Tennis Glossary - A thru B
Here are some basic terms used in the game of tennis. If you're just beginning, have been playing for years, or don't play at all, you can use these terms to really "talk tennis".
Ace
A serve that the opponent cannot return; as a verb, to serve an ace.
Ad
Short for advantage; see entries beginning with that word, below.
Advantage
The player who scores the first point after deuce is said to have the advantage, since winning the next point will also win the game.
Advantage court
The left service court, where the receiver takes service when either player has the advantage.
Advantage in
Indicates that the server has the advantage; also called "ad in"
Advantage out
Indicates that the receiver has the advantage; also "ad out"
All
Used in scoring to indicate a tie, as in "40-all."
Alley
One of the areas outside the singles court that come into play in doubles. The alleys are 4 ½ feet wide.
American twist
A serve that has spin causing it to bounce high and to receiver's left, off a right-handed player's racket. Opposite of reverse twist.
Approach shot
A groundstroke played just before you approach the net to volley. A shot played with the aim of winning a point quickly, often hit from mid-court deep into the corner of the opponent's court. The attacking player normally goes to the net to intercept any return with a volley.
ATP
Association of Tennis Professionals. The ATP are the governing body of the men's professional tennis circuit.>
Attack the net
See take the net.
Australian formation
serving formation in doubles wherein the server and server's partner are initially positioned on the same side of the court.
Australian grip
midway between the Eastern and continental to facilitate serve-volley play on grass.
Please note:
B
Backboard
A wall, usually of wood, that's used for practice. It's often marked with a line at the height of the net.
Back court
The area of the court from the baseline to the service line.
Backhand
A stroke that is played on the side of the body with the back of the dominant hand towards the net. For right-handed players, the backhand is played on the left hand side of the body; for left-handed players it is played on the right hand side of the body.
Backspin
Backward rotation on the ball, caused by drawing the racket strings down during the stroke, that results in a low bounce. On some surfaces, the ball may even bounce back toward the net. Also known as underspin. See also chip; chop.
Backstop
A fence, wall, or other boundary behind the end of the court that retains balls within a limited area.
Ball boy/girl
A youngster who retrieves balls, usually from errant serves, to keep the court clear during a match.
Ball toss
The action of tossing the ball into the air to initiate a serve.
Band
The strip of canvas at the top of the net.
Baseline
A line at the end of the court, parallel to the net, that marks the lengthwise boundary of the playing area.
Baseline game
Baseline judge
An official, stationed on a line with the baseline, who is responsible for determining whether shots are in or out. The baseline judges are seated on the same side of the court as the umpire.
Baseline player
A player who practices the baseline game.
Block
To return the ball by holding the racket stationary rather than swinging it.
Break
To win a game as receiver; as a noun, a synonym for service break.
Break back
To win a game as receiver immediately after having suffered a service break.
Break point
The point in a game where the server risks losing his serve. For example, the score could be 30-40, 15-40, 40-Advantage, etc. When the server loses the Break Point, and therefore loses the game, this is termed a Service Break.
Bye
The right to advance to the next round of a tournament without playing a match. Top-seeded players are often given byes in the first round. See seed.
