Discover the key tennis terms you need to know. From serves to volleys, backhands to forehands, our comprehensive guide covers the essential jargon of the game.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, master the language of tennis and enhance your understanding of this thrilling sport.
Tennis Terminology for Beginners
Ace: A serve that is not touched by the opponent and results in a point for the server.
Advantage: When a player wins the next point after a deuce, they are said to have the advantage.
Backhand: A stroke where the player hits the ball with the back of their dominant hand across their body.
Baseline: The boundary lines at the ends of the court that run parallel to the net.
Deuce: When the score reaches 40-40, it is called deuce. The player must then win two consecutive points to win the game.
Double Fault: When a player fails to get their serve in play on both attempts, resulting in a point for the opponent.
Fault: When a service does not land within the proper boundaries of the opponent’s service court.
Forehand: A stroke where the player hits the ball with the palm of their dominant hand facing the net.
Game: A game is won when a player wins four points, with a margin of at least two points over the opponent.
Grand Slam: The four major tournaments in tennis: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Let: When a serve hits the net but lands within the proper boundaries, it is called a let, and the service is retaken.
Love: The term used to represent zero points in a game. For example, “Love-15” means the server has zero points, and the opponent has 15 points.
Match point: When a player is one point away from winning the match.
Rally: A sequence of shots where the ball is hit back and forth between the players.
Set: A set is won when a player or team wins six games, with a margin of at least two games over the opponent.
Tiebreak: A method used to decide a set when the score reaches 6-6. Players must reach seven points, with a margin of at least two points, to win the tiebreak.
Volley: A shot where the player hits the ball before it bounces on the court.
Breakpoint: When the receiver has an opportunity to win the game while the server is serving.
Advantage-In: When the serving player has the advantage in a game.
Advantage-Out: When the receiving player has the advantage in a game.
All-Court Player: A player who has the ability to play effectively from all areas of the court, including baseline, net, and mid-court.
Approach Shot: A shot played by the player who is moving towards the net, typically after hitting a deep ball to force their opponent to hit a defensive shot.
Backspin: Also known as slice, it refers to hitting the ball with an underspin, causing it to spin backward.
Drop Shot: A shot played with minimal force, causing the ball to drop just over the net and stay low, making it difficult for the opponent to reach.
Foot Fault: When a player’s foot touches or crosses the baseline or center mark before they make contact with the ball during the serve.
Groundstroke: A shot hit after the ball has bounced once, typically played from the baseline.
Let Court: The area on the tennis court where a let serve is valid and can be replayed.
Lob: A shot hit high and deep into the opponent’s court, typically to force the opponent away from the net.
Mixed Doubles: A form of tennis where a team consists of one male and one female player on each side.
Passing Shot: A shot hit by the player receiving a volley, aiming to pass the opponent and win the point.
Return of Serve: The shot hit by the receiver in response to the server’s serve.
Set Point: The point that, if won by a player, will give them the set.
Spin: The rotation of the ball as it moves through the air, affecting its trajectory and bounce.
Swing Volley: A shot where the player volleys the ball with a full swing, usually hit from a deeper position on the court.
Topspin: A shot hit with topspin, causing the ball to rotate forward, resulting in a higher bounce.
Unforced Error: An error made by a player that is not a result of pressure or an opponent’s exceptional shot.
Footwork: The movement and positioning of a player’s feet on the court to get into the right position to hit the ball effectively.
Game Point: The point that, if won by a player, will give them the game.
Grip: The way a player holds the tennis racket, which can vary depending on the player’s preference and playing style.
Half Volley: A shot where the player hits the ball immediately after it bounces off the ground, usually played close to the net.
Inside-Out: A shot where the player hits the ball diagonally across their body, changing the direction of the shot.
Let Cord: The net cord that a ball can hit and still land in the proper boundaries, resulting in the point being replayed.
Moonball: A shot hit high and deep with a lot of topspin, aimed to give the player more time to recover or disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.
Passing Shot: A shot hit by the player who is returning a volley, aiming to pass the opponent and win the point.
Set Point: The point that, if won by a player, will give them the set.
Swing Speed: The speed at which a player swings their racket to hit the ball, affecting the power and control of the shot.
Transition Game: The movement and strategy employed by a player when transitioning from defense to offense or vice versa during a rally.
Volley: A shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the ground, typically played close to the net.
Wrist Snap: The quick movement of the player’s wrist while hitting a shot, generating additional power and spin.
Continental Grip: A grip commonly used for volleys and serves, where the base knuckle of the index finger is placed on the third bevel of the racket handle.
Smash: A powerful overhead shot, usually hit when the ball is high and close to the net, aiming to hit the ball forcefully downward into the opponent’s court.
Approach Shot: A shot played by a player moving towards the net, typically after hitting a deep ball to force their opponent into a defensive position.
Bagel: When a player wins a set without their opponent winning a game, resulting in a score of 6-0.
Box: The area on the court where a player must stand when waiting to receive a serve.
Crosscourt: A shot hit diagonally from one side of the court to the opposite side.
Deep: A shot that lands toward the back of the opponent’s court, making it difficult for them to attack.
Game Plan: A strategic approach that a player adopts to exploit their strengths and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses.
Groundspeed: The speed at which a player moves around the court to reach the ball.
Let Court: The area on the tennis court where a let serve is valid and can be replayed.
Midcourt: The area between the baseline and the net, typically where players hit approach shots or set up for volleys.
Open Stance: A footwork technique where the player’s front foot is turned towards the side of the court, allowing for a quicker pivot and more power on shots.
Overhead: A shot hit above the player’s head, usually when the ball is high and requires the player to reach up and strike it.
Poaching: In doubles, when the net player moves to intercept a shot intended for the opposing player.
Return Winner: A shot hit by the receiver that lands in a way that the server cannot make a play, resulting in an immediate point.
Short Ball: A shot that lands close to the net, allowing the opponent to attack and potentially hit a winner.
Slice: A shot hit with an underspin, causing the ball to rotate backward and stay low after bouncing.
Swing Path: The trajectory followed by the racket head during the swing, determines the direction and spin of the shot.
Transition Game: The ability to smoothly adjust from offense to defense or defense to offense during a point.
Western Grip: A grip where the base knuckle of the index finger is placed on the fifth bevel of the racket handle, allowing for more topspin on shots.
Ad Court: The left side of the court is viewed by a player facing the net. It is also known as the Advantage Court.
Advantage Set: A set played when the score reaches 6-6, where a player must win two consecutive games with a margin of at least two games to win the set.
Backcourt: The area of the tennis court between the baseline and the service line.
Ball Toss: The act of throwing the ball up into the air before serving.
Drop Volley: A shot played with a soft touch, usually executed when the player is at or near the net, and the ball is still in the air.
Inside-In: A shot where the player hits the ball diagonally across their body, changing the direction of the shot towards the inside of the court.
Let Call: The verbal or visual indication by the chair umpire to declare a let, resulting in the point being replayed.
Mini-Break: In a tiebreak, when one player wins a point on the opponent’s serve.
Mixed Open: A type of tennis tournament that allows both male and female players to compete against each other.
No Man’s Land: The area between the baseline and the service line, where players can find themselves in an awkward position to hit effective shots.
Passing Lane: The area between the net and the sideline, where players attempt to hit passing shots to win the point.
Poach Volley: In doubles, when a player moves quickly to intercept and hit a volley intended for the opponent’s partner.
Power Serve: A fast and forceful serve that aims to put pressure on the receiver and make it difficult to return.
Pusher: A player who relies on consistency and defensive shots rather than powerful offensive shots.
Quick Start: A method used in junior tennis where players begin a match with a tiebreak to expedite play.
Set Point Conversion: The ability of a player to convert set points into winning the set.
Spin Serve: A serve that is hit with spin, such as topspin or slice, to add variation and control to the server.
Tactic: A planned strategy or approach used by a player during a match to outwit and defeat the opponent.
I hope you find these additional terms helpful! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
Alley: The additional playing area on each side of the singles court is used in doubles matches.
Backspin: A type of spin applied to the ball that causes it to rotate backward, resulting in a lower bounce.
Closed Stance: A footwork technique where the player’s front foot is closer to the net and parallel to the baseline, providing a stable base for hitting shots with power and control.
Dead Net Cord: When the ball hits the net and barely rolls over without touching the net post, resulting in an unpredictable bounce.
Drive Volley: A shot played with a firm, controlled swing on a ball that is hit at a higher level, usually from the back of the court.
Foot Fault: An infraction where a player’s foot touches or crosses the baseline or center mark before striking the ball during a serve.
Grinder: A player who relies on consistency, defense, and wearing down opponents through long rallies.
Heavy Ball: A shot hit with a lot of pace and spin, making it difficult for the opponent to handle and return effectively.
Kick Serve: A serve with a high bounce that is achieved by hitting the ball with a topspin, causing it to jump up and away from the receiver.
Moonballer: A player who frequently hits high, looping shots with heavy topspin.
Net Game: The style of play that involves frequent approaches to the net and volleys.
Out Wide: A shot that is hit wide towards the sideline, forcing the opponent to stretch and potentially hit a weaker reply.
Power Baseline Player: A player who relies on strong groundstrokes and aggressive play from the baseline to dominate opponents.
Semi-Western Grip: A grip where the base knuckle of the index finger is placed between the fourth and fifth levels of the racket handle, providing a balance between topspin and control.
Short Angle: A shot played with precision and angle to land the ball near the sideline, making it difficult for the opponent to reach.
Swing Path: The trajectory followed by the racket head during the swing, determining the direction and spin of the shot.
Touch Shot: A delicate and finessed shot that requires soft hands and a gentle touch, such as a drop shot or a half volley.
Winner: A shot that is hit in such a way that the opponent cannot return it, resulting in an immediate point.
I hope you find these additional terms useful! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
All-Court Player: A player who is comfortable playing from any position on the court, with the ability to adapt their game style based on the situation.
Battle of the Sexes: A term used to describe a match or exhibition between a male player and a female player, typically highlighting gender differences in tennis.
Changeover: The period between games when players switch sides of the court, take a break, and rest.
Defensive Shot: A shot played in response to an opponent’s aggressive shot, aiming to neutralize the attack and regain control of the point.
Golden Set: Winning a set without losing a single point, winning all 24 points.
Groundstroke: A shot played after the ball has bounced, typically hit from the baseline and aimed towards the opponent’s court.
Hold: When a player wins a game while serving, without being broken by the opponent.
Kick Serve: A serve hit with a topspin that causes the ball to bounce high and away from the receiver.
Let Court: The area around the net where a ball can hit the net and still land within the proper boundaries, resulting in the point being replayed.
Lob Shot: A shot hit high and deep to force the opponent away from the net.
Mixed Doubles: A form of tennis where a team consists of one male and one female player on each side.
No-Ad: A scoring system used in some tournaments where the score is simplified, and a single point is played to decide a game at deuce.
Out: When the ball lands outside the boundaries of the court, resulting in the opponent winning the point.
Return of Serve: The shot played by the receiver in response to the opponent’s serve.
Set Point: The point that, if won by a player, will give them the set.
Swing Volley: A volley hit with a full swing, typically hit from a deeper position on the court.
Unforced Error: An error made by a player where they fail to make a shot or make a shot that is easily within their ability to execute.
Volley: A shot played before the ball bounces, typically hit while the player is positioned near the net.
I hope you find these additional terms helpful! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
Ace: A serve that is untouched by the opponent, resulting in a point for the server.
Banana Shot: A shot hit with extreme topspin that curves in a wide arc over the net and lands in the opponent’s court.
Crosscourt: A shot hit diagonally from one corner of the court to the opposite corner.
Double Fault: When a server fails to get both of their serves in, resulting in the loss of a point.
Foot Fault: An infraction that occurs when the server’s foot touches or crosses the baseline or center mark before making contact with the ball during a serve.
Grand Slam: The four most prestigious tennis tournaments: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
Mixed Open: A type of tennis tournament that allows both male and female players to compete against each other.
Net Rusher: A player who frequently approaches the net to finish points with volleys or smashes.
Overrule: When an umpire or referee reverses a line judge’s call.
Passing Shot: A shot hit by the player who is returning a volley, aimed to pass the opponent and win the point.
Quickstart: A method used in junior tennis where players begin a match with a tiebreak to expedite play.
Set Point: The point that, if won by a player, will give them the set.
Topspin: A type of spin applied to the ball that causes it to rotate forward, resulting in a higher bounce.
Unseeded: Refers to a player or team that is not ranked or seeded in a tournament.
Volley: A shot played before the ball bounces, typically hit while the player is positioned near the net.
Wheelchair Tennis: A version of tennis adapted for players with physical disabilities, played in specially designed wheelchairs.
X-Factor: The factor that can give a player an edge over their opponent, such as a unique playing style or a powerful weapon in their game.
Yellow Ball: The standard color of tennis balls used in most tournaments.
I hope you find these additional terms helpful! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
Ad-In: When the server has the advantage and needs only one more point to win the game.
All-Court Player: A player who is skilled and comfortable playing from all areas of the court, including the baseline, net, and midcourt.
Approach Shot: A shot played by a player moving towards the net, typically after hitting a deep ball to set up a potential volley or overhead.
Bagel: When a player wins a set without their opponent winning a game, resulting in a score of 6-0.
Chip and Charge: A strategy where a player hits a chip shot (a slice or underspin) and immediately rushes to the net to follow it up with a volley.
Dead Net Cord: When the ball hits the top of the net and falls directly over to the other side, resulting in an unexpected bounce.
Ghosting: The practice of simulating tennis movements and footwork during off-court training to improve agility and speed.
Inside-Out: A shot where the player hits the ball diagonally across their body, changing the direction of the shot to the opposite side of the court.
Junk Baller: A player who relies on unpredictable shots, such as slices, drop shots, and lobs, to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm.
Kick Serve: A serve with heavy topspin that causes the ball to bounce high and away from the receiver.
Net Game: A style of play focused on attacking and finishing points at the net, typically involving volleys, overheads, and approaches.
Poaching: In doubles, when the net player moves quickly across the net to intercept and hit a shot intended for the opponent’s partner.
Serve and Volley: A strategy where a player follows their service to the net, aiming to hit a volley and end the point quickly.
Topspin Lob: A lob shot hit with topspin to provide both height and depth, making it difficult for the opponent to reach and attack.
Western Grip: A grip where the base knuckle of the index finger is placed on or near the sixth bevel of the racket handle, facilitating heavy topspin shots.