If you’re new to pickleball, you’ll hear a lot of jargon on the courts; here’s a list of common pickleball terminology you’ll encounter as you start your journey.
Pickleball Terminology
Dink:
A soft shot that is intended to arc over the net and land in the opponent’s Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), usually used in strategic play to make it difficult for the opponent to hit a powerful return.
Dinking Duel or Battle:
A series of gentle, strategic exchanges (dinks) over the net, often occurring with both players or teams at the net.
Drive:
A fast, flat shot hit directly at an opponent or into their court area, typically from the baseline, aiming for speed rather than spin or placement.
Drop Shot:
A drop shot in pickleball is a strategic and finesse-based shot designed to land the ball just over the net and into the opponent’s non-volley zone (kitchen). The goal is to make the ball land softly and close to the net, forcing the opponent to move forward quickly and perhaps hit upward, which puts them at a disadvantage. When played as the 3rd shot in a rally it is called “The 3rd shot drop”.
Lob:
A high, arching shot intended to go over the opponent’s head and land as close as possible to the baseline, forcing the opponent to quickly retreat and hit an overhead smash if they can or any other return shot from a difficult angle.
Smash:
A powerful downward shot, hit from above net height, designed to finish the point or put the opponent in a defensive position.
Non-Volley Zone (NVZ):
A 7-foot zone on each side of the net, commonly referred to as “the kitchen.” Players are prohibited from volleying (hitting the ball before it bounces) within this area.
Rally:
The exchange of shots between players or teams, beginning with the serve and continuing until a fault is made or the point is won.
Side Out:
This occurs when the serving team commits a fault, resulting in the serve being awarded to the opposing team.
Poach:
This refers to a player crossing over into their partner’s area to make a play on the ball, typically to capitalize on a weak return or to surprise the opponents.
Kitchen:
The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ).
Around the Post (ATP):
A shot where the ball is hit around the outside of the net post. It is legal as long as the ball lands in the opponent’s court.
Erne:
A shot where a player jumps from outside the NVZ to volley a ball back over the net while airborne and then landing outside the NVZ. It is named after Ernie Perry, who popularized this move.
Stacking:
A strategy in doubles where both players line up on the same side of the court before the serve, used mostly with a left and right-handed player playing together to always put a forehand in the middle of the court.
Skinny Singles:
A variation of singles play where players use only half of the court, enhancing quick reflexes and shot positioning and also reducing the area to cover.
Banger:
A player who frequently hits powerful, aggressive shots (drives) instead of playing a softer, more strategic game.
Pickle(d):
A situation where a player or team finishes a game without scoring any points.
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