Pickler created The Pickleball Dictionary, which includes all of the common terms, phrases, words, people, and organizations found in, on, and around the pickleball courts. Get your FREE copy of The Pickleball Dictionary today!
PICKLEBALL TERMS THAT START WITH THE LETTER “N”
The pickleball terms, phrases, words, people, and organizations that start with the letter “N” include:
Naples, Florida – Naples, Florida is the home of the US Open Pickleball Championships, which is one of the largest pickleball tournaments in the world, and the Pickleball Academy of Southwest Florida. Naples, Florida is certainly a mecca for pickleball.
Nasty Nelson – A “Nasty Nelson” is a nickname for a dubious shot in pickleball, and is a tip of the hat to pickleball pro Tim “Puppet Master” Nelson, who was known for using this shot. A “Nasty Nelson” is when, in a doubles match, the server serves the pickleball and hits his or her opponent standing at or near the pickleball net on the other side of the pickleball court (i.e. the non-returning opponent). By hitting his or her opponent with the serve, the server scores a point and, consequentially, switches sides of the court with his or her partner and prepares for the next point.
Nationals – Nationals is the best and biggest pickleball tournaments in the world. Nationals is organized by the USA Pickleball Association and, in recent years, has been held at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. This tournament is certainly one to put on your pickleball bucket list!
Natural Angle – When you feel pressure on the pickleball courts, strike the pickleball in the direction of the natural angle of your paddle swing, which is swinging from your paddle side to your non-paddle side, or from your non-paddle side to your paddle side.
Net – The pickleball net is the mesh netting that divides the pickleball court. The pickleball net is 36 inches in height near the sidelines, and 34 inches in height at the center of the pickleball court.
Net Cord – The net cord is the cord across the top of the pickleball net the holds the pickleball net up and in place between the two posts. If a pickleball hits the net cord, the pickleball will fall on the striker’s side of the pickleball court, dribble over to the other side of the pickleball net, or cause the pickleball to change direction.
Newman’s – The Newman’s are a brother-sister pickleball pro duo that has made a recent splash on the pickleball scene. Lindsey and Riley Newman, former collegiate tennis stars, have made waves on the pickleball pro circuit, including taking home a silver at the 2019 USA Pickleball National Championships, with their quick court positioning and movement, as well as their unique two-handed play.
“Nice Shot” – “Nice shot!” is a common expression on the pickleball courts when your partner or your opponent hits a great shot.
No-Man’s Land – No-Man’s Land is the area on the pickleball court between the baseline and the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen line. It is also referred to as “Midcourt” or the “Transition Zone.”
Non-Paddle Side – Non-paddle side refers to the area around the side of your body that does not hold the pickleball paddle. For instance, if you are right-handed, your left side and the area around your left side is your non-paddle side.
Non-Volley Zone – What makes the sport of pickleball truly unique is the part of the pickleball court called the Non-Volley Zone, which is also affectionately called the “Kitchen.” The Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen is the 14-foot area in the middle of the court, which extends 7 feet on either side of the pickleball net. You may not volley (i.e. hit the pickleball in the air and without a bounce) the pickleball while making contact with the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen.
DO YOU KNOW ANY ADDITIONAL PICKLEBALL TERMS THAT START WITH THE LETTER “N”?
Do you know any additional pickleball terms, phrases, words, people, or organizations that start with the letter “N” to add to The Pickleball Dictionary? Share with us in the comments below!
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Updated as of January 6, 2021
