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    The Ultimate Pickleball Glossary: The Playly Dictionary

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

    Gear That Looks Good and Plays Better

    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.

    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote
    Lulu Pickleball Tote

    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
    Pink Top & Skorts with Pickleball Paddle
    Black Pickleball Paddle
    White Shirt & Pink Skort with Pickleball Paddle
    Signature Pro Pickleball Paddle
    Black Pro Pickleball Paddle
    Black & Blue Pickleball Paddle

    Signature Pro Pickleball Paddle

    $159.00

     

    A lighter more technical paddle, the Play-PKL 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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