Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into one dynamic and exciting game. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, understanding the terminology used in pickleball can greatly enhance your comprehension of the game and your communication with other players. Below, we explore some essential pickleball terms to help you get more familiar with the sport.
1. Ernie
An "Ernie" is an advanced move where a player jumps from behind the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, to volley a ball in the air before it bounces. The player must not touch the non-volley zone during this maneuver, making it a challenging but impressive shot that can catch opponents off guard.
2. ATP (Around The Post)
"ATP" stands for Around The Post. This shot occurs when a player hits the ball around the outside of the net post. The ball does not need to travel over the net to be considered a legal shot. ATPs are often used when the ball travels wide of the court but still lands inbounds.
3. Dink Shot
A "Dink Shot" is a soft, controlled shot that barely goes over the net and lands in the opponent's non-volley zone. This technique is used to create a slow, arcing shot that is difficult to return with power, thus forcing the opponent to hit upward and potentially set up a more aggressive shot for the dinker. Check out high end paddles to help with your dinking!
4. Drop Shot
A "Drop Shot" in pickleball is similar to a dink but typically performed from the baseline or mid-court. It is a soft shot designed to land in the opponent's kitchen, ideally making it difficult for them to return with any significant force.
5. Fault
A "Fault" is a basic term used in pickleball for any action that stops play due to a rule violation. Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to clear the net, stepping into the non-volley zone and volleying the ball, or serving incorrectly.
6. Lob
A "Lob" is a shot that sends the ball high and deep into the opponent’s court, intended to go over the heads of the opponents, particularly when they are positioned close to the net. A well-executed lob can be a powerful defensive and offensive tool.
7. The Kitchen (NVZ)
"The Kitchen" or Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) refers to the area adjacent to the net that extends 7 feet on both sides. Players are prohibited from volleying the ball within this zone, meaning the ball must bounce once before it can be hit if a player is inside this area.
8. Side Out
A "Side Out" occurs when the serving team violates a rule or fails to win the point, resulting in the serve transitioning to the opposing team.
9. Drive
A "Drive" in pickleball is a powerful, flat shot that travels fast and low over the net. Drives are used to put pressure on opponents and quickly return the ball without much arc.
10. Third Shot Drop
The "Third Shot Drop" is a crucial shot used after the serve and the return. It’s a type of drop shot played from the baseline into the opponent's kitchen. Its purpose is to allow the serving team to move forward to the net.
11. Volley
Hitting the ball before it bounces. In pickleball, volleys must be executed while the player is standing behind the non-volley zone.
12. Smash
A powerful, downward shot that is hit with force, usually when the ball is high in the air.
13. Rally
The exchange of shots between players or teams that begins with the serve and ends when a point is scored.
14. Foot Fault
Occurs when a player's foot enters the non-volley zone during a volley shot or steps on the baseline while serving.
15. Stack
Stacking involves strategic positioning where both players on a doubles team position themselves on the same side of the court during the serve and return of serve. This tactic allows players to play their forehand from their stronger side and can be useful in optimizing the strengths of each player.
16. Poach
Poaching occurs in doubles play when one player crosses over to intercept a shot that was directed towards their partner. This aggressive move can catch the opponents off guard and shift the momentum of the game.
17. Unforced Error
An Unforced Error is a mistake made by a player under little to no pressure from the opponent, typically resulting in the loss of a point. These include shots that go out of bounds or hit into the net without any strategic pressure from the opposing team.
18. Transition Zone
The Transition Zone is the area between the baseline and the non-volley zone. Players pass through this area, often referred to as "no man's land," during play to move closer to the net. Mastery of shots in this zone can be crucial for advancing the play and positioning.
19. Punch Shot
A Punch Shot is executed with a quick, flat, and firm stroke, often used in volley exchanges to quickly return the ball with minimal backswing. This shot can keep the ball low and fast, making it difficult for opponents to react.
20. Reset Shot
A Reset Shot is used to slow down or neutralize the pace of the game when opponents have gained a strategic advantage. Typically, a soft shot that lands in the kitchen, it allows the player who hits it to regain position and readiness.
21. Crosscourt Shot
A Crosscourt Shot travels diagonally across the court and is often used to exploit the angles of the court, making it harder for the opponent to return and to open up the court.
22. Half Volley
A Half Volley is a shot taken immediately after the ball bounces, typically very close to the ground. It requires good timing and skill to execute effectively.
23. Let
A Let occurs when the ball hits the net on the serve and still lands in the appropriate service box. In pickleball, the serve is replayed without penalty.
24. Rally Scoring
Rally Scoring is a scoring system where points can be won by either the serving or receiving team when they win the rally, unlike traditional scoring where only the serving team can score.
Understanding these terms will not only boost your confidence on the court but will also help you better analyze the game and develop your playing strategies. As you continue to play and learn, you'll find that mastering the language of pickleball is an integral part of mastering the game itself.