The Ultimate Pickleball Glossary: The Playly Dictionary

From the court to your skort — here’s your complete guide to the language of the game.

Whether you’re brand new to pickleball or deep into tournament season, it helps to speak the language. This Playly Dictionary breaks down the most common pickleball terms, plus a few key phrases we use when designing gear built for the sport.

Pickleball Court Terms

Court
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long — used for both singles and doubles.

Sidelines
The outer side boundaries of the court. Balls landing outside these lines are considered out.

Baseline
The back boundary line of the court. Serves must be made from behind this line.

Centerline
Divides each side of the court into left and right service areas. Serves must land across the net and beyond this line.

Service Area (Service Courts)
Two boxes behind the kitchen line (left and right). A legal serve must land here.

Net Height
36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center. This standard net height allows for both power and finesse play.

Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
A 7-foot area extending from the net on each side. Players cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while inside this zone or touching the kitchen line.

Transition Zone
The area between the baseline and the kitchen. Often called “no man’s land,” players should minimize time here and get to the kitchen line as soon as possible.

Pickleball Rules & Scoring Terms

Serve
An underhand stroke that must be hit diagonally, landing in the opposite service box and clearing the kitchen line.

Return of Serve
Must bounce before being struck. Often hit deep to keep the serving team from moving up.

Two-Bounce Rule
The ball must bounce again on the serving side before players can begin volleying.

Fault
Any violation of the rules — like hitting out of bounds, missing the ball, or stepping into the kitchen on a volley.

Kitchen Violation
Occurs when a player volleys while touching or stepping into the kitchen — or if their momentum carries them in after a volley.

Baseline Foot Fault
Happens when a server steps on or over the baseline before hitting the serve. It’s an automatic fault.

Side Out
When the serving team loses a rally, and the serve switches to the other team.

Scoring
Only the serving team scores when winning a serve or rally. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2.

Calling the Score (Doubles)
Scores are called out as: serving team score – receiving team score – server number (1 or 2). Example: “6–4–2.”

Let Serve
A serve that hits the net but still lands in the service area. It’s considered live and playable.

Dead Ball
A ball that is no longer in play due to a fault, a point ending, or interference.

Pickleball Shot Types & Strategy Terms

Dink
A soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing a controlled response. Key to slowing down play and resetting rallies.

Third Shot Drop
A soft shot (usually after a serve and return) that drops into the kitchen, giving the serving team time to move up.

Drive
A fast, flat, aggressive shot — great for passing shots or applying pressure.

Lob
A high, deep shot aimed over your opponent’s head — often used defensively or to reset.

Volley
A shot hit before the ball bounces. Legal only while standing behind the kitchen line.

Reset
A soft, controlled shot that neutralizes an aggressive rally and slows the pace.

Poach
Crossing into your partner’s zone (in doubles) to intercept a shot, often near the net.

Erne
An advanced volley played by hitting the ball from beside the kitchen.

Around-the-Post (ATP)
A legal shot that travels outside the net post and still lands in the opponent’s court.

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Lulu Pickleball Tote
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Lulu Pickleball Tote
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Lulu Pickleball Tote

$118.00

With ample storage for multiple pickleball paddles, pickleballs, and two oversize water bottles, the Lulu Pickleball Tote features comfortable, colorful, non-slip woven canvas shoulder straps, a generous water resistant lined interior, plus zipper close pockets on the outside and inside for smaller personal items. Playful Play-PKL paddle-shaped pulls make the zippers easy to grip.

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Pickleball Player Types

Banger
A player who relies on hard drives and speed rather than finesse. Can be countered with dinks and resets.

Counterpuncher
A strategic player who absorbs pace and turns defense into offense using smart placement.

Stacking
A doubles formation that allows teammates to favor their forehands or preferred sides, often using signals and switching mid-play.

Pickleball Equipment Terms

Paddle
A solid hitting surface (no strings) made from carbon fiber, fiberglass, or composite. Varies by shape, weight, and core material.

Core
The internal structure of the paddle that affects touch and power:

  • Polymer Core – Soft, quiet, forgiving
  • Nomex Core – Hard, loud, and fast
  • Aluminum Core – Lightweight with more control

Grip
The cushioned wrap around the paddle handle. Varies in thickness, tack, and feel — essential for control and comfort.

Outdoor Pickleball
A harder plastic ball with smaller holes — made to cut through wind and bounce higher. Works for mostcourts except wood flooring.

Indoor Pickleball
A softer plastic ball with larger holes. Designed for gym-style surfaces where control matters more than wind resistance.

Carabiner
Technically for climbing. Realistically? A pickleball player’s MVP. Use it to clip your tote to the fence or hold your towel. If it dangles, the carabiner handles.
Pickleball Paddle
Blue Pickleball Paddle
Pro Pickleball Paddle
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Signature Pro Pickleball Paddle
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Signature Pro Pickleball Paddle

$159.00

 

A lighter more technical paddle, the Playly Signature Pro features a thicker 16mm core for more control and consistency, an elongated head for extra reach, and a textured carbon fiber surface to make it easier to add spin to the ball. It also offers a longer handle, which is great for a two-handed backhand.

USA Pickleball Approved for tournament use.

Weight: 7.6 oz
Paddle Length: 16.5″
Paddle Width: 7.5″
Grip Length: 5.5″
Grip Circumference: 4.25″
Face Surface: Textured Carbon Fiber
Core: 16mm Honeycomb Polymer

 

 

Buying as a gift? Click here to add a jute drawstring gift bag to your purchase!
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Playly Pickleball Apparel Terms: Gear Built for the Game

Smart Ball Pockets
Set-back, oversized pockets placed behind the hip, designed to comfortably hold a pickleball and keep it out of the way during play. Built for secure storage without bulk or interference.

Natural UV Protection
Sun-blocking fabric that protects your skin without chemical coatings. Ideal for long outdoor sessions.

Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Pulls sweat away from the skin to help you stay dry, even during long matches.

Breathable Panels
Vent zones (often at the back or underarms) that allow air to flow and keep you cool.

Performance Fit
A fit that moves with you — athletic, flexible, and never restrictive.

Four-Way Stretch: Fabric engineered to stretch both widthwise and lengthwise, moving with your body in any direction. Four-way stretch gives you unrestricted mobility for lunges, swings, and quick pivots, so your apparel never holds you back. 
Relaxed Fit: A slightly looser, more forgiving cut that doesn’t cling tight to the body. A relaxed fit in pickleball apparel ensures the right amount of coverage and comfort for a wide range of body shapes, allowing you to feel your best so you can play your best

Understanding the terms means understanding the game. And when your gear is made for the sport, you don’t just look the part — you play like it.

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