New to pickleball or just want to understand the lingo? This glossary covers every key term you will encounter on and off the court. Bookmark this page as your reference guide.
Court & Zones
Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone / NVZ): The 7-foot area on both sides of the net where players cannot hit a volley (ball must bounce first). The most strategic zone in pickleball.
Baseline: The line at the back of the court, 22 feet from the net.
Centerline: The line dividing the left and right service courts.
Service Court: The box on the opposite side of the net where the ball must land on a serve.
Shots & Techniques
Dink: A soft, controlled shot that lands in the kitchen. The most important shot for advanced players.
Third Shot Drop: A soft arcing shot hit from the baseline on the third shot, designed to land in the kitchen and neutralize the net advantage.
Lob: A high shot intended to go over the opponents head and land near the baseline.
Erne: An advanced shot where a player jumps over the kitchen corner to hit a ball outside the NVZ.
ATP (Around the Post): A shot hit around the net post, not over it, that is perfectly legal.
Drive: A hard, flat shot hit with pace, typically from the baseline.
Volley: Hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces. Not permitted when standing in the kitchen.
Scoring & Rules
Rally: The continuous exchange of shots between two teams.
Fault: Any violation of the rules that results in a point for the opposing team.
Double Bounce Rule (Two-Bounce Rule): Both the serve and the return must bounce once before either team can volley.
Side Out: When the serving team commits a fault, the serve passes to the other team.
Stacking: A doubles strategy where both players position on the same side of the court after serving or returning.
Equipment Terms
EVA Core: A softer foam core material used in paddle construction. Offers better touch and control. Found in most beginner and mid-range Raybloom paddles.
Polymer Core: The most common core material. Quiet, durable, and good for control.
Carbon Fiber Face: A textured paddle face material that generates spin and is popular with advanced players.
Graphite Face: A lightweight paddle face offering good power and touch. Used in most Raybloom beginner paddle sets.
Grip Size: The circumference of the paddle handle. Most adult players use a 4-inch or 4.25-inch grip.
40-Hole Ball: The standard outdoor ball with 40 holes for stability in wind. Harder plastic. See our 40-hole outdoor balls.
48-Hole Ball: Slightly heavier construction with 48 holes. Often used outdoors on concrete and asphalt. See our 48-hole outdoor balls.
USAPA: USA Pickleball Association. The governing body for pickleball in the United States. Approves equipment for sanctioned play.