up or down the ladder based on their individual points earned. Players rotate partners but maintain their individual score.

Layout: When a player throws his or her body down on the court horizontally to defend against a zinger.

League: A format of play, usually between local clubs or teams, wherein the players represent their club or team rather than themselves as individuals.

Left/Odd Service Box: As you face the net, this is the rectangle on your left side.  The serve coming diagonally from your opponent must land in this box.

Let Serve: When a served ball hits the net, but still lands in the correct service court. A valid serve in USAP rules.

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 Call: The determination whether a ball has landed inside or outside the court lines, or in the case of the serve, inside or outside the service court. In non-refereed matches, players are responsible for making good-faith line calls on their side of the net. When there is any uncertainty, the call should be made in favor of their opponent.  The point where the ball contacts the ground determines whether a ball is in or out.  Although the sphere of the ball might overlap the line when viewed from above, due to the rigidity of the ball the contact point might remain outside the lines, however, an out call should not be made unless space can be clearly seen between the line and the contact point.

Line Judge: A tournament official whose job is to call the ball out when it lands outside the boundary lines of the court.  They also call serving foot faults.

Live Ball: A ball that is currently in play. Once a fault or interruption in play occurs, a live ball becomes a dead ball.

Lob: A shot that returns the ball as high and deep as possible, forcing the opposing side back to the baseline.

Lobber: A player who likes to hit the ball over heads of others.

Lobster: A slang term for a player who relies heavily on lobbing during games.

Match Point: When the serving team is one point away from winning the final game of the match.

Men's Doubles: Both sides have two male players.

Men's Singles: Both sides have one male player.

Midcourt: The area from a few feet behind the kitchen that extends to a few feet inside the baseline.

Misdirection: A strategy where a player intentionally deceives their opponent by preparing to hit the ball in a certain direction, or with a certain pace, but at the last second hitting the ball in an unexpected direction or with an unexpected pace.

Mishit: A shot where the contact with the ball was not as intended and sends the ball in an unexpected direction.

Mixed Doubles: Both sides have one male player and one female player.

Momentum: In physics, momentum is the tendency of a body in motion to continue its motion and direction.   If a player's momentum causes that player to step in or touch the non-volley zone, after volleying the ball, that player incurs a fault.  All actions that took place after the offending player volleyed the ball are void, regardless of whether the other side continued to play the point, and regardless of how many time the ball passed over the net after the offending player first volleyed the ball. Momentum may also refer to the tendency to expect a side that has won multiple consecutive points, to continue winning additional points.

Mulligan: An informal term derived from golf, it means a “do-over” given based on pure generosity. Such as when a brand new player is allowed a second serve—in violation of the rules—after his/her first attempted serve fails.

Nasty Nelson: A serve that intentionally hits the non-receiving opposing player closest to the net, rewarding the point to the server. Named for Timothy Nelson.

Net Height: The Pickleball net height should be 36 inches on the ends where it connects to the posts. When properly set, the net will measure 34 inches at the center. There should be 22 feet from the inside of one post to the inside of the joining post. 

Net Posts: The vertical support found at both ends of a net.

Net: A mesh strung cross the center of the court, dividing the opponents. 36″ high at the sidelines, 34″ high in the middle.

Nice Get: This is another compliment that means you successfully returned a ball that wasn’t easy to get to.

Nice Rally: All players share the compliment after several shots between the teams.

Nice Setup: A compliment when a player manages to manipulate and maneuver another player into an area of the court that opens up an undefended area.

No Man's Land: A misused tennis term for the part of the court approximately midway between the baseline and the non-volley line. Considered a strategically vulnerable location for a player to be standing.

Nomex: An aramid polymer that is a close cousin to nylon.  It is used in paddle cores.  Compared to polymer cores, a Nomex core tends to be stiffer, allowing a player to impart more power on a shot.

Non-Volley Line or Kitchen Line: A 7 feet by 20 feet area adjacent to the net within which one may not volley the ball.  The non-volley zone includes all lines around it.  Also called the "kitchen".  A player may step or stand within the non-volley zone at any time, but must reestablish both feet outside the non-volley zone prior to volleying the ball. If a player's momentum causes the player to touch any part of the non-volley zone after volleying the ball, it results in a dead ball and that player incurs a fault, regardless of whether the other team continued to play or not.

Non-Volley Zone, NVZ ("The Kitchen"): The section of court adjacent to the net.  A player cannot volley a ball while standing within the non-volley zone.  It includes all lines surrounding the zone.

Not-Ready Signal: Given by a member of the receiving team to delay service.  Indicated by raising a paddle, or free hand, or by turning one’s back. This is only allowed prior to the call of the score.

Nutmeg: Slang for a hit that passes between an opponent’s legs for a winning shot.

Odd Court: The left side of the court as you face the net.

Open Face: Holding the Pickleball paddle face tilted slightly upward.

Open Palm Behind the Back: A signal to the receiver, from the receiver's partner, to switch sides after the return.

Open Play: This is a first cousin of drop-in play.  All you simply need to do is find out where and when and then show up paddle in hand.  Some Pickleball facilities divide court time between skill levels of players so checking first is suggested.

Out!: A call made by a player which may be interpreted in one of two ways; If "out!" is called after the ball has contacted the ground, it is considered a line call and results in a dead ball.  If it is subsequently determined that the ball was not actually "out", it is a fault for the team making the call.  If "out!" is called before the ball has contacted the ground, it is considered player communication; one partner warning the other not to hit the ball.  Such communication is allowed and has no bearing on the outcome of the rally, regardless of whether or not the ball lands inside or outside the applicable lines.  Only a call made after the ball contacts the ground is relevant.

Out: A line call made when a ball lands outside the court lines, or in the case of a serve, outside the service court. Sometimes indicated using a finger pointing upward hand signal.

Outdoor Ball: A Pickleball designed primarily for outdoor play.  A ball that has 40 holes.  Characteristics of an outdoor ball include more holes, each with a smaller diameter, more weight, and harder more durable plastic.  The design provides better performance in wind and more durability for rough outdoor courts.

Outside Foot: The foot that is closest to the sideline.

Over and Back Shot: When a hit ball has so much spin that after bouncing on the opponent’s side of the net, the ball returns untouched back over to the hitter’s side of the net. If such a  ball is indeed untouched by the opponent, the shot results in the hitter’s point. This shot is the only instance where a player is allowed to legally reach across the net and contact the ball.

Over Grip: A covering of the regular grip, usually to absorb sweat and maintain tackiness.

Overhead Slam or Smash: A hard, overhand shot usually resulting from an opponent’s lob, high return, or high bounce.

Pace: The speed and power imparted to the ball after it has been struck by the paddle.  Pace can be used strategically to control the tempo or rhythm of the game and to put the opponent on the defensive.  The ability to alter pace can leave the opponent uncertain about what to expect from each shot.

Paddle Face: The surface of the paddle used to strike the ball.

Paddle Head: The large flat area of a paddle above the handle that is intended to contact and strike the ball.

Paddle Tap: The gentle touching of paddles between two or more players. Always done at the net upon the conclusion of a game or match, but frequently done between doubles partners as a show of connection and support.

Paddle: The paddle is used to hit the ball…obviously.  Be aware: you’ll stand out as a newbie if you call it a racquet.

Paddletek: Since being founded in 2010, Paddletek has grown to become a brand leader in the sport with revolutionary innovations that completely changed the Pickleball paddle market by enhancing performance and the Pickleball experience.

Painting the Line: An expression for hitting a great line shot that lands right on the line.

Palm Facing Down: A hand signal made by your opponent that the ball was on or inside the perimeter line and it’s your point.

Pancake: When you know a high shot is coming or you can crouch down; a player switches to a western backhand grip to smash a floater that’s in front of their body without having to step to the side and contort their arm.  We assume it’s called pancake because it’s how you would hold a spatula?

Pantry: Unofficially, the area outside the court on either side of the kitchen (Non-Volley-Zone).  When a player jumps over the kitchen to execute an Erne shot, the player lands in the pantry.

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

Permanent Object: Any object near or above the court such as the ceiling, fencing, net posts, spectators, or officials.  If a ball hits a permanent object, but the ball had not yet bounced on the opposing side's court, the last player striking the ball incurs a fault. If the ball hits a permanent object after bouncing on the opposing side's court, the opposing side incurs a fault.

Pickleball Points: Pickleball is played to 11 points, and must be won by a margin of two points.

Pickleball: The word Pickleball may refer to the sport of Pickleball, or to the ball used in the sport. Older spellings of the word include "pickle ball" and "pickle-ball".

Pickleballs: They come in two basic types, "indoor" or "outdoor", but some may be labeled "hybrid" with features that fall between the two.  Rules permit any USAP approved ball to be used in indoor or outdoor matches.

Pickled: To lose a game without scoring a single point, usually losing 11 to 0.  “We got pickled.”

Pickler: A Pickleball player, particularly someone obsessed with the game.

Player Communication: Any verbal communication on the court other than calling the score and line calls. Can even include the words “out” or “in” prior to a ball touching the ground, but once the ball bounces, these words are construed specifically as line calls.

Player Position: The player on the right service court will always serve first for a team.

Poach: Poaching occurs whenever a team member deliberately takes shots that are hit toward their partner rather than allowing their partner to return the ball.  This is most often seen when two partners have an unmatched skill level.

Point: A point may refer to a period of the game that begins with a serve and ends with a dead ball (also known as a rally) or to the score of one earned by the side that has not incurred the fault.  Because official Pickleball rules specify side-out scoring, a point (period) only results in a point (score) when the non-serving side faults — but see Scoring for potential exceptions.

Pointing the Index Finger: A call that the ball was out.  The finger might be pointing up or in the direction the ball was out.

Polymer Core: A type of paddle made from a certain class of polymers.  The polymers tend to be a little flexible, meaning that the core compresses a tiny bit during impact with the ball.  Polymer core Pickleball paddles add power to your shots. 

Pop-up: A ball that is hit high enough that it is easily attackable. Usually this is unintentional.

PPA: Professional Pickleball Association.

Punch Shot: A shot hit quickly with a stabbing motion and minimal backswing.

Punch Volley: A quick volley shot to the ball with very little to no backswing. Usually a shot made while at the net.  Sometimes called “punching the ball”.

Push-Off Fault: When a player leaps up for a ball but his/her foot was touching the NVZ.

Put-Away: A shot that your opponent cannot react fast enough to successfully counter.

Rack: At public courts where rotational play is the norm, players will set up paddles in rows of four to determine turn-taking and court use.

Rally Scoring: A method of play where either side can be awarded a point at the end of a rally, the point going to the side that did not commit the fault.  A game played under rally scoring will typically be completed 2 to 3 times faster.

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

Ranking: Your ranking determines your skill level and provides an easy way to play with others at your same level. 2.0 will be a pure beginner and 5.0 will be a professional. 

Readiness: A state in which a receiver is properly prepared and expecting to receive a serve. It is illegal to call the score and serve when the receiver is not ready.

Ready Position: The stance a player should take in advance of their opponent hitting the ball. The best ready position may change depending on where a player is on the court, but generally means a player is; facing the ball, with both feet planted a little more than shoulder width apart, putting their weight on the balls of their feet, and holding the paddle out front about chest height.

Referee: The boss on the court in tournament play.  The referee calls the score, foot faults, language violations and other violations.

Receiver: The player returning the serve that is diagonally opposite the server. The receiver may be the correct or incorrect receiver.

Red Zone: The space below your knees, where attacking a ball is ill-advised.

Regulation Paddle Size: USA Pickleball approved paddles must be used for sanctioned games and tournaments. USA Pickleball paddle size standards require the combined length and width of a Pickleball paddle must not exceed 24 inches (0.61 m); the length cannot exceed 17 inches.  This is why you will see some paddles that are shorter and wider, and some that are longer and narrower.

Repetitions or “Reps”: The motion or practice (such as a dinks) that is repeated and usually counted; some suggest the goal of 10,000 “reps” for each shot you want to master.

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

Reset: A way to keep the ball in motion or play without losing control, but also prevent an opponent from attacking or applying further offensive hits to your side.

Right or Even Service Court: The service court/box to the right of the centerline, when facing the net.  The serve that is coming diagonally from your opponent must land in this box.  Also called the "even service court", since a side's score will be even whenever that side's starting server is serving from the right side of the court.

Roll Shot: A low-to-high stroke made on a low ball at the net that lifts the ball and applies a large amount of topspin while keeping the shot low.

Roll Volley: A low-to-high stroke volleying a low ball at the net that lifts the ball and applies a large amount of topspin while keeping the shot low.

Round Robin: A competition format wherein the players or teams each play all the others in their division.

Score: The current status of the game that is announced prior to each serve. In singles the score is announced as the serving side's total points followed by the receiving side's total points. In doubles the score is announced as the serving side's total points, followed by the receiving side's total points, followed by the serving side's server number.

Scoring: May refer to the point earned when a team wins a rally, or the type of scoring used during a match.  Two types of scoring are commonly used, side-out scoring and rally scoring, but the official Pickleball rules specify side-out scoring.  Rally Scoring; A method of play where either side can be awarded a point at the end of a rally, the point going to the side that did not commit the fault.  Side-out Scoring: A method of play where only the serving side can be awarded a point at the end of a rally, and only when the non-serving side commits a fault.

Scorpion: An overhead shot taken by a player while in a squatted position. An offensive shot often used in lieu of what might otherwise be a defensive backhand shot.

Screwball Return: Using Continental grip, cut ball to the side as you are moving forward to the Kitchen.

Second Serve: A term used to describe the condition when a serving team begins the game or subsequently loses the first of its two allocated serves.

Selkirk: Engineered to enhance your game, Selkirk Pickleball Paddles feature cutting-edge technology, enlarged sweet spots and ultra-comfortable grips.

Serve: The initial strike of the ball to start a rally.  Two types of underhand serves are permitted in Pickleball.

Server Number: In doubles; either “1” or “2”, designating whether the server is the team's first or second server. It is the third number announced when the score is called, e.g., “4-6-2” would indicate the second server is serving.

Service Court or Service Area: The area of the court that a valid serve must land in; bounded by the non-volley line, centerline, sideline, and baseline.  All lines are considered in, except the non-volley line. A serve landing on the non-volley line is a fault.  Left or odd service court: the service court to the left of the centerline, when facing the net. Also called the "odd service court", since a side's score will be odd whenever that side's starting server is serving from the left side of the court.  Right or even service court: the service court to the right of the centerline, when facing the net. Also called the "even service court", since a side's score will be even whenever that side's starting server is serving from the right side of the court.

Service Court: The area on either side of the centerline, bounded by the non-volley line, the baseline, and the sideline. All lines are included in the service court except the non-volley line.  There are four service courts on a Pickleball court.

Service line: The lines parallel to the net at the back of the Pickleball court 22 feet from the net.

Service Motion: The swing of the server’s arm backward or simply forward to contact the ball for service.

Service Return: The first ball returned over the net after a serve.

Serving Area: The area behind the baseline, and between the imaginary extended sidelines, that a valid serve can be served from.

Shading: Shifting on the court as a team toward the left or right side with the ball in order to better cover the sideline and the center of the court and thus better handle a shot coming from the opponent’s side of the net.

Shadowing: Moving in conjunction with your partner to maintain a consistent distance between.

Shake ‘N’ Bake: In doubles; A strategy used by the serving team on the third shot. Instead of performing a third shot drop, one player (the shaker) drives the ball low and hard over the net while the other player (the baker) rushes to the net near the centerline. The intent is to pressure the opponent into making a week volley or pop up shot that the "baker" can put-away.

Shot: A hit of the ball and travel the travel of the ball once being hit.

Sidelines: The lines perpendicular to the net on each side of the court, denoting in- and out-of-bounds. 

Side-Out Scoring: A method of play where only the serving side can be awarded a point at the end of a rally, and only when the non-serving side commits a fault.

Side-Out: Declared after one side loses its service and other side is awarded service.

Side-Out: The switch of the serve from one team to the opposing player(s).

Sidespin: The rotation of the ball where the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net.  Sidespin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from left to right, or right to left.  It causes the ball to curve while traveling through the air and to bounce right or left after hitting the ground or opponent's paddle.  In cue sports, sidespin is often referred to as English.

Singles: Pickleball matches having one player per side.  Men's singles; both sides have one male player. Women's singles; both sides have one female player.

Sitter: A ball that has been popped up high and will be easy to put away.

Skill-Based Ratings: Rating a player based upon evaluation of his/her skillset instead of tournament results.

Skinny-Singles: A Pickleball practice game played with only two players who face off against each other, but play on just one side of the center line.

Slice: Hitting the ball with a downward stroke to impart backspin on the ball.

Smash or Overhead Smash: A powerful shot that is made while the ball is above the player's head. It permits the player to drive the ball in a sharp downward direction making it difficult to return. The shot is often used in response to a Lob shot.

Social Play: Any non-tournament game. Also called “recreational play” or “rec play”.

Soft Game: The portion of a match that includes non-drive shots, such as drops, dinks, and lobs.

Speed Up:  When you leave a dink slightly high, or it bounces a tad too high — players attack you with a hard shot, also known as a “speed up.” 

Spin: Any rotation imparted on a ball by the strike of the paddle. Spin is commonly described as topspin, backspin, sidespin or corkspin, depending on the axis of rotation. Topspin and backspin have the same axis of rotation, but spin in opposite directions.  Spin imparted on a ball is almost always a combination of more than one type of spin and would rarely exactly align with the three axes represented in diagram S. (For the science behind the effects of spin see Magnus effect at the top.)   Backspin or Underspin: the reverse rotation of the ball in relation to the ball’s trajectory, where the axis of rotation runs parallel to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net.  Backspin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from high to low.  It provides lift as the ball travels through the air and results in a lower and shorter bounce once the ball strikes the ground or tends to make the ball angle down after hitting the opponent's paddle.  Topspin or Overspin: the forward rotation of a ball in relation to the ball’s trajectory where the axis of rotation runs parallel to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net. Topspin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from low to high.  It creates a downward force as the ball travels through the air, causing the ball to dive or drop, and resulting in a higher and longer bounce once the ball strikes the ground or tends to make the ball pop up after hitting the opponent's paddle.  Sidespin: the rotation of the ball where the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net.  Sidespin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from left to right, or right to left.  It causes the ball to curve while traveling through the air and to bounce right or left after hitting the ground or opponent's paddle. In cue sports, sidespin is often referred to as English.  Corkspin or rifling; the rotation of the ball where the axis of rotation is parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the plane of the net. Corkspin is imparted by brushing up or down on either side of the ball. It has minimal effect on the ball while traveling through the air but can cause the ball to severely dart left or right after hitting the ground, but minimal effect when struck by the opponent's paddle.

Split Step: When a player stands with both feet approximately shoulder width apart and parallel; it is a very temporary stance and/or bounce with their feet so they are ready to react quickly and move in any direction to hit the next ball.

Stacking: In doubles; when teammates line up, or "stack", on the same side of the center line during a serve, or service return, positioning themselves to move to their preferred court positions.  Preferred positions may be determined by each player’s skills, abilities, speed, or whether each player is right or left handed. For the purpose of serving and receiving, teammates must alternate between the right and left sides of their court each time they earn a point.  Other than when acting as the server or receiver, teammates may position themselves anywhere on the court that provides them with the best advantage.  Stacking permits a doubles team to quickly move into the positions they deem most advantageous.  Stacking adds complexity that can result in confusion regarding which player is the correct server or receiver.  The wrong server or receiver results in a fault.  Half stack; when a team stacks only prior to serving.  Three-quarters stack; when a team stacks prior to serving, and only half the time prior to receiving; when that team's quickest player is the receiver. Full stack; when a team stacks both prior to serving and prior to receiving.

Starting Server: In doubles; the first server in a game on each side. When the starting server is serving from the right side of the court the serving side's score will be zero or an even number. When the starting server is serving from the left side of the court the serving side's score will be an odd number. The opposite is true of the non-starting server.

Stroke: Striking the ball using a slightly open faced paddle while moving the paddle in a downward undercutting motion to impart backspin on the ball.  Striking the ball with the reverse side of the paddle while the back of the player’s hand is facing the net.

Switch: In doubles, a call made by one partner to the other to switch sides (see switching).  The call might be communicated verbally, or with a hand signal.

Swing Volley: A volley the player takes a swing at. This is an offensive shot with some pace behind it.

Switching: In doubles; a strategy used to position each partner in a more advantageous position.  The two partners will each switch to the opposite side of the court from where they started.  This may occur in mid-play when a player moves to take a ball on their partner's side of the court, and the partner then moves to the other side of the court to cover. It might also occur after a service return.  The receiving team's player that is near the non-volley line may use a hand signal behind their back to indicate whether or not the two players should switch sides after the return. 

Tank: To lose points or a game intentionally.

Technical Foul: In tournament play, the referee may add a point to a team’s score when the opponent violates one of the rules calling for a technical foul other than standard faults in play.  For example abusive language or unsportsmanlike play.

Third Shot Drop: A strategy used by the serving team to place the ball just over the net in their opponent's non-volley zone thereby making it difficult for their opponent to attack the ball, and giving the serving team time to move up to the non-volley line.

Third Shot: The third shot of the game that comes after the first time the receiving team returns the ball to the serving team.

Three-Quarters Stack: When a team stacks prior to serving, and only half the time prior to receiving; when that team's quickest player is the receiver.

Time-Out: A break in the action in organized competition.  Called by either team or by the referee.  It is usually a one-minute break.

Topspin or Overspin: The forward rotation of a ball in relation to the ball’s trajectory where the axis of rotation runs parallel to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net.  Topspin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from low to high.  It creates a downward force as the ball travels through the air, causing the ball to dive or drop, and resulting in a higher and longer bounce once the ball strikes the ground or tends to make the ball pop up after hitting the opponent's paddle.

Tournament: An organized competition between players.

Tracking: Shifting right or left with the ball along the non-volley line to help prevent a passing shot.

Transition Zone: The area of the court between the non-volley line and the baseline. Sometimes referred to as “no man’s land.”

Trash Talk: Light hearted banter between opponents, wherein they speak ill of each other’s skill or abilities.  Make sure your opponent shares that type of sense of humor before engaging in trash talk.

Tweener: When a player returns a shot by hitting the ball between their own legs.  This may occur when chasing down a lobbed ball that the player cannot get in front of, with the player's back to the net, or when a player is facing the net and the ball passes between their legs, and their only option is to reach around and return the ball back between their legs and over the net.

Two-Bounce Rule: The requirement that the receiving team and the serving team must each allow the ball to bounce once on their side at the beginning of every rally before attempting to volley the ball.

Unattackable Ball: A drop shot or dink forcing your opponent to have to strike the ball from low to high, lifting it over the net and preventing aggressive attacks.  It is also called a “red light” ball.

Underhand Serve: A serve that strikes the ball while the player's hand and paddle are moving forward with an upward arc. Official Pickleball rules do not use the term "underhand serve", but the rules do state that a volley serve must be served in this manner.  The rules do not specify that a drop serve must be served in this manner, but the limited bounce of the ball, after the drop, necessitates an underhand serve.

Under-Spin: Unofficially, the area outside the court on either side of the kitchen (Non-Volley-Zone).  When a player jumps over the kitchen to execute an Erne shot, the player lands in the pantry. 

Unforced Error: A missed shot that is entirely the fault of one’s own blunder and not the result of the opponent’s skill or play.

Unforced Error: A critical mistake made on a shot that is not considered difficult to execute.

USA Pickleball: USA Pickleball (USAP) is the governing body of Pickleball within the United States. 

Volley Serve: A serve where the ball is struck without allowing the ball to first hit the ground.

Volley: Hitting the ball in the air before the ball has a chance to bounce onto the court.

Western Grip: Holding the paddle in your hand with the top of your paddle tipped substantially forward for more topspin, a less common grip. This grip typically requires a grip change for backhand shots.

Winner: A clearly successful shot ending a point. Such as, “They dinked at least a dozen times before she had a clear winner and took it.”

Women's Doubles: Both sides have two female players.

Women's Singles: Both sides have one female player.

Yellow-Light Ball: A ball hit from the middle of the hitting player’s body (knees to rib cage).  This is a ball that requires a decision to be made: whether to attack, or yield and wait for a better chance to attack.

Yellow Zone: The space between your knees and your waist, where you want to use caution when attacking a ball.

Zero–Zero: The starting score for a game of singles Pickleball.

Zero–Zero–Two: The starting score for a game of doubles Pickleball.

Zinger: A hard, line-drive that whizzes right by the opponent’s head.