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The Pickleball Dictionary: Pickleball Terms that Start with the Letter “O”

Strategy & Technique Stacie Townsend 01-14-2020

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 “O”

The pickleball terms, phrases, words, people, and organizations that start with the letter “O” include:

Odd (Left) Side – The odd (left) side of the pickleball court is the opposite side as to where each pickleball game starts (the first serve of each side will always start on the even/right-hand side of the pickleball court).

Offensive – To be offensive on the pickleball courts means that you are on the attack of your opponents. In other words, you are being aggressive and going for aggressive shots.

One Shot at a Time – Be in the moment on the pickleball courts and focus on one shot at a time. By focusing on one shot at a time, you will hopefully win each shot, each point, each game, and, eventually, each match.

OnixOnix is a pickleball company that produces quality paddles, pickleballs (including, the recently acquired Dura Fast 40 pickleball), and other gear and equipment for the pickleball courts.

Open Court Space – Generally, on the pickleball courts, you want to try to find the open court space. There will always be open court space, even if your opponents are cleverly working in tandem on the pickleball court. Your goal will be to find the open court space and create open court space.

Open Paddle Face – An open paddle face is one that is relatively flat or open toward the sky. An open paddle face will cause the pickleball to be hit with more height. Be on the lookout for an open paddle face, which will give you clues to your opponents’ shot selection (and may even tip off a lob).

Open Play – Open play is a common format for recreational play. There are several variations of open play, but generally everyone on the courts mixes in and plays together.

Opponent – Your opponent is your competitor across the pickleball court. In singles, you will have one opponent, and, in doubles, you will have two opponents working as one team.

Opportunities – Take advantage of your opportunities on the pickleball court. If your opponents pop up the pickleball, put the pickleball away and win the point!

Out – An out ball ends a rally and awards a point to the team that did not hit the pickleball out. “Out” is also considered player communication when yelling at your partner not to hit the pickleball.

Out of Position – Generally, you and your partner want to have strong court positioning to minimize open court space for your opponents. If you find yourself out of position, you open up court for your opponents to take advantage of.

Outdoor – Pickleball can be played either indoors or outdoors. Outdoor pickleball has elements like sun and wind, while indoor pickleball has elements like excessive lines, gym floors, and blurry rafters.

Overhead – An overhead is a pickleball shot where you strike the pickleball with your paddle above your head. Overheads, many times, can lead to put away shots. To learn how to hit the perfect overhead and where to place it, check out Pickler’s online pickleball video lessons.

Over the Net – A good shot on the pickleball court must be over the pickleball net. If a shot is not over the pickleball net and in play, then you are out of the point. Keep the pickleball over the net and within the pickleball court.

DO YOU KNOW ANY ADDITIONAL PICKLEBALL TERMS THAT START WITH THE LETTER “O”?

Do you know any additional pickleball terms, phrases, words, people, or organizations that start with the letter “O” to add to The Pickleball Dictionary? Share with us in the comments below!

WANT MORE PICKLEBALL TERMS?

Updated as of January 6, 2021

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