There are many different terms that are used in pickleball and a huge part of learning how to play the game is learning what these terms are. If you already play racket sports then you are likely to be aware of some of these terms.
If you’re new to the game and to all racket sports, it can feel very overwhelming to learn all of this language. Don’t fret, though! You will pick up all of these terms very easily and you’ll be out on the court in no time!
Let’s dive into the meaning of ‘side out’ and lots more pickleball terms!
What Does Side Out Mean In Pickleball?
If you’re trying to work out what side out means in pickleball you’ve probably gone through a long list of potential meanings in your mind. The real meaning is fairly simple.
Side out means that one side of the court is out of service and that it is the other side’s turn to serve.
This happens when you are playing the traditional rules of pickleball. It is a very simple term once you know what it means and it can really help you to understand what is going on during the game when you first start out.
A side out will happen when the team who made the serve loses the point. This will mean that it is the other team’s turn to serve.
Other Pickleball Terms
There are lots of other pickleball terms that you will need to know if you want to have a full understanding of the game. These include the following:
Nice Get
A nice get in pickleball refers to when you hit a ball that was difficult to reach. This is a great thing to hear on the court so be flattered! It is often used if you return a ball that is very difficult to return.
Nice Setup
This is another complement that you will hear during a game of pickleball. This will be said if you have placed the ball in a certain place which has manipulated your opponent to move to a certain area on the court.
This will set you up to be able to win the point (Check out How Many Points Do You Need To Win Pickleball?) as it will mean that in your next hit you can place the ball in an area of the court that is not covered by your opponents.
If you are making your opponents run around the court then this is when you will likely hear the phrase ‘nice setup’.
Nice Rally
Nice rally is another compliment that you will hear on the pitch. Usually, this is not aimed at just one person or one team, instead being aimed at everyone on the court. This refers to the streak of shots that is happening between both of the teams.
If a rally is long and you are both getting some difficult shots, then you will likely hear this term.
Dead Ball
A dead ball means that the ball has gone out of the court and that the current rally has ended.
Double Bounce Rule
This refers to the rule that you have to let the ball bounce on the first two hits, the serve and the return, otherwise it will be a fault and you will have to begin again.
Fault
A fault is when you have violated the rules of pickleball. This can be something like taking your serve when you shouldn’t or not following the double bounce rule.
Put Away
A put away refers to a shot that almost guarantees that you will win the point. You might hear this when you hit a shot that is impossible for the other team to hit back to you.
The Pickleball Court
As well as some of the terms, it is also very important to know the words that you call parts of the court.
Baseline
One important thing to know about a pickleball court is what a baseline is. The baseline refers to the line that is at the back of the court. You are not able to cross this line when you serve or this will count as a fault.
Sideline
The sidelines of the court refer to the lines that are at each side of the court.
Non-Volley Zone
On a pickleball court there is a section of the court near to the net that is known as the non-volley zone. This is quite an integral part of the rules of the game.
The main rule surrounding this area of the court is that you cannot be in this area of the court and volley the ball at the same time.
The non-volley zone is also referred to as the kitchen. This is what you will hear people refer to as the non-volley zone as in most cases.
No Man’s Land
This is the part of the pickleball court where no one ever really stands. This is the area where the ball will usually land for the bounce so unless you want to be hit by a ball it is best to avoid this area.
Pickleball Equipment
There are lots of specific pieces of equipment that relate to pickleball. Pickleball paddles can be made from lots of different materials.
Composite Paddle
The pickleball paddles are nearly all made of composite. This means that the face of the paddle and the core of the paddle are going to be made from different materials.
Paddle Core
The paddle core is what makes up the main part of the pickleball. It is what the paddle is made of.
Nomex
The very first composite paddle was made of nomex in the 1960’s. This material was used in a lot of different products at the time including airplanes and protective equipment because it was a strong material.
Final Thoughts
So, this article has explored the meaning of ‘side out’ in pickleball. It has also looked at some of the other terms surrounding pickleball to further your understanding of the brilliant game!
Pickleball has been played for decades, and it is a great way to let off some steam, engage in friendly competition, and improve your fitness levels.
Hi, my name is Joe Polls and my family and I are keen pickleball players. My parents actually met on a pickleball court, and the rest is history.
I have always loved pickleball, no matter how many times I hear that it’s not a real sport. It has helped me get through some challenging times in my life - whether that be a breakup, finals, or even bereavement. The reason I made my website is so that I can teach more people about the wonders of pickleball, and maybe even get them interested in playing.
Pickleball could always use more players, so what are you waiting for?
Please, enjoy my website and I hope it teaches you something of use. Who knows, maybe I’ll catch you out on the court one day!
