A Friendly Guide for Women in Singapore

If you've just started playing pickleball, you may feel like everyone is speaking a different language.

"Kitchen!"

"Side out!"

"Dink!"

"Third shot!"

Don't worry—you don't need to know every pickleball term before your first game. Like any new hobby, you'll pick up the language as you play. Understanding a few common terms will simply help you feel more confident and allow you to enjoy the game even more.

The best part? The pickleball community in Singapore is incredibly welcoming, especially at beginner and ladies-only sessions, where players are always happy to explain the rules and terminology.

Start with Ladies-Only Pickleball Games

If it's your first time playing, one of the best ways to build confidence is by joining a ladies-only pickleball session. Reclub is an amazing app to use. You don't need to worry about whether your friends are free. Use the app to find a game near you. So much flexibility! 

Many women's sessions focus on learning, socialising and encouraging each other rather than winning every point. It's a comfortable environment where you can ask questions, make mistakes and improve at your own pace without feeling pressured.

You'll often meet other women who are also new to the sport, making it much easier to make friends while learning together.

Remember, everyone was once a beginner.

Common Pickleball Terms You'll Hear

Kitchen

The kitchen is the area closest to the net, officially known as the non-volley zone.

You cannot hit the ball out of the air (volley) while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.

Don't worry—it has nothing to do with cooking!

Dink

A dink is one of pickleball's signature shots.

Instead of hitting the ball hard, players gently tap it so it lands just over the net inside the kitchen.

It's a soft shot that requires patience and control rather than power.

Rally

A rally is simply the exchange of shots between both teams after the serve until someone wins the point.

The longer the rally, the more exciting the game becomes.

Volley

A volley means hitting the ball before it bounces.

Remember, you can't volley the serve or the return of serve because of the double-bounce rule, and you can't volley while standing in the kitchen.

Side Out

You'll hear "side out" whenever the serving team loses its serve and the other team gets the opportunity to serve.

No need to panic—it's just announcing that the serve has changed sides.

Fault

A fault is any rule violation that ends the rally.

Some common faults include:

• Hitting the ball into the net
• Hitting the ball out of bounds
• Volleying from inside the kitchen
• Missing the serve
• Breaking the double-bounce rule

Baseline

The baseline is the line at the very back of the court.

Every serve begins from behind the baseline.

Non-Volley Zone

This is simply the official name for the kitchen.

Most players will call it the kitchen during games.

DUPR

DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating.

It's a rating system that measures a player's skill level based on match results.

If you're just starting out, don't worry about your DUPR score. Focus on learning the game and enjoying yourself first.

Third Shot

You may hear players talking about a third shot.

This simply refers to the third hit of a rally, which is often played as a softer shot to help the serving team move closer to the net.

As a beginner, you don't need to master this immediately—it will come naturally as your game develops.

Don't Worry About Knowing Everything

One of the nicest things about pickleball is that experienced players are usually happy to help beginners.

If someone mentions a term you don't recognise, simply ask.

Most players love introducing newcomers to the sport and explaining how the game works.

Dress Comfortably and Play with Confidence

Feeling comfortable on court starts with wearing the right outfit.

At FullOut Activewear, our women's pickleball collection is designed to help you move confidently while looking stylish.

Our matching pickleball tanks feature built-in bras with removable bra pads, while our skirts include built-in shorts and practical pockets—perfect for your first pickleball game, whether you're attending a ladies-only social session or playing with friends.

Designed with breathable, lightweight fabrics, our activewear keeps you cool in Singapore's warm climate and transitions effortlessly from the court to brunch, the gym or everyday wear.

Have Fun and Enjoy the Journey

You don't need to memorise every rule or piece of pickleball terminology before stepping onto the court.

Learn a few basics, smile, ask questions and enjoy the experience.

Joining a ladies-only beginner session is one of the easiest ways to build confidence, improve your skills and become part of Singapore's friendly pickleball community.

Before long, words like kitchen, dink and side out will become second nature—and you'll be helping the next beginner feel welcome too.

Read our previous blog about our Beginner's Guide to Playing Pickleball for more information about rules, pickleball etiquette. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the kitchen in pickleball?

The kitchen is the non-volley zone near the net where players cannot hit a volley while standing inside or touching the line.

What does "dink" mean in pickleball?

A dink is a soft shot that lands just over the net into your opponent's kitchen, helping you control the rally.

Should beginners join ladies-only pickleball games?

Yes. Ladies-only sessions are often welcoming, supportive and beginner-friendly, making them a great place to learn the rules, build confidence and meet other women who are new to pickleball.

What is a fault in pickleball?

A fault is a rule violation that ends the rally, such as hitting the ball out, into the net or volleying from inside the kitchen.

What should I wear to my first pickleball game?

Wear lightweight, breathable activewear that allows you to move comfortably. A supportive tank with a built-in bra and a pickleball skirt with built-in shorts are excellent choices for beginners.