🏓 Pickleball Terms & Definitions for Beginners (Good to Know)
A–C
Ace
A serve that is untouched by the receiver and results in a point.
Approach Shot
A shot you play while moving towards the net, usually after the serve return.
ATP (Around the Post)
A high-skill shot where the ball is hit around the side of the net post, rather than over the net. This is legal in Pickleball as long as the ball lands in. Often used when the ball is hit wide and low near the sideline.
Backhand
A shot hit with the paddle across the body on the non-dominant side (e.g., left side for right-handers).
Baseline
The line at the back of the court, used to define the service area and out-of-bounds.
Bounce
Pickleball has a two-bounce rule: the serve and return must both bounce before volleys are allowed.
Carry
An illegal shot where the ball is “carried” or scooped rather than struck cleanly.
Court
The playing area, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, divided into service zones and the non-volley zone (kitchen).
D–F
Dink
A soft shot hit into the opponent’s kitchen, intended to drop quickly and limit their attack options.
Doubles
A match format with two players on each team (most common format).
Drop Shot
A gentle shot that just clears the net and lands short in the opponent’s kitchen, often from the backcourt.
Drive
A fast, low, flat shot hit with pace, usually cross-court or down the line.
Erne (or Ernie)
An advanced shot played while stepping outside the court sideline near the net, allowing a volley without entering the kitchen.
Fault
A rule violation that ends the rally—examples include hitting out, net contact, volleying in the kitchen, or a bad serve.
Forehand
A shot hit on your dominant side, palm facing the direction of the ball.
G–K
Groundstroke
Any shot hit after the ball has bounced.
Half Volley
A shot taken just after the bounce, low to the ground.
Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The 7-foot area on each side of the net where volleys are not allowed. You can enter, but not volley there.
Lob
A high, arching shot played to push opponents back or reset the rally.
M–R
Net Post
The poles that hold the net in place. If the ball touches the net and lands in, it’s still in play—except on a serve.
Overhead Smash
A powerful shot played above your head, usually to finish the point.
Paddle
Your playing tool—larger than a table tennis bat but smaller than a tennis racquet. Made from wood, composite, or carbon fibre.
Poach
When one player crosses into their partner’s territory to intercept a shot (in doubles play).
Rally
The continuous play between the serve and a fault.
Reset Shot
A soft, controlled shot that slows down a fast rally and returns play to a neutral position, often from defence.
S–Z
Serve
The shot that starts each rally. It must be underhand and land diagonally in the service court.
Service Court
Each half of your side of the court is divided into a left and right service box.
Side Out
When the serving team loses the rally and the serve goes to the other team.
Singles
A game with one player per side—more demanding and fast-paced.
Stacking
A doubles tactic where players stand on the same side to favour forehands or control positioning.
Third Shot Drop
The third shot in a rally (after serve and return), often a soft dink aimed at the kitchen to neutralise opponents.
Two-Bounce Rule
A foundational rule where the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed.
Volley
Hitting the ball before it bounces—only legal outside the kitchen.
Wiffle Ball
A nickname for the Pickleball ball, which is lightweight and perforated with holes.