Tennis Glossary - T to Z
Tanking
to purposely lose a match, because of poor mental game or others; or to purposely lose a non-vital set, so as to focus energy and attention on a match-deciding set
Tennis Ball
a soft, hollow, air-filled rubber ball coated in a synthetic fur, usually colored in yellow-green, used in the game of tennis
T
where the center line and service line intersect to form a T.
Tennis Elbow
A common injury in beginner to indermediate tennis players possibly due to improper technique or a racket which transmits excessive vibration to the arm.
Tiebreak
(also called: tiebreaker) – a special game at the score 6-6 in a set to decide the winner of the set; the winner is the first to reach at least seven points with a difference of two over the opponent.
Topspin
spin of a ball that goes forward over the top of the ball, causing the ball to dip and bounce higher
Touch
Occurs when a player touches any part of the net when the ball is still in play resulting in losing the point
Tour
Professional tennis tour, ATP and WTA
Tramline
a line defining the limit of play on the side of a singles or doubles court.
Tweener
a trick shot first popularized by Yannick Noah which involves hitting the ball between the legs from front to rear while retrieving an offensive lob.
Twist Serve
A serve hit with a combination of slice and topsin which results in a curving trajectory and high bounce in the opposite direction of the balls flight trajectory.
-----------------------------------Underspin
spin of a ball that goes forward; the spin is underneath the ball, causing the ball to float and bounce lower
Umpire
(during play) – an independent person designated to enforce the rules of the game in a match, usually sitting on a high chair beside the net
Unforced error
during play, an error in a service or return shot that cannot be attributed to any factor other than poor judgement by the player.
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Vibrazorb
A small device placed in between the strings near the throat of the racket for the purpose of dampening vibration
Volley
a forehand or backhand shot executed before the ball bounces in the court.
-----------------------------------Walkover
an unopposed victory. A walkover may be awarded as a bye, or more commonly because the opponent defaulted by being disqualified or failing to attend the match—including after withdrawal due to injury.
Wild card
a player allowed to play in a tournament, even if his/her rank is not adequate or does not register in time
Winner
(occurs during a rally) a forcing shot that can not be reached by the opponent and wins the point; (service) a forcing serve that is reached by the opponent, but is not returned properly, and wins the point
wrong foot
To hit a shot to the court of an opponent who is leaning or running the opposite direction
