Pickleball Dictionary

Welcome to YoloPickle's Pickleball Dictionary! Here you'll find a comprehensive guide to the unique terms and phrases that make pickleball such an exciting sport. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this dictionary will help you understand and communicate effectively on the court.

Ace
A serve that the opponent fails to touch with their paddle, resulting in an immediate point.

Around-the-Post (ATP)
A shot that travels outside the net posts and lands in the opponent’s court, showcasing skill and precision.

Backhand
A shot executed with the back of the paddle facing the ball at the point of contact, often used to return balls on the opposite side of the body.

Baseline
The line at the back of the court extending the full width, from which serves are often executed.

Bash Brothers
A doubles team known for their powerful shots and aggressive play style.

Bert
An aggressive poaching move where a player crosses the court to intercept a shot meant for their partner, aiming to end the rally.

Body Shot
A shot aimed directly at the opponent's body, making it difficult to return.

Carry
Illegally hitting the ball in a way that causes it to be carried or lifted, rather than struck cleanly.

Crosscourt
A shot hit diagonally across the court, usually from one corner to the opposite corner.

Dink
A soft shot hit just over the net into the opponent’s non-volley zone, requiring finesse and control.

Double Bounce Rule
A rule stating that the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before volleys are allowed.

Drive
A powerful, low shot intended to pass the opponent or force an error.

Drop Shot
A shot intended to land softly in the opponent’s non-volley zone, often used to change the pace of play.

Erne
An advanced shot where the player leaps over or around the non-volley zone to hit the ball before it bounces, aiming for an aggressive put-away.

Fault
Any action that stops play because of a rule violation, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net.

Flapjack
A term for the initial two bounces required in the double bounce rule.

Foot Fault
When a player steps on or over the baseline or non-volley zone line while serving or volleying, resulting in a fault.

Half-Volley
A shot where the ball is hit immediately after it bounces, often used defensively to keep the ball in play.

Kitchen
Another term for the non-volley zone, the area within seven feet on both sides of the net where volleys are not allowed.

Lob
A high, arching shot intended to go over the opponent’s head, often used as a defensive strategy.

Non-Volley Zone
The seven-foot area on both sides of the net where players cannot hit the ball before it bounces.

Poach
When a player crosses over into their partner’s side of the court to intercept a shot, typically in doubles play.

Rally
A sequence of back-and-forth shots between opponents during a single point.

Side Out
When the serving team loses the point and the serve goes to the opposing team.

Smash
A powerful overhead shot aimed downward into the opponent’s court, often used to finish a point.

Topspin
A shot where the ball rotates forward as it moves, causing it to drop more quickly than a flat shot.

Volley
Hitting the ball before it bounces, often done close to the net.

Stay ahead of the game with YoloPickle! Understanding these terms will enhance your play and enjoyment of pickleball. Keep practicing, and remember – YOLO!