Tennis is a sport rich in tradition and terminology, with each term representing a unique aspect of the game. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced player, understanding the basic terms of tennis is essential for appreciating the strategy and skill involved.
From the different types of strokes to the scoring system and other important aspects of the game, these terms form the foundation of how tennis is played and discussed. This guide will take you through the most fundamental tennis terms, helping you become more familiar with the language of the sport.
Basic Tennis Terms
Strokes
Serve: The serve is an overarm stroke used to start a rally. It is hit from behind the baseline, aiming to place the ball in the opponent’s service box.
Forehand: This stroke is executed by swinging the racket across the body from the dominant hand side towards the non-dominant side. It is often the most powerful and reliable stroke in a player’s arsenal.
Backhand: A backhand stroke involves hitting the ball from the non-dominant side towards the dominant side. Players can use either one or both hands to perform this stroke.
Volley: The volley is a stroke where the player strikes the ball before it touches the ground, usually performed close to the net to quickly respond to the opponent’s shot.
Lob: A lob is a defensive stroke where the player hits the ball high into the air, often over the head of the opponent, to push them back toward the baseline.
Smash: The smash is a powerful overhead shot, typically executed when the ball is high in the air, allowing the player to hit it forcefully downward into the opponent’s court.
Tweener: A tweener is a trick shot where the player hits the ball between their legs while facing away from the opponent. It’s often used in response to a lob when the player has no time to turn around.
Slice: The slice is a shot with an underspin, causing the ball to have a lower bounce. It is often used to change the pace of a rally or to keep the ball low.
Top Spin: This stroke involves striking the ball with a forward rotation, causing it to spin in the direction of travel. The top spin shot typically results in a higher bounce, making it difficult for the opponent to return.
Half Volley: The half volley is a challenging stroke where the player hits the ball immediately after it bounces, with the racket positioned close to the ground.
Buggy Whip: This is a forehand groundstroke characterized by the racket’s follow-through going around the player’s head rather than the shoulder. Rafael Nadal is well-known for using this style of forehand.
Points
Ace: An ace is a serve that lands in the service box and is not touched by the opponent, winning the point outright.
Deuce: When the score in a game reaches 40-40, it is called deuce, indicating that one player must win two consecutive points to win the game.
Egalite: The term for deuce in the French Open.
Advantage: After deuce, the player who wins the next point is said to have the advantage. If they win the following point, they win the game; if not, the score returns to deuce.
Break: When a player wins a game on their opponent’s serve, it is referred to as a break.
Double Fault: A double fault occurs when a player fails to get either of their two serve attempts into the service box, resulting in the loss of a point.
Foot Fault: A foot fault happens when the server steps over the baseline before making contact with the ball.
Pulp: When the score is 30-30, it is called pulp.
Miscellaneous
Whiff: When a player completely misses the ball during a stroke, it is called a whiff. If this happens on a serve, it is considered a fault.
Poaching: In doubles, poaching is an aggressive move where the player at the net intercepts a shot intended for their partner.
No-Man’s Land: This is the area between the baseline and the service line, where players are generally advised not to linger, as it can leave them vulnerable to attack.
Bagel: A player wins a bagel when they take a set 6-0, meaning the opponent did not win a single game in that set.
Golden Set: A golden set occurs when a player wins a set without dropping a single point, a rare and impressive feat in tennis.
Understanding these basic tennis terms is crucial for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of the game. Whether you’re playing, watching, or discussing tennis, these terms help you appreciate the nuances and strategies involved. As you continue to learn and practice, these terms will become second nature, enhancing your overall experience of the sport.
Remember, tennis is not just about physical skill but also about mastering the language that defines the game. So, keep these terms in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more informed and effective player or fan.
