Pickleball Lingo

So what's a Dink anyway?

Pickleball is taking the world by storm, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into a fast-paced, fun, and social game. It’s huge in the USA and it's getting bigger and bigger by the minute in New Zealand and Australia.  

As with any sport, pickleball comes with its own set of jargon. If you’re new to the game but want to sound and look like a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down some of the lingo you’re going to hear on the court.

1. Dink

A sneaky, soft shot in pickleball that just barely clears the net and drops into your opponent's side, making them scramble! It's all about finesse, not power—like the perfect trick shot to keep the game interesting and your opponents guessing.  As you can tell by our name, we love a good Dink. :-) If you're playing with a Dink and can master your “dink”, you know it's going to be a great day.

2. Kitchen

Ah, the kitchen! Sounds like you want to escape it, right? Well, in pickleball, the kitchen is actually the area closest to the net (also called the non-volley zone) where you’re not allowed to hit the ball on the full. Step into the kitchen and hit the ball before it bounces, then you lose the point. So friends, stay sharp, be careful not to “cook" too close to the kitchen. 

Mind you, the kitchen is the perfect place for your dink to land!

3. Volley

If you’re a fan of fast, action-packed points, volleys are where it’s at! A volley in pickleball (like tennis) is when you hit the ball before it bounces. It’s a quick, instinctive move that can keep your opponents on their toes (or scrambling to catch up). Just remember, you can’t volley when you’re standing in the kitchen! (See? You’re already picking this up.) 

4. Rally

A rally is just the back-and-forth exchange of shots during play. Think of it as the “conversation” you have with your opponent through your paddle and the ball. A rally starts with the serve and ends when someone messes up—either hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net. One of the beautiful things about pickleball, is that even if you are a beginner you will be having amazing rallies in no time.  And a “good rally” is just bloody good fun.

5. Third Shot Drop

Sounds fancy, right? But it’s actually a key strategy, even for beginners. The “third shot drop” is a soft, controlled shot designed to drop gently into your opponent’s kitchen after the serve and return. Why the third shot? Because it’s your best chance to slow down the pace of the game, neutralise your opponents, and move toward the net—where the real pickleball magic happens.

6. Pickled

Okay, here’s where things get a little silly. If you’ve been “pickled,” it means you lost a game without scoring a single point. Think of it like getting beaten in a game of pool before you have had a chance to sink a single ball. Yep, we’ve all been there right? :-) Don’t sweat it! Getting pickled is just part of the process, and it makes winning that much sweeter when you finally get there.  

7. Paddle Tap

Pickleball is a friendly sport, and no game is complete without a good ol’ paddle tap at the end. Win or lose, you’ll see players tap their paddles together as a sign of sportsmanship. It’s the pickleball equivalent of a handshake—only with paddles instead of hands. So, when the game’s over, don’t forget to tap your Dink paddle and keep the good vibes going!

Final Thoughts

Pickleball is all about having fun, meeting new people, and learning something new every time you step on the court. Now that you’ve got the lingo down, you’re ready to play, laugh, and maybe even get pickled a few times (it’s all part of the journey). So, grab your dink paddle, practice those dinks, and let the rallies begin!

Happy playing—and see you in the kitchen!