Pickleball Terms Every Player Should Know (Especially If You’re New to the Game)
If you’re new to pickleball, you’ve probably heard people tossing around terms like “dink,” “kitchen,” or “poach” and thought What are they even talking about? Don’t worry you’re not alone.
Learning the lingo can help you feel more confident, understand strategy faster, and fit right in on any court. Below is a list of frequently heard pickleball terms every player should know—especially if you’re just getting started.
1. Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The kitchen is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You’re not allowed to hit the ball out of the air (volley) while touching it. Players call this the kitchen but in the rule book you will see it referred to as the non-volley zone or the NVZ.
2. Dink
A dink is a soft shot that lands in your opponent’s NVZ. It’s not a power move—it’s a strategic one. Dinks are often used to slow down the pace and move your opponent out of position.
3. Third Shot Drop
This is one of the most talked-about shots in the game. After the serve and return, the third shot is the shot used by the serve team to move to the non-volley zone. It’s a shot that ideally bounces in or near the non-volley zone, neutralizing the return team’s ability to attack.
4. Volley
A volley is when you hit the ball before it bounces. It’s a great way to stay aggressive at the net, but remember, you can’t volley from inside the non-volley zone. Mastering when to volley and when to let the ball bounce is part of becoming a smarter player.
5. Side Out
You’ll hear this term when the serving team loses the rally, and it’s time to switch serve to the other team. In doubles, this happens after both players on a team have served. (other than the first serve of the game)
6. Fault
A fault is any rule violation that ends a rally. Common faults include hitting the ball into the net, stepping into the kitchen on a volley, serving out of bounds or hitting the ball outside the sidelines or past the baseline.
7. Reset
When the pace gets too fast, experienced players know how to reset. A reset is a soft shot—usually from mid-court or near the kitchen—that lands softly, slowing the game down and neutralizing your opponent’s attack. Think of it as a strategic pause button.
8. Poach
Poaching is when one player crosses into their partner’s side of the court to intercept a ball. It’s a move that is often done by one partner to gain a strategic advantage the other other team. Just make sure your partner’s on board with the plan!
9. Banger
A banger is a player who ONLY hits the ball hard; they don’t use any soft shots like dinks and resets. If you play against a banger, focus on resets and soft play to throw them off their rhythm. Another important strategic tactic for a banger is to let the ball go out.
10. Lob
The lob is a high, arcing shot that goes over your opponent’s head. It’s often used as a surprise tactic when your opponent is too close to the net. If you’re on the receiving end, be ready to chase!
Final Thoughts
The more you play, the more these pickleball terms will become second nature. Understanding them not only helps you follow the game better—it also helps you communicate with partners, anticipate strategy, and enjoy the game more fully.
And remember: everyone was new once. So go ahead—use the terms, ask questions, and keep showing up. You’re part of the pickleball community now.