What are some common terms used in Pickleball?

January 21, 2023 | Pickleball Terms, Victor Jung

Here are some common terms used in pickleball:

1. Ace: A serve that is not returned by the opposing team and results in a point for the serving team.
2. Dink: A soft, low-powered shot that is hit just over the net.
3. Drive: A powerful shot hit with a lot of force and pace.
4. Drop shot: A shot that is hit softly and with a lot of spin, causing it to fall quickly and land close to the net.
5. Kitchen: The area on the court closest to the net, within 7 feet on either side of the center line.
6. Let: A call made by the umpire when the ball touches the net on the serve but is still playable.
7. Lob: A high, deep shot that is hit over the opponent’s heads.
8. No-volley zone: The area on the court within 7 feet of the net where volleying is not allowed.
9. Paddle: The racket used to hit the ball in pickleball.
10. Serve: The act of hitting the ball over the net to begin a point.
11. Volley: A shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court.
12. Zing: A shot hit with a lot of power and speed.

You need to know these terms to follow the game and understand it, as well as to talk to other players in a clear way.