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Are you new to pickleball? Let us take you on a trip then and start with the basics. Pickleball Terms. If you’re really new to this American sport, before mastering that unique Erne pickleball shot, you must have an idea of what pickleball actually is. Fair enough, right? Therefore, having an idea of pickleball terms is how we begin. Pickleball is not just a mere sport but it is more like a feeling and an emotion. In today’s 21st century, it is indeed one of the widely acclaimed sports all over the world. Not just this but its shots are the classiest compared with any other sport. But first things first! Let us understand the basics of how this game works and then hop onto understand some of the real pickleball lingo from drop shot to line calls!
Pickleball Terms History & Significance
A game like pickleball isn’t invented in like even a hundred years. From the precise and well-calculated dink shot to various grip shorts used in pickleball, every one just has its own style and class. Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell found their families idle when they returned to Pritchard’s house on Bainbridge Island, Washington, one summer Saturday after playing a round of golf. They decided to use an old badminton court, but since they couldn’t find all the rackets, they had to make do with a perforated plastic ball and ping-pong paddles. When they noticed the ball rebounded nicely on the tarmac, they lowered the net from its initial badminton height of 60 inches to 36 inches.
When Barney McCallum joined them the following weekend, they devised a set of badminton-inspired rules for a game suitable for all ages. Are you new to pickleball or brushing up on your skills? Here’s a look at some of the pickleball slang term!
A View at Some Pickleball Lingo Terms
Pickleball players need a particular lexicon to explain the subtleties of the game. Understanding these phrases and glossary will improve your pickleball court play and enjoyment!
Essential Pickleball Terms
- Carry
Its definition means; hitting the ball with enough force to keep it on the pickleball paddle as it moves ahead.
- Cross-court
This pickleball terms mean the court across the net from your side.
- Dead Ball
It is used when a defect is reported and play is stopped.
- Dink Shot
A soft shot that aims to arc over and hits the net and land in the non-volley zone is called a dink shot.
- Double Bounce
When the ball bounces on one side more than once before being returned, it is called a double bounce. Before volleying, each side must make a groundstroke after the serve by the serving team.
Faults and Violations
- Double Hit
When one team hits a ball twice before it crosses the net again, it is called a double hit. One or both players may be involved in this for a team.
- Fault
Any move that halts play because of a broken rule is considered a fault.
- Line Calls
The ball is deemed in if any portion touches the court lines, except the non-volley line.
Shots and Techniques
- Drop Shot
Next, a drop shot is a groundstroke that misses its target’s position.
- Drop Shot Volley
This a stroke of skill that “kills” the ball’s momentum and returns the ball it to a player at the baseline near the net.
- Lob
A shot pickleball terms known as a “lob” forces the other team to return the ball to the baseline therefore by returning it deep and high.
- Overhead Slam/Smash
One of the pickleball vocabulary. A forceful, overhand stroke that usually comes after a high return or lob by the opposing side of the court.
Game Play Pickleball Terms
- Rally
Play continues after the serve but before a mistake is made in the gameplay rally.
- Side Out
A declaration that one party forfeits their service and gives the other side the benefit of the doubt.
- Volleying
Hitting the ball in the air before its booting court is known as volleying.
Areas for Serving and Court
- Service Court
The non-volley line, baseline, and sideline enclose the space on each side of the centerline known as the “service court.” Aside from the non-volley line, hence, all lines are a service court component.
- Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)
The court area next to the net where volleying is prohibited for players.
Final Thoughts
Coming to an end, you must gain a solid understanding of crucial pickleball terminology and key terms before diving into the fascinating world of pickleball. This tutorial covers everything, from knowing the sides of the net to handling the service court. Acquire knowledge of the terminology used in pickleball, such as cross-court, drop shot, and dink shot. Also, learn about the transition zone, handling line calls, and what to do if the ball bounces. Hence, learn the colloquial phrase for “double hit” and discover how pickleball players use their paddles to return the ball and control the other team.
In conclusion, this extensive vocabulary of pickleball terms and phrases can help you become more knowledgeable and play better on any pickleball court. Master pickleball lingo!
