Pickleball Glossary: 20 Terms Explained
The words that show up in pickleball specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon. Open any term for the full explanation and what to look for when buying.
- Carbon fiber face
- A paddle surface known for grip on the ball and control, common on mid and upper-range paddles.
- Read more about carbon fiber faceRelated: Best Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles
- Court shoes
- Shoes built for lateral movement with flat, grippy soles. Running shoes are designed for forward motion and roll more easily.
- Read more about court shoesRelated: Best Pickleball Shoes
- Dead spot
- An area on a paddle face that has lost pop and feels noticeably softer or quieter than the rest of the paddle.
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- Dink
- A soft shot hit from near the kitchen line that drops into the opponent's kitchen.
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- Elongated paddle
- A longer, narrower paddle shape that adds reach and power but shrinks the sweet spot.
- Read more about elongated paddleRelated: Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles
- Erne
- A shot hit by running around the outside of the kitchen to volley the ball without stepping in the zone.
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- Graphite face
- A light, stiff paddle face material valued for a crisp feel and quick response off contact.
- Read more about graphite faceRelated: Best Graphite Pickleball Paddles
- Grip size
- The circumference of a paddle handle, usually 4 to 4.5 inches, measured to match a player's hand size.
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- Indoor ball
- A softer ball with fewer, larger holes, easier to control on gym floors.
- Read more about indoor ballRelated: Best Indoor Pickleball Balls
- Kitchen
- The non-volley zone, 7 feet on each side of the net, where players may not volley the ball.
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- Outdoor ball
- A harder ball with more, smaller holes that resists wind. It bounces faster and can crack in the cold.
- Read more about outdoor ballRelated: Best Outdoor Pickleball Balls
- Overgrip
- A thin, tacky wrap applied over a paddle handle to add cushioning and improve grip as the factory wrap wears.
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- Paddle core
- The honeycomb inner layer of a paddle, usually polymer. Thicker cores, around 16 mm, feel softer and more controlled.
- Read more about paddle coreRelated: Best Pickleball Paddles
- Stacking
- A doubles positioning tactic where partners line up on the same side before the serve to keep a preferred matchup.
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- Sweet spot
- The area of the paddle face that gives the most solid, controlled response.
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- Swing weight
- How heavy a paddle feels in motion, influenced by where the weight sits, not just total weight.
- Read more about swing weightRelated: Best Pickleball Lead Tape
- Third shot drop
- A soft shot by the serving team on the third shot that lands in the kitchen, letting them move up to the net.
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- Two-bounce rule
- The return of serve and the third shot must each bounce once before being volleyed.
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- USA Pickleball approved
- Equipment listed as meeting USA Pickleball specifications for sanctioned play.
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- Volley
- Hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces, allowed everywhere except while standing in the kitchen.
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