A Beginner’s Guide to Sounding Like a Pro

Are you new to pickleball and confused by the chatter on the court? You’re not alone. From "dinks" to "stacking," the pickleball court comes with its own language. This guide breaks down the most common pickleball terms so you can play (and talk) like you’ve been at it for years.

Basic Shots You’ll Hear Constantly

Dink

A soft shot that lands just over the net into the non-volley zone (aka the kitchen). It’s all about control and finesse.

Drive

A powerful, flat shot with speed. Great for pushing opponents back.

Drop or Third Shot Drop

A soft shot from near the baseline that lands in the kitchen to slow the game and gain position.

Lob

A high, arching shot meant to sail over the opponent’s head—used when they're crowding the net.

Smash

A forceful overhead shot. Usually ends the point (mic drop included).

Volley

A shot hit out of the air before it bounced. Most common at the net.

ATP (Around the Post)

A jaw-dropping shot that travels outside the net post and still lands in bounds.

Strategy & Movement Terms

Stacking

A doubles tactic where partners switch positions to keep a strong player or preferred side in place.

Poach

Crossing into your partner’s side to intercept a shot—great for surprise attacks.

Reset

A soft shot that neutralizes your opponent's power and resets the pace of play.

Transition Zone

The tricky area between the baseline and the kitchen. Move through quickly for better positioning.

Split Step

A small hop before your opponent hits the ball. Preps you to react in any direction.

Kitchen Talk & Court Rules

Kitchen

Also known as the non-volley zone. No volleys allowed while standing in or touching this area.

Foot Fault

Occurs if you step on or over the baseline while serving, or step into the kitchen while volleying.

Side Out

When the serving team loses a rally and the serve switches to the opposing team.

Let

If a serve clips the net but lands in the right service box, it’s still live. No redo.

Social Terms & Pickleball Slang

Pickled

Losing a game 11-0. It happens. Embrace it.

Slammers

Players who swing for power on every shot, regardless of context.

Bangers

Similar to slammers; heavy hitters who rely on force more than finesse.

Dink War

A soft-rally standoff at the kitchen line. Tension builds until someone flinches.

Final Serve

You don’t have to memorize every term overnight. Just keep playing, and soon you'll be tossing out "dinks" and "poaches" like a regular. And if you blank on a term mid-game? No worries. Smile, nod, and hit the next shot with confidence.