Funniest Pickleball Terms
Pickleball is hugely popular here at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club. It’s fun, easy to pick up for first-timers and a great way to stay active. It can be really competitive if you want, or you can play a more laid back game with friends.
But perhaps the most fun part of pickleball is getting to know all the silly terms:
Dillball: Shot that is inbounds and has bounced once; a live ball.
Dink Shot: A soft shot that arcs over the net and falls into the opposing non-volley zone.
Falafel: “Dead paddle,” or a short shot due to hitting the pickleball ball with little or no power.
Flabjack: A midair pickleball shot that must bounce once before it can be hit during one of the first two shots of any point (the return of serve or return of the serve return). After the third shot, no bounce is necessary and can volley (hit in midair without bouncing).
Kitchen: Slang term for the Non-Volley Zone.
OPA: Sometimes shouted out after the third shot has been hit, open volleying has begun.
Pickle: Warning shouted out by the server to alert all players on the pickleball court that they are about to serve.
Poach: In doubles pickleball, to cross over into your partner’s side of the court to hit a shot.
Volley Llama: Term referring to an illegal move (fault) where pickleball players hits a volley shot in the Non-Volley Zone. (This one is our hands-down favorite).
You too can join the fun and learn to speak pickleball. Give us a shout to learn more about becoming a Landings Club member, or better yet, schedule your Discovery Visit today so you can check out the courts in person and meet our amazing members!