Pickleball terms

Even though pickleball has been around for almost 50 years, it’s popularity is just starting to peak. While a lot of terms used in pickleball have carried over from other sports such as table tennis, badminton and tennis there are many words you only hear in pickleball. Here are a few beginner pickleball terms you should know before you start playing.

When playing pickleball, knowing some language related to the court layout is essential.
This knowledge helps you understand where you can and can’t stand.

Kitchen or Non-Volley Zone
Kitchen is a slang term for the non-volley zone. The kitchen extends seven feet on each side of the net. Players are not allowed to be in the non-volley zone when volleying the ball.

Baseline
The baseline is located 22 feet from the net. It is the line showing the location of the back of the court.

Centerline
Each side of the net has an area where the team plays called a service area. The centerline extends from the non-volley zone to the baseline, dividing the service area in half.

Midcourt
The midcourt is the section where you play. It is the space between the non-volley zone and the baseline.

Sideline
The sideline is an area that goes around the court. It is between the actual playing area and the area considered out of bounds.

Other pickleball terms you need to know concern serving and scoring. Here are a few words to get you started.

Ace
An ace results when the other team does not return the serve. The serving team scores one point if this happens.

Cross-Court
When you serve, you must hit the ball to the player on the opposing team diagonally opposite you. This is considered cross-court.

Dink Shot
This shot occurs when you hit the ball, and it drops just after clearing the net, landing in your opponent’s kitchen. This is a great way to score a point.

Serve
In pickleball, an underhanded serve starts each game. Use the paddle to hit the ball cross-court over the net to serve. The receiving team attempts to return the ball to the server. If they do not, the receiving team has committed a fault, and the serving team scores a point. Play continues until the serving team commits a fault. The time between the serve and the fault is a rally. After the fault, the ball is called a dead ball. Once both players on a team have had an opportunity to serve, and it is time for the other team to serve, side out is called.

Volley
A volley is when you hit the ball without letting it bounce first. The double-bounce rule does not let you hit a volley until after the third shot. This means the serving team serves the ball, the receiving team returns it, and the serving team hits it back to their opponents again before volleying can begin.