Pickleball Terms Every Player Needs to Know

Do you love Pickleball and want to improve your skills? Understanding the technical terms is extremely important. Join Pickleplay.VN to discover the 28 most common Pickleball terms to confidently communicate and play better on the field.

8 Pickleball Laws and Court Area Terms

Understanding the rules and court structure is an important foundation for playing Pickleball effectively. Let's learn important terms related to the rules and court area in Pickleball:

1. Baseline : This is the end line of the Pickleball court, where players usually stand to serve and defend. Understanding the location of the baseline will help you better position yourself on the court and make accurate shots.
2. Body Bag : This term describes a situation when a player is hit by a ball during play. While it may sound scary, it is a normal part of the game and often occurs during fast and powerful shots.
3. Foot Fault : This is a fault that occurs when a player places his foot in the “kitchen” area when executing a volley, or fails to maintain proper foot position when serving. Understanding and avoiding foot faults is crucial to ensuring fair play in Pickleball.
4. Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone/NVZ) : This is the 7-foot area near the net where volleying is not allowed. This area plays an important role in Pickleball strategy, creating many interesting situations and requiring good ball control skills.
5. Net Cord : This term refers to a situation where the ball hits the net but still falls into the opponent's court, creating an unpredictable shot. A net cord can change the game situation unexpectedly.
6. Side Out : This is when the serve switches from one team to the other after the serving team loses a point. Understanding side out will help you better understand the rhythm of the game.
7. Third Shot Drop : This is the third shot after the serve, usually a “dink” to control the game. Third shot drop is an important technique in Pickleball strategy, requiring finesse and good control.
8. Two Bounce Rule : This rule requires the ball to bounce twice before volleying: once in the service box and once in the server's court. This rule helps balance the advantage between the server and the receiver.

15 Pickleball Strategy and Shot Terms

Pickleball is not only about the rules, but also about technique and tactics. Explore the terminology related to common shots and tactics in Pickleball:

1. ATP (Around the Post) : This is a special shot where the ball is hit around the net post, without going over the net but going around to enter the opponent's court. ATP is an advanced shot, requiring skill and precise timing.
2. Bert : This term refers to an advanced shot where the player jumps over the “kitchen” area on the opposite side to volley the ball. Bert is a daring shot, often used to surprise the opponent.
3. Crosscourt : This is a technique of hitting the ball from one corner of the court to the opposite corner of the opponent's court. Crosscourt is a popular tactic to create a difficult angle and pull the opponent out of position.
4. Dink : This is a soft shot that bounces the ball low and into the “kitchen” area. Dink is an important skill in Pickleball, requiring a high level of control and finesse.
5. Drive : This term refers to a strong hit from the baseline or transition zone, intended to create pressure or force the opponent to make a mistake. Drive is an effective attacking shot in Pickleball.
6. Drop : This is a shot from the baseline or transition zone, aimed at getting the ball into the opponent’s “kitchen” area. Drop shots require good control and are often used to change the tempo of the game.
7. Erne : This term refers to an advanced shot, where the player steps over the “kitchen” corner to volley the ball in the air. The Erne is a shot that requires agility and precise timing.
8. Half Volley : This is a shot when the ball has just touched the ground and is bouncing. Half volley requires quick reflexes and good technique.
9. Lob : This term refers to a high shot that is aimed at passing the ball past the opponent, forcing them back to the back of the court. Lob is an effective tactic to change the opponent's position.
10. Nasty Nelson : This is a tactic of hitting the ball at the opponent right from the serve. Although legal, Nasty Nelson is generally considered unsportmanlike and should be used with caution.
11. Overhead Smash : This term refers to a powerful hit from above. An overhead smash is a powerful offensive shot, often used to end a point.
12. Poach : In doubles, a poach occurs when a player hits a ball that should belong to a teammate. Poaching can be an effective tactic if done at the right time.
13. Punch Volley : This is a powerful volley without much arm swing. Punch volley is an important technique in fast shots near the net.
14. Shake and Bake : This term refers to the tactic of combining a “third shot drive” with an attacking volley. Shake and Bake is a complex attacking tactic that requires good coordination between teammates.
15. Volley : This is the term for any shot that occurs before the ball touches the ground. Volleying is an important skill in Pickleball, especially in shots close to the net.

5 Terms About Pickleball Organization & Ranking System

Finally, let's learn about important organizational terms and ranking systems in the Pickleball world:

1. APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) : This is a professional organization that organizes Pickleball tournaments and events. APP plays an important role in the development and promotion of this sport.
2. DUPR (Dreamland Universal Pickleball Rating) : This is a rating system based on Pickleball player performance. DUPR provides an objective way to evaluate player skill and progress.
3. MLP (Major League Pickleball) : This is the premier professional Pickleball league. MLP attracts the best players and produces top Pickleball matches.
4. Pickle : This term refers to a perfect 11-0 win, which is considered a special title in Pickleball tournaments. Achieving a “pickle” is a proud achievement for any player.
5. PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) : This is the Professional Pickleball Association that organizes top tournaments. PPA plays an important role in raising the standards and professionalism of Pickleball.

Conclude

Mastering Pickleball terminology is the first step to becoming a professional player.