Tennis Glossary - G to I
Game
A contest in which one player or side serves throughout. The first contestant to take four points wins the game, but the margin of victory must be at least two points. Scoring follows the sequence, Fifteen-Thirty-Forty-Game. If both players or sides reach forty, it's called deuce. See also advantage; deuce; set; match.
Game point
A point that will end the game if it is won by the leading player or side. See also set point; match point.
Game-set
Part of an announcement that a player has won the decisive game in a set, as in, "Game-set to Miss Jones."
Game-set-match
Part of an announcement that a player has won the decisive game in a match, as in, "Game-set-match to Miss Jones."
Grand Slam
There are four tournaments in the "Grand Slam" of tennis: The Australian, French, and U. S. Opens and England's Wimbledon championship. The phrase came from contract bridge by way of golf.
Groundstroke
A shot hit from the back court or behind the baseline after the ball has bounced; the standard shot in tennis.
Please note:these are the fundamentals to play tennis and something one should always practice on improving!
Hacker
A beginning to intermediate player
Half court
The area of the court in the vicinity of the service line.
Half-court line
Another name for the center service line.
Half volley
A shot on which the ball is struck just after it has hit the court. Also used as a verb.
Head
The part of the racket comprising the frame and strings.
Heavy ball
A shot hit with topspin, which drops sharply.
Hit on the rise
To play the ball before it has reached the highest point of its bounce.
Hold serve
To win a game in which the player is serving.
Hopper
A container that holds large quantities of tennis balls. ( also called a ballhopper)
I-formation
(in doubles) a formation where the server and partner stand on the same side of the court (deuce or advantage court) before starting the pointInside-out
running around one side (e.g. the backhand side) and hitting a crosscourt shot
Inside-in
running around one side and hitting it down the line; less popular than the inside-out
Insurance Break
– Obtaining an overall advantage of two breaks of serve.
