Switching (pickleball)

This glossary provides definitions and context for terminology related to, and jargon specific to, the sport of pickleball. Words or phrases in italics can be found on the list in their respective alphabetic sections.

0–9

;0–0:See '' Zero–Zero''
;0–0–2 or 0–0–start: See '' Zero–Zero–Two''.
;20 by 44:A pickleball ''court''. Pickleball courts measure by .

A

;Ace:Any ''serve'' that is not returned by the ''receiver'', or, more specifically, a serve that the receiver's ''paddle'' never touches. The term, originally used in tennis, has been attributed to American sportswriter Allison Danzig.
;APP or APP Tour:See ''Association of Pickleball Players''
;Approach shot:A shot executed while moving from the ''backcourt'' towards the ''non-volley line''.
;Around-the-post (ATP):A legal shot that travels outside the net posts; its trajectory may be above or below the height of the net.
;Association of Pickleball Players:An American amateur and ''pro pickleball tour'' sanctioned by ''USA Pickleball''. Originally named the Association of Pickleball Professionals, when it was formed in 2019, the organization changed its name in 2023 to better reflect its support for both amateur and professional players.
;At the net:A player positioned at the ''non-volley line''; considered a strategically dominant position.
;Attackable ball or Attackable shot:A ball returned over the net in a way that allows the receiving side to make a strategic offensive shot. This can mean the ball was hit high and deep enough to allow their opponent to return a targeted aggressive ''volley'' from outside the ''non-volley zone'', or the ball has enough height after the bounce to permit a targeted aggressive ''groundstroke''.

B

;Backcourt:The area of the court located near the ''baseline''.
; Backhand shot:A shot made with the palm of the hand facing away from the net. For a right-handed player, a backhand shot would be made on their left side. The reverse can be said for a left-handed player. Contrast with '' Forehand shot''.
;Backspin:See '' Spin''.
;Backswing:The backward movement of the ''paddle'' in advance of striking the ball.
;Bagel:A shutout ''game'' ending when one team earned no ''points''. In a standard pickleball game, an 11-0 ending ''score''.
;Baker:See '' Shake & bake''.
; Bainbridge Cup:An international pickleball competition organized by the International Pickleball Federation, or the trophy awarded at the competition.
; Bainbridge Island:An island in the state of Washington, United States, where the sport of pickleball was invented at the home of Joel Pritchard.
;Ball! or Ball on!:A call made to alert all players when an errant ball is on the court, usually a ball from another court. For safety, all play should immediately stop and the serve started over once the court is clear.
;Ball type:''Pickleballs'' come in two basic types, "indoor" or "outdoor", but some may be labeled "hybrid" with features that fall between the two. Rules permit any USAP approved ball to be used in indoor or outdoor matches.
*Hybrid ball: A pickleball with features somewhere between an indoor ball and an outdoor ball.
*Indoor ball: A pickleball designed primarily for indoor play. Characteristics of an indoor ball include fewer holes, each with a larger diameter, less weight, and softer less durable plastic. The design provides better performance where wind is not a factor, and the court is smooth, such as a wood floor.
*Outdoor ball: A pickleball designed primarily for outdoor play. Characteristics of an outdoor ball include more holes, each with a smaller diameter, more weight, and harder more durable plastic. The design provides better performance in wind and more durability for rough outdoor courts.
;Banger:A player that hits mostly powerful ''drive shots''.
;Baselines:The lines parallel to the net at the back of the pickleball court from the net.
;Bash:A hard shot that hits the top of the net (i.e. the tape) and then lands in play on the opponent's side of the court. A bash is typically unintentional and very difficult to return as the ball changes speed and/or direction due to contact with the net.
;Bert:In doubles, a ''poach'' shot where a player crosses in front of their partner to execute an ''erne'' on their partner's side of the court.
;Bevel:One of the eight sides of a standard eight-sided racket handle. See Grip (tennis) for how each bevel is referenced and numbered.
;Block shot or Blocking:A backhanded defensive shot with little or no ''backswing'' intended to slow the ball and drop it in the opponent’s ''non-volley zone''; used in response to a ''body shot''.
;Body shot, Body bag, or Tag:A shot that hits the body of an opposing player, often intentionally, thereby winning the point. Care should be taken to avoid the head, neck or face. (Also see '' Nasty Nelson''.)
;Bounce it!:In doubles, a call made by one partner to the other instructing them to allow the ball to bounce before striking the ball. Called when a player thinks the ball may land out of bounds.

C

;Carry:Hitting the ball in such a way that it does not bounce away from the ''paddle'' but tends to be carried along on the face of the paddle. This is a fault.
;Centerline:The line bisecting the ''service courts'' that extends from the ''non-volley line'' to the ''baseline''.
;Chainsaw serve:A serve that starts by swiping, brushing or rolling the ball against the ''paddle'' before tossing the ball in preparation for striking the ball, thereby imparting ''spin'' on the ball, then striking the ball with a ''topspin'' stroke imparting even more spin. The serve was popularized by Zane Navratil and is sometimes referred to as the Zane Navratil serve. As of 2021 the serve is no longer allowed per USAP rules, but still permitted in unsanctioned PPA pro games.
;Champion or Championship:The final winner in a tournament bracket.
;Championship point: See '' Game point''
;Chicken wing:An awkward defensive shot made with the ''paddle'' arm bent and the elbow extended up and away from the body. It also can refer to the shoulder and armpit area, on the paddle side of a player's body, that when targeted can force the player to make a chicken wing defensive shot.
;Chip shot:See ''Chop''.
;Chop, Chip, Cut, or Slice shot:Striking the ball using a slightly ''open faced'' ''paddle'' while moving the paddle in a downward undercutting motion to impart ''backspin'' on the ball.
;Claw:When an opponent hits the ball with intense backspin that it hits the opposite side of the court, it bounces back to the opponent’s side. To keep the ball in play, the player must reach over the net to tap the ball. If the player doesn’t touch the ball, the opponent’s win that play. Most players will reach over the net and hit the ball forward potentially keeping the ball in play for the opponent to hit back. The best strategy is to reach over the net in a “claw” like manner and hit the ball INTO the net causing the ball to drop on the opponent’s side making it impossible for the opponents to play the point.
;Closed face:Tilting the ''paddle'' face down when striking the ball with the upper edge of the racket angled forward. (See also '' Flat face'' and '' Open face'')
;Coaching:Any communication to a player from a non-player. Coaching is not allowed while a game is in progress, except during ''time-outs'' and in-between games.
;Coed pickleball:Pickleball competitions where men and women compete without any distinctions related to sex.
;Continental grip or Hammer grip:Grasping the ''paddle'' handle so that the index finger and thumb form a "V" in line with the edge of the paddle; similar to picking up a hammer. (See also Grip)
;Corkspin:See '' Spin''.
;Cough Drop:A shot where the ball hits the top of the net and falls back on the player’s side that hit the ball. Opposite term is lemon drop.
;Crosscourt:The opponent's half of the court that is diagonally opposite the player striking the ball.
;Crush & rush:See '' Shake & bake''.
;Cut shot:See ''Chop''.

D

; Dead ball:A ball that is no longer in play, or any action that stops play. A dead ball occurs whenever one of the following occur; a ''fault'' is committed, the ball strikes a ''permanent object'', or a ''hindrance'' is called.
;Dillbreaker:See ''Dreambreaker''.
;Dink or Dink shot:A soft return shot made at, in, or near the ''non-volley zone'', after the ball has bounced, that just clears the net and drops into the opponent's ''non-volley zone''.
;Dink rally:A series of slow ''dink'' shots where each side attempts to deny their opponent an ''attackable ball''.
;Dink volley:A soft return shot made at or near the ''non-volley line'', prior to the ball bouncing, that just clears the net and drops into the opponent's ''non-volley zone''.
;Dinker:A pickleball player that is exceptionally good at dinking.
;Disguise:See '' Misdirection''.
;Double-bounce rule:See Two-bounce rule.
;Double hit:Hitting the ball twice with the ''paddle'' before the ball is returned. A valid play as long as the hits are both performed as part of one continuous stroke. Double hit might also refer to hitting the ball twice, involving one player or both players on a team, but using two separate strokes. This is a fault.
;Doubles: Pickleball matches having two players per side. (Contrast to '' Singles'')
*Coed doubles: A match where the four doubles players may be any combination of male and female players. There is no requirement with respect to sex.
*Mixed doubles: Each side must have one male player and one female player.
*Gender doubles: All four doubles players must be the same sex.
**Men's doubles: All four doubles players must be male.
**Women's doubles: All four doubles players must be female.
;DreamBreaker or Dillbreaker:A tie-breaking singles ''game'' used in MLP team format competitions. If two teams remain tied after four games of ''doubles'', a dreambreaker ''singles'' game is played to decide the match. After every four rallies, the individuals playing on both teams are rotated.
;Dreamland:See ''DUPR''.
;Drive shot:A powerful ''groundstroke'' or ''volley'' hit fast and low over the net to the opponent's ''backcourt''.
;Drop serve: See '' Serve''.
;Drop or Drop shot:A soft return shot made from the ''back court'' or ''mid court'', after the ball has bounced, that lands in or near the opponent's ''non-volley zone''.
;Drop volley:A soft return shot made from the ''back court'' or ''mid court'', prior to the ball bouncing, that lands in or near the opponent's ''non-volley zone''.
;DUPR or Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating:A pickleball player rating system ranging from 2.0 to 8.0. Developed by Steve Kuhn at his Dreamland family amusement center in Austin, Texas. DUPR was originally called the Dreamland Universal Pickleball Rating.

E

;Eastern grip or Handshake grip:Grasping the ''paddle'' handle so that the index finger and thumb form a "V" in line with the second bevel on the paddle handle; an angle similar to shaking hands with someone. (See also Grip)
;Erne:A ''volley'' hit near the net by a player positioned outside the court or in the process of leaping outside the court. A legally executed erne shot allows a player to hit the ball closer to the net without stepping in the ''non-volley zone''. Named for Erne Perry, the first person credited with using the shot in mainstream competitive play.
;Even service court:See '' Service court''.
;Every. Pickle. Point. Counts.:A scoring system used in some team format pickleball tournaments where points won in each game are cumulative, with additional points added based on games won.

F

;Fault:An infringement of the rules that ends a ''rally'' and results in a ''dead ball''.
;First server, First serve:In doubles; the first team member to serve the ball after a ''side–out''. If a side-out occurs when the team's score is even, the team's ''starting server'' will be the ''first server'', otherwise the non-starting server will be the first server. (See also '' Starting server'')
;Flat face:Keeping the ''paddle'' face parallel with the plane of the net when striking the ball without angling the racket up or down. (See also '' Closed face'' and '' Open face'')
;Foot fault:A foot fault can occur when serving or when volleying.
*When serving; failure to keep both feet behind the ''baseline'', with at least one foot in contact with the ground or floor, when the ''paddle'' contacts the ball.
*When vollying; stepping on or into the ''non-volley zone'', including any line around the non-volley zone, while ''volleying'' a ball, or when carried into the NVZ by ''momentum'' after volleying the ball.
; Forehand shot:A shot made with the palm of the hand facing towards the net. For a right-handed player, a forehand shot would be made on their right side. The reverse can be said for a left-handed player. Contrast with '' Backhand shot''.
;Freeze or Freezing: (See Score freezing)
;Frying pan grip:See '' Western grip''.
;Full stack:See '' Stacking''

G

;Game:A series of ''rallies'' where each side tries to earn points and reach the predetermined game-winning number of points first. Official rules set the game-winning number of points at 11, but tournament directors sometimes set that game-winning number of points at 15, 21, or higher. Unless otherwise specified by the tournament director, a player, or team, must win a game by two points, therefore, even if the predetermined game-winning number of points is set at 11, the final winning total could climb indefinitely higher, if the two ''sides'' alternate winning points but stay within one point of each other.
;Game point:A juncture during a game when a player, or team, only needs to win the next ''rally'' to win the game, i. e. the game-winning point. If a game point win would also determine the ''match'', or ''championship'', it may be referred to as a match point or championship point. If the game-winning point would end the game with the other side having zero points, it may be referred to as a pickle point.
;Gender doubles: See '' Doubles''.
;Golden pickle: See '' Pickle''.
;Grip:May refer to;
*The manner a player grasps the ''paddle'' handle. Common grip styles include the '' Continental grip'', '' Eastern grip'' and the '' Western grip''.Movsessian, p. 18. For details regarding grip styles see Grip (tennis).
*The material covering the handle of the paddle. Some factors considered when choosing a grip material include; cushioning, breathability, tackiness, thickness and durability. See also Overgrip.
*The ''handle'' of the pickleball ''paddel''.
;Groundstroke or Ground stroke:A ball that is struck after it bounces.

H

;Half stack:See '' Stacking''
;Half Volley:A ground stroke that is struck low to the ground immediately after the ball bounces.
;Hammer grip:See '' Continental grip''.
;Hand signal(s):A non-verbal physical hand gesture used to communicate during the ''game''. Hand signals might be used by ''line judges'' or players. Common hand signals include:
*Hand covering eyes: A line judge's signal that they are unable to make a call because their view of the ball was obscured.
*Pointing the index finger up or to the side: A call that the ball was ''out''. The finger might be pointing up or in the direction the ball was out.
*Palm facing down or index finger pointing down: A call that the ball was ''in''.
*Open palm behind the back: A signal to the ''receiver'', from the receiver's partner, to ''switch'' sides after the return.
*Closed fist behind the back: A signal to the ''receiver'', from the receiver's partner, to not ''switch'' sides after the return.
*Forming the letter "T" with the hands or one hand and a ''paddle'': Used by a player to signal a time out to the umpire and other team.
;Handle:The part of the racket that is used to grip the ''paddle''.
;Handle bevel:See ''Bevel''.
;Handshake grip:See '' Eastern grip''.
;Hinder or Hindrance:An interference of play by something outside of the ''game'', such as an errant ball or a person crossing the court. Hinders result in a ''dead ball'', and the ''point'' is replayed. A ''dead ball'' occurs as soon as a hinder is called by either side. If it is subsequently determined that the hinder call was invalid, then the point is not replayed, and the side calling the hinder loses the point.
;Hit-the-post or HTP:See '' Into-the-post''.

I

;I-formation:In ''doubles''; a player positioning strategy used by the serving team, where the non-serving player starts at the ''non-volley line''. The intent is to confuse the receiving team while allowing the serving side to preposition one player at the net, putting pressure on the receiving side to make a quality fourth shot. The strategy can be risky and requires the non-serving player to stay low and out of the ball's flight pattern. The serving team must wait for the return ball to bounce, which means the server must cover the entire width of the court on the ''third shot'', if their partner is already up at the non-volley line. The non-serving partner can be intentionally targeted by the receiving side forcing a ''fault'' for the serving side.
;IFP:See ''International Pickleball Federation''.
;In:A ''line call'' made when a ball lands within or on the court lines, or in the case of a serve, within the ''service court''. Sometimes indicated with a ''hand signal'' by using a flat palm facing down or pointing the index finger down.
;Incorrect position:When the ball is served from the wrong serving area. As of 2024 this is no longer a fault.
;Incorrect receiver:In doubles; when the wrong receiving team member returns the serve. As of 2024 this is no longer a fault.
;Incorrect server:In doubles; when the wrong serving team member serves the ball. As of 2024 this is no longer a fault.
;Indoor ball:See '' Ball type''.
;Interference:See Hinder.
;International Federation of Pickleball (IFP): See ''International Pickleball Federation''.
; International Pickleball Federation (IPF): A federation of national pickleball organizations. Established in 2010 to serve as the world governing body for the sport of pickleball. Originally named the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP).
;Into-the-post or ITP:A shot that results in the ball hitting the post, usually occurring when attempting an ''Around-the-post'' shot.
;IPF:See ''International Pickleball Federation''.

J

;Joey:Hitting an ''ATP'' shot directly back at the opponent that made the ATP shot. Named for Joe Valenti.

K

;King of the Court or Queen of the Court:A pickleball competition format, either doubles or singles, where one side is designated the "king of the court" or "queen of the court", and the other side is designated the "challenger". A series of rotating challengers play a set number of points against the king. If the challenger wins, the challenger becomes the new king of the court, and the previous king moves to the back of the challenger line. Variations of the competition format may involve multiple courts where one court is designated the king's court and one the jester's court, with any number of courts in between. Winners of each game move up in ranking towards the king's court, losers of each game move down in ranking towards the jester's court.
;Kitchen:See '' Non-volley zone''.

L

;Left service court: See Service court.
;Lemon drop:A shot where the ball hits the top of the net and dribbles down on the opponent’s side.
;Let serve:When a served ball hits the net, but still lands in the correct ''service court''. A valid serve in USAP rules.
;Line call:The determination whether a ball has landed inside or outside the court lines, or in the case of the serve, inside or outside the '' service court''. Players are responsible for making good-faith line calls on their side of the net. When there is any uncertainty, or if the two players on a ''doubles'' team make different calls, the call should be made in favor of their opponent. The point where the ball contacts the ground determines whether a ball is in or out. Although the sphere of the ball might overlap the line when viewed from above, due to the rigidity of the ball the contact point might remain outside the lines, however, an out call should not be made unless space can be clearly seen between the line and the contact point. In refereed matches, an appeal to overrule the call may be made to the referee, but referees will only overrule the out call if they were able to clearly see the ball was in.
;Lob shot:Hitting the ball in a high arc over the opponent's head with the objective of landing the ball in the opponent's ''backcourt''. (See also Lob (tennis))

M

;Major League Pickleball or MLP:An American professional pickleball sports league and ''pro pickleball tour'' that uses the MLP team format for each ''tournament''. The MLP's parent corporation is the ''UPA''.
;Major League Pickleball Australia or MLPA:An Australian professional pickleball sports league and ''pro pickleball tour'' that uses the MLP team format for each ''tournament''. The MLPA's parent corporation is the ''UPA''. Formerly the Pacific Pickleball League (PPL).
;Match:A set of ''games'' that determines which player, or team, will advance within a bracket level, or who will win the tournament championship. Usually an odd number of games, such as 1, 3 or 5, are played. The player, or team, that wins the most games advances.
;Match point: See '' Game point''
;Medical time-out: See '' Time-out''
;Men's doubles: See '' Doubles''.
;Men's singles: See '' Singles''.
;Midcourt:The area of the court between the ''non-volley zone'' and ''backcourt'' including the ''transition zone''.
;Mini-singles:A version of singles pickleball where only half of each player's court is used during each rally.
;Misdirection:A strategy where a player intentionally deceives their opponent by preparing to hit the ball in a certain direction, or with a certain ''pace'', but at the last second hitting the ball in an unexpected direction or with an unexpected pace.
;Mixed doubles: See '' Doubles''.
;MLP or MLP Tour: See '' Major League Pickleball''
;MLPA or MLPA Tour: See '' Major League Pickleball Australia''
;MLPlay: the team format used by ''Major League Pickleball''.
;Momentum:In physics, momentum is the tendency of a body in motion to continue its motion and direction. If a player's momentum causes that player to step in or touch the ''non-volley zone'', after volleying the ball, that player incurs a fault. All actions that took place after the offending player ''volleyed'' the ball are void, regardless of whether the other side continued to play the ''point'', and regardless of how many time the ball passed over the net after the offending player first volleyed the ball. Momentum may also refer to the tendency to expect a side that has won multiple consecutive points, to continue winning additional points.

N

;Nasty Nelson:A ''body shot'' made during the serve intentionally hitting the non-receiving opposing player closest to the net, rewarding the point to the server. Named for Timothy Nelson. Such a shot is always a ''fault'' for the receiving side of the net, and a point for the serving side, because the non-receiving player is not allowed to interfere with the serve in any way.
;National Pickleball League or NPL:May refer to one of the following:
* National Pickleball League Australia, a professional pickleball league in Australia.
*National Pickleball League of Champions Pros, a professional pickleball league in the United States for players over 50 years old.
*Official National Pickleball League, a nationwide amateur pickleball league in the United States.
;Navratil serve:See '' Chainsaw serve''.
;No man's land:See '' Transition zone''
;Non-volley line or Kitchen line:Court lines on each side of the net that are parallel to the net, and from the net, that run from one ''sideline'' to the other. The ''non-volley line'', and the ''sidlenes'' on either side of the NVZ, are part of the ''non-volley zone''.
;Non-volley zone, NVZ or Kitchen:A by area adjacent to the net within which one may not ''volley'' the ball. The non-volley zone includes all lines around it. Also called the "kitchen". A player may step or stand within the non-volley zone at any time, but must reestablish both feet outside the non-volley zone prior to volleying the ball. If a player's momentum causes the player to touch any part of the non-volley zone after volleying the ball, it results in a ''dead ball'' and that player incurs a fault, regardless of whether the other team continued to play or not.
;NPL:See See ''National Pickleball League''.
;NVZ:See ''Non-volley zone''.

O

;Odd service court:See '' Service court''.
;Open face:Tilting the ''paddle'' face up when striking the ball with the lower edge of the racket angled forward. (See also '' Closed face'' and '' Flat face'')
;Out:A ''line call'' made when a ball lands outside the court lines, or in the case of a serve, outside the ''service court''. Sometimes indicated with a hand signal by pointing the index finger up, or sideways in the direction the ball was out.
;Out!:An exclamation made by a player which may be interpreted in one of two ways:
*If "out!" is uttered after the ball has contacted the ground, it is considered a ''line call'' and results in a ''dead ball''. If it is subsequently determined that the ball was not actually "out", it is a ''fault'' for the team making the call.
*If "out!" is uttered before the ball has contacted the ground, it is considered ''player communication''; one partner warning the other not to hit the ball. Such communication is allowed and has no bearing on the outcome of the ''rally'', regardless of whether or not the ball lands inside or outside the applicable lines.
;Outdoor ball:See '' Ball type''.
; Overgrip or Overwrap:A thin secondary clothlike padded binding used to cover the primary grip that is on the ''handle'' of the ''paddle''. Overgrips may provide additional girth, stickiness, sweat absorption or cosmetic appeal, and are generally less expensive and more easily replaceable than the primary grip covering.
;Overhead smash: See '' Smash''.
;Overspin:See '' Spin''.

P

;Pace:The speed and power imparted to the ball when it is struck by the ''paddle''. Pace can be used strategically to control the tempo or rhythm of the ''game'' and to put the opponent on the defensive. The ability to alter pace can leave the opponent uncertain about what to expect from each shot.
;Pacific Pickleball League:See '' Major League Pickleball Australia''.

;Paddle:The racket used to hit the ball. A smooth-faced non-netted racket.
;Paddle tap:A courtesy performed at the end of each game or match. All players meet at the net and tap their paddles showing respect and appreciation for the game and the other players. Sometimes a paddle tap is substituted with a handshake or fist bump.
;Paddle speed: The swing speed of the paddle head when it makes contact with the ball, which affects the amount of spin and speed of the shot.
;Pancake grip:See '' Western grip''.
;Pantry:Unofficially, the area outside the court on either side of the kitchen (''Non-Volley-Zone''). When a player jumps over the kitchen to execute an '' Erne'' shot, the player lands in the pantry.
;Partner communication:Any physical or vocal communication made from one partner to the other to coordinate their activities. For example, yelling "out!" to let their partner know the ball will likely land out of bounds, or "you!" to let their partner know they should try to return the ball. See also '' Out!''.
;Passing shot: A shot down the sidelines or cross-court while your opponent is at the net, aimed at bypassing your opponent’s positioning and forcing them to make a difficult return.
;PBTV:See ''Pickleballtv''.
;Permanent object:Any object near or above the court such as the ceiling, fencing, net posts, spectators, or officials. If a ball hits a permanent object, but the ball had not yet bounced on the opposing side's court, the last player striking the ball incurs a fault. If the ball hits a permanent object after bouncing on the opposing side's court, the opposing side incurs a fault.
;PHOF: The Pickleball Hall of Fame.
;Pickle or Pickled:When a team loses 11-0. A ''Golden pickle'' is when a team loses 11-0 without ever having the opportunity to serve.
;Pickle boat:In the sport of rowing, or crew, a ''pickle boat'' is a team of rowers made up of leftover rowers (those who have not been selected to compete as principal rowers). Joel Pritchard's wife has said that she named the sport of ''pickleball'' after the pickle boat, because the sport had been created from pieces of equipment that were left over from other sports. (See Etymology of pickleball)
;Pickle point:See '' Game point''.
;Pickleball:The word pickleball may refer to the sport of pickleball, or to the ball used in the sport. Older spellings of the word include "pickle ball" and "pickle-ball".
;Pickleball elbow or Tennis elbow:A form of tendinitis called lateral epicondylitis. It is caused by prolonged or intense stress on the forearm muscles, particularly the extensors that move your wrist and fingers. This over usage creates tiny tears in the tendons attaching the extensors to your elbow.
;Pickleball points: Pickleball is played to 11 points, and must be won by a margin of two points.
; Pickleball''tv'' or PBTV:A free ad-supported streaming television channel that was launched in November 2023. It is co-owned by the Tennis Channel and the ''United Pickleball Association'', the parent company of the ''PPA Tour'' and ''Major League Pickleball''.
;Pickler:A pickleball player, particularly someone obsessed with the sport.
;Pickles:The name of a dog owned by Joel and Joan Pritchard that is often said to be the origin of the name for the sport of ''pickleball''. However, Joan Pritchard has said that the dog came along after the sport was already named, and that it was the dog that was named after the sport. (See Etymology of pickleball)
;Plane of the net:The imaginary vertical plane that extends above the net and to both sides of the net. No player may cross the plane of the net except when striking the ball.
;Player communication:See ''Partner communication''.
;Player position: The location of a player on the ''court''. The rules allow players stand anywhere on the court, or off the court, except when serving. The server must be behind the ''baseline'' and within the imaginary extensions of the ''centerline'' and ''sideline'' when serving. Players cannot cross the ''plane of the net'', unless in the process of striking the ball, and cannot stand within the ''non-volley zone'' when ''volleying'' the ball. See also pickleball player positioning and '' Stacking''.
;Player rating:See ''Rating''.
;Poach:In doubles; When players cross over to their partner's side of the court to take a shot that would normally be their partner's responsibility. Poaching can be a successful strategy to catch the opponent off guard or when there is an opportunity for a ''put-away'' shot, but it can create team disharmony, if frequently performed unsuccessfully or done for the sole purpose of dominating play.
;Point:A point may refer to a period of the ''game'' that begins with a ''serve'' and ends with a ''dead ball'' (also known as a ''rally'') or to the score of one earned by the side that has not incurred the ''fault''. Because official pickleball rules specify ''side-out scoring'', a point (period) only results in a point (score) when the non-serving side faults—-but see '' Scoring'' for possible exceptions.
;Pop-up:A ball that is hit high enough that it is easily '' attackable''. Usually this is unintentional.
;PPA orr PPA Tour:See ''Professional Pickleball Association''
;PPL:See '' Major League Pickleball Australia''.
;Pro or Professional player: A pro pickleball player may refer to a player who is under contract with a pro tour to play at a certain number of tour tournaments. A Pro player may also refer to any player that plays in a tournament's professional level division, which often requires that the player's ''rating'' be above a certain minimum.
;Pro or Professional tour: A series of professional pickleball tournaments played at multiple venues over a set period of weeks or months. Examples include the ''APP Tour'', ''MLP Tour'' and ''PPA Tour''. A pro pickleball tour may also include amateur level tournaments at each venue.
;Professional Pickleball Association:A ''pro pickleball tour'' governed by the UPA of America.
;Pukaball:An alternate name for the sport of ''pickleball'' used chiefly in Hawaii.
;Punch shot or Punch Volley:A ''volley'' shot made with a quick forward punching motion with little backswing.
;Putaway:An offensive shot that the opponent cannot react fast enough to successfully counter.

Q

;Questionable call:A call, usually a ''line call'', made by one team that appears to the other team that it may have been an incorrect call. In a non-refereed game, the team on the side of the net closest to the call determines the final call. In a refereed match, the call can be appealed to the referee.
;Queen of the Court:See '' King of the Court''.

R

;Rally:A round of play that starts with a ''serve'' and ends with a ''dead ball'' or ''fault''.
; Rally scoring:See '' Scoring''.
;Ranking or Standing:A player or team’s position within a hierarchical achievement-based list. Rankings are typically a sequential ordinal list of players, or teams, in order of highest performing to lowest performing over a specified period, such as a year or competition season. The list may be used to determine entry qualifications and/or seeding within tournaments.
;Rating:A numeric score assigned to a player indicating the player's skill level. The higher the number, the higher the player's skill level. Ratings may be used by tournament directors to group players, or teams, into skill-based brackets. Systems used to rate pickleball player skills include ''DUPR'' and ''UTR-Pickleball''.
;Ready position:The stance a player should take in advance of their opponent hitting the ball. The best ready position may change depending on where a player is on the court, but generally means a player is; facing the ball, with both feet planted a little more than shoulder width apart, putting their weight on the balls of their feet, and holding the ''paddle'' out front about chest height.
;Receiver:The player returning the serve that is diagonally opposite the server.
;Referee time-out: See '' Time-out''
;Regular time-out: See '' Time-out''
;Right service court: See Service court.

S

;Score:The current status of the ''game'' that is announced prior to each ''serve''. In ''singles'' the score is announced as the serving side's total points followed by the receiving side's total points. In ''doubles'' the score is announced as the serving side's total points, followed by the receiving side's total points, followed by the serving side's ''server number''.
;Score freezing or Win-on-serve score freezing:In certain pickleball competition formats where ''rally scoring'' is used, such as the MLP team format, a team can only score the game-winning point when they are serving. If a team needs only one additional point to win the game, but the other side is serving, since the game-winning point can only be won when serving, the winning team's score is frozen; meaning they cannot earn a point on a ''side-out''. If the other team manages to catch up to the team that only needed one additional point, thereby tying the game, the score of the team that was originally in the lead is no longer frozen. In a tied score situation, neither team's score is frozen since either team must win at least two more points to win the game.
;Scoring:May refer to the point earned when a team wins a ''rally'', or the type of scoring used during a match. Two types of scoring are commonly used, ''side-out scoring'' and ''rally scoring'', but the official pickleball rules specify side-out scoring.
*Rally Scoring: A method of play where either side can be awarded a ''point'' at the end of a rally, the point going to the side that did not commit the ''fault''.
*Side-out Scoring: A method of play where only the serving side can be awarded a point at the end of a rally, and only when the non-serving side commits a ''fault''.
;Scorpion:An ''overhead'' shot taken by a player while in a squatted position. An offensive shot often used in lieu of what might otherwise be a defensive ''backhand'' shot.
;Second server, Second serve:In doubles; the person the serve passes to, and the call announced by an official, when the serving team commits their first fault after a ''side–out''.
;Self-rating:A pickleball player's skill rating that is based on evaluating the player's abilities against a table of increasingly difficult pickleball skills.
;Serve, service:The initial strike of the ball to start a ''rally''. Two types of ''underhand serves'' are permitted in pickleball.
*Drop serve: A serve where the ball is dropped to the ground and allowed to bounce one or more times before striking it with the ''paddle''.
*Volley serve: A serve where the ball is struck without allowing the ball to first hit the ground.
;Server number:In doubles; either "1" or "2", designating whether the server is the team's ''first'' or ''second server''. There are two different contexts the term is used: a team's first or second server of the ''game'', or a team's first or second server after a ''side out''. Each team's first server of the game is also called that team's ''starting server''.
* ''The first server of the game'' should always be serving from the right ''service court'' when their team's score is even, and the left service court when their score is odd. The opposite is true for the team's second server of the game. ''Tournament directors'' often require each team's first server of game to wear a wristband.
* ''The first or second server after a side out'' is the third number announced when the score is called; a one if the server is the first server after a side out, and a two if the server is second server after a side out.
* Since the first team serving in a game is only allowed one server before the first side out of the game, when the score is called by the very first server of a game it is always called as if the server was the second server with respect a side-out, even though no side out has technically occurred. Hence, the score is called 0-0-2.
;Service court or Service area: The area of the court that a valid serve must land in; bounded by the ''non-volley line'', ''centerline'', ''sideline'', and ''baseline''. All lines are considered ''in'', except the non-volley line. A serve landing on the non-volley line is a ''fault''.
* Left or odd service court: The ''service court'' to the left of the centerline, when facing the net. Also called the "odd service court", since a side's score will be odd whenever that side's ''starting server'' is serving from the left side of the court.
* Right or even service court: The ''service court'' to the right of the centerline, when facing the net. Also called the "even service court", since a side's score will be even whenever that side's ''starting server'' is serving from the right side of the court.
;Service line:See '' Baseline''.
;Service return:The first ball returned over the net after a serve.
;Serving area:The area behind the ''baseline'', and between the ''imaginary extended sidelines'', that a valid serve can be served from.
;Shake & bake or Crush & rush:In doubles; A strategy used by the serving team on the '' third shot''. Instead of performing a '' third shot drop'', one player (the shaker) ''drives'' the ball low and hard over the net while the other player (the baker) rushes to the net near the '' centerline''. The intent is to pressure the opponent into making a weak '' volley'' or '' pop up'' shot that the "baker" can '' put-away''.
;Shaker:See ''Shake & bake''.
;Side-out:When a team loses its right to serve and the serve moves to the opponent's side of the net.
;Side-out scoring:See '' Scoring''.
;Sidelines:The lines perpendicular to the net on each side of the court, denoting in- and out-of-bounds.
;Sidespin:See '' Spin''.
;Singles: Pickleball matches having one player per side. (Contrast to '' Doubles'')
*Coed singles: Each side has one player without regard to sex.
*Men's singles: Each side has one male player.
*Women's singles: Each side have one female player.
;Skinny singles:See '' Mini-singles''.
;Skill level:A generalized skill rating assigned to a player such as, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. (See also Rating.)
;Slice:See '' Chop''.
;Smash or Overhead smash:A powerful shot that is made while the ball is above the player's head. It permits the player to drive the ball in a sharp downward direction making it difficult to return. The shot is often used in response to a ''Lob shot''. (See Smash (tennis))
;Speed up:When a player quickly increases the ''pace'' of the ''ball'' to end a slow ''dink rally''. This might be due to the other side accidentally hitting an ''attackable ball'' or to catch the other team off guard.
;Spin

:Any rotation imparted on a ball by the strike of the ''paddle''. Spin is commonly described as topspin, backspin, sidespin or corkspin, depending on the axis of rotation. Topspin and backspin have the same axis of rotation, but spin in opposite directions. Spin imparted on a ball is almost always a combination of more than one type of spin and would rarely exactly align with the three axes represented in ''diagram S''. (For the science behind the effects of spin see Magnus effect.)
*Backspin or Underspin: The reverse rotation of the ball in relation to the ball’s trajectory, where the axis of rotation runs parallel to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net. Backspin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from high to low. It provides lift as the ball travels through the air and results in a lower and shorter bounce once the ball strikes the ground or tends to make the ball angle down after hitting the opponent's paddle.
*Topspin or Overspin: The forward rotation of a ball in relation to the ball’s trajectory where the axis of rotation runs parallel to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net. Topspin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from low to high. It creates a downward force as the ball travels through the air, causing the ball to dive or drop, and resulting in a higher and longer bounce once the ball strikes the ground or tends to make the ball pop up after hitting the opponent's paddle.
*Sidespin: The rotation of the ball where the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the plane of the net. Sidespin is imparted by brushing the back of the ball from left to right, or right to left. It causes the ball to curve while traveling through the air and to bounce right or left after hitting the ground or opponent's paddle. In cue sports, sidespin is often referred to as english.
*Corkspin or rifling: The rotation of the ball where the axis of rotation is parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the plane of the net. Corkspin is imparted by brushing up or down on either side of the ball. It has minimal effect on the ball while traveling through the air but can cause the ball to severely dart left or right after hitting the ground, but minimal effect when struck by the opponent's paddle.
;Stacking:In doubles; when teammates line up, or "stack", on the same side of the ''center line'' during a ''serve'', or ''service return'', positioning themselves to move to their preferred court positions. Preferred positions may be determined by each players skills, abilities, speed, or whether each player is right or left handed. For the purpose of serving and receiving, teammates must alternate between the right and left sides of their court each time they earn a point. Other than when acting as the server or receiver, teammates may position themselves anywhere on the court that provides them with the best advantage. Stacking permits a doubles team to quickly move into the positions they deem most advantageous. Stacking adds complexity that can result in confusion regarding which player is the correct server or receiver. The wrong server or receiver results in a fault. (See also ''Switching'')
*Half stack: when a team stacks only prior to serving
*Three-quarters stack: when a team stacks prior to serving, and only half the time prior to receiving; when that team's quickest player is the receiver
*Full stack: when a team stacks both prior to serving and prior to receiving
;Standing:See Ranking.
;Standing player:Any player that is playing the game while standing. Used to distinguish from ''wheelchair players'' who are playing the game in a wheelchair.
;Starting server:In doubles; the first server in a ''game'' on each side. When the starting server is serving from the right side of the court the serving side's score will be zero or an even number. When the starting server is serving from the left side of the court the serving side's score will be an odd number. The opposite is true of the non-starting server.
;Swipe serve:See '' Chainsaw serve''.
;Switch:In doubles, a call made by one partner to the other to switch sides (see ''switching''). The call might be communicated verbally, or with a ''hand signal''.
;Switching:In doubles; a strategy used to position each partner in a more advantageous position. The two partners will each switch to the opposite side of the court from where they started. This may occur in mid-play when a player moves to take a ball on their partner's side of the court, and the partner then moves to the other side of the court to cover. It might also occur after a service return. The receiving team's player that is near the ''non-volley line'' may use a ''hand signal'' behind their back to indicate whether or not the two players should switch sides after the return. (See also ''Hand signal'' and ''Stacking'')

T

;Tag:See '' Body shot''.
;Tennis elbow:See '' Pickleball elbow''.
;Third shot:The third shot of a ''rally'' that comes after the first time the receiving team returns the ball to the serving team.
;Third shot drive:A strategy used by the serving team, on their ''third shot'', to force their opponent to hit a ''block shot'', thereby giving the serving team an opportunity to approach the net.
;Third shot drop:A strategy used by the serving team to place the ball just over the net in their opponent's ''non-volley zone'' thereby making it difficult for their opponent to attack the ball and giving the serving team time to move up to the ''non-volley line''.
;Three-quarters stack:See '' Stacking''
;Time-out:A break in play during a game. Three types of time-outs are permitted.
*Regular time-out: A one-minute break in the game that can be called by either side. Two regular time-outs are allowed per side in an 11-point game. Time-outs are often used as a strategy to break the opponent's ''momentum''.
*Medical time-out: Each player is permitted one 15-minute medical time-out per match. The time used must be continuous, meaning it cannot be broken up into multiple match interruptions.
*Referee time-out: A pause in play called by the referee to address any extenuating circumstances such as a safety concern.
;Tomahawk shot:A high overhead shot near the kitchen where the player begins with the ''paddle'' in a standard backhand position, as if ready to hit a backhand volley, but the wrist is quickly rotated to hit a forehand overhead shot.
;Topspin:See '' Spin''.
;Tournament director:The lead organizer of a tournament.
;Transition zone:The part of the court approximately midway between the ''baseline'' and the ''non-volley line''. Considered a strategically vulnerable location for a player to be standing. Also referred to as "No man's land".
;Triple crown:When a player wins ''singles'', ''gender doubles'' and ''mixed doubles'', all in the same tournament.
;Tweener:When a player returns a shot by hitting the ball between their own legs. This may occur when chasing down a ''lobbed'' ball that the player cannot get in front of, with the player's back to the net, or when a player is facing the net and the ball passes between their legs, and their only option is to reach around and return the ball back between their legs and over the net. (See also Tweener (tennis))
;Two-bounce rule or Double-bounce Rule:The requirement that the receiving team and the serving team must each allow the ball to bounce once on their side at the beginning of every ''rally'' before attempting to ''volley'' the ball.
;Two-handed backhand:A ''backhand shot'' where both hands are on the ''grip'' of the ''paddle''.
;Two-handed forehand:A ''forehand shot'' where both hands are on the ''grip'' of the paddle.
;Twoey:A two-handed shot, but most often used to refer to a ''two-handed backhand'' shot.

U

;Under-spin:See '' Spin''.
;Underhand serve:A ''serve'' that strikes the ball while the player's hand and ''paddle'' are moving forward with an upward arc. Official pickleball rules do not use the term "underhand serve", but the rules do state that a ''volley serve'' must be served in this manner. The rules do not specify that a ''drop serve'' must be served in this manner, but the limited bounce of the ball, after the drop, necessitates an underhand serve.
; USA Pickleball, USAP, USAPA:''USA Pickleball'' (USAP) is the governing body of pickleball within the United States. It was previously known as the ''USA Pickleball Association'' (USAPA) or the ''US Amateur Pickleball Association'' (U.S.A.P.A.).
; USA Pickleball Tournament Player Rating or UTPR:A pickleball player rating system previously used by ''USA Pickleball'', but replaced with ''UTR-Pickleball'' in 2024.
; UTR-Pickleball or UTR-P:A pickleball player rating system developed by UTR Sports based on their Universal Tennis Rating software. UTR-P scores range from 1 to 10 in .001 increments.

V

;Volley:To hit the ball before it touches the ground and bounces.
;Volley serve: See '' Serve''.

W

;Western grip or Pancake grip or Fryingpan grip:Grasping the ''paddle'' handle so that the index finger and thumb form a "V" in line with the fourth bevel on the paddle handle; an angle similar to flipping a pancake or picking up a frying pan. (See also Grip)
;Wheelchair player:Any player, whether disabled or not, that plays the game while in a wheelchair. Used to distinguish from ''standing players'' who are playing the game without a wheelchair.
;Win-on-serve:See '' Score freezing''.
;Women's doubles:See '' Doubles''.
;Women's singles:See '' Singles''.
; World Pickleball Day:October 10th of each year. Established by the ''World Pickleball Federation'' in 2020.
; World Pickleball Federation (WPF):A federation of national pickleball organizations founded in 2018.
;WPF:See ''World Pickleball Federation''.

Y

;You!:A common exclamation used in ''partner communication'' in ''doubles'' pickleball. The player saying "you!" is telling their partner that they should try to return the ball over the net, because the player making the exclamation feels their partner is in a better position to do so.

Z

;Zane Navratil serve:See '' Chainsaw serve''.
;Zero–Zero or 0-0:The starting score for a ''game'' of ''singles'' pickleball.
;Zero–Zero–Two, Zero–Zero–Start or 0-0-2:The starting score for a ''game'' of ''doubles'' pickleball.

See also

* Etymology of pickleball
*Glossary of tennis terms

References

Sources

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Pickleball terms
Wikipedia glossaries using description lists

External links

Pickleball Canada Resources
including the ''Pickleball Canada Bilingual Lexicon'', a bilingual list (English & French) of common pickleball terms.

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