Dink: A soft, controlled shot hit just over the net, typically executed with a backhand or forehand grip. Dinks are often used to set up offensive opportunities or to keep the ball low and within the opponent's reach.
Lob: A high-arcing shot that travels deep into the opponent's court, forcing them to move back to retrieve it. Lobs are effective for changing the pace of the game and putting pressure on opponents positioned near the net.
Kitchen: Also known as the "no-volley zone," the kitchen is a seven-foot area on either side of the net where players are not allowed to volley the ball. Players must let the ball bounce before hitting it if they are positioned within the kitchen.
Third Shot Drop: A strategic shot typically employed by the serving team after the return of serve. The objective of the third shot drop is to softly place the ball into the opponent's kitchen, allowing the serving team to advance to the net while maintaining control of the point.
Poach: A defensive strategy in which one player intercepts a shot intended for their partner, often by crossing the court and hitting the ball before it reaches their partner. Poaching can disrupt the opponent's rhythm and create opportunities for offensive play.
Erne: A dynamic shot executed by volleying the ball from outside the sideline of the court. The player approaches the net diagonally and hits the ball before it crosses the net, often catching opponents off guard and creating openings for winners.
ATP: Around The Post or ATP in short, refers to a shot that goes around the net post and lands legally in the court. Instead of going over the net like a traditional shot, the ATP is hit from outside the sidelines, creating a unique and effective play
Side-Out: A change of serving team resulting from the serving team's failure to score a point or committing a fault. In pickleball, each side must score points while serving to win the rally, with side-outs occurring when the serving team loses the serve.
Drive: A powerful, aggressive shot aimed at driving the ball past opponents and into open court space. Drives are often executed with topspin to increase speed and control, making them effective for putting pressure on opponents and dictating play.
Reset: A controlled shot used to neutralize the opponent's advantage and regain control of the rally. Resets are typically hit softly and placed deep in the opponent's court, allowing the player to reposition themselves and prepare for the next shot.