Understanding the terminology of tennis is essential whether you’re a seasoned player, a budding enthusiast, or simply a spectator.
This guide will walk you through a comprehensive list of terms commonly used in the world of tennis.
Scoring
Point
The smallest unit of scoring. A point is awarded to a player when their opponent fails to return the ball legally, hits the ball out of the court, or commits a fault or double fault during service.
Game
A part of a set that is completed when one player or team either wins four points and is at least two points ahead of his or her opponent, or who wins two points in a row after deuce.
Set
A scoring unit awarded to a player or team that has won either: (a) 6 or more games and has a two-game lead; or (b) 6 games and the tiebreak game when played at 6-all.
Match
The overall contest, usually decided by the best two-out-of-three sets.
Deuce
A score of 40-all, or 40-40. This means the score is tied and each side has won at least three points.
Advantage (Ad)
Short for Advantage.
It is the point scored after Deuce.
If the serving side scores, it is Ad-in.
If the receiving side scores, it is Ad-out.
No-Ad
A system of scoring a game in which the first player to win four points wins the game.
If the score reaches 3-all, the next point decides the game.
Tiebreak
A system in traditional tennis used to decide a set when the score is tied, 6-all.
All
An even score. 30-30 is, for example, 30-all. 3-3 would be 3-all.
Service Break
A game won by the player/team receiving serve.
Court Terms
Alley
The area between the singles and doubles sideline on each side of the court.
The singles court is made wider for doubles play by the addition of the alley.
Backcourt
The area around the baseline.
Baseline
The court’s back line that runs parallel to the net and perpendicular to the sidelines.
Deuce Court
The right side of the court, so called because on a deuce score, the ball is served there.
No Man’s Land
A slang term for the area between the service line and the baseline.
Out
A ball landing outside the boundary lines of the court.
Player Positions and Actions
Serve (Service)
The act of putting the ball into play for each point.
Related: Serve Rules
Server
The player who serves.
Receiver
The player who receives the serve. Also known as the Returner.
Approach
The shot hit by a player just before coming to the net.
Poach
To hit a ball in doubles at the net that would normally have been played by one’s partner.
Strokes
Ace
A ball that is served so well the opponent cannot touch it with their racquet.
Backhand
The stroke used to return balls hit to the left side of a right-handed player (or to the right side of a left-handed player).
Backhands are hit either one-handed or two-handed.
Forehand
The stroke used to return balls hit to the right side of a right-handed player (or to the left side of a left-handed player).
Forehands are commonly hit one-handed.
Related: Tennis Grip Guide
Ground Stroke
A stroke made after the ball has bounced; either a forehand or backhand.
Half-Volley
The stroke made by hitting a ball immediately after is has touched the ground, usually implies hitting the ball low on the short hop.
Lob
A stroke that lifts the ball high in the air, usually over the head of the opponent at the net.
Overhead
During play, a stroke made with the racquet above the head in a motion similar to that of an overhand serve.
Volley
During play, a stroke made by hitting the ball before it has touched the ground.
Smash
A hard overhead shot.
Drop Shot
A softly hit ball with lots of backspin that lands near the net after crossing it.
Slice
A shot that imparts backspin on the ball by hitting the ball with a high-to-low motion.
Topspin
Forward rotation of the ball caused by hitting from low to high.
Spin
The rotation of the ball. (i.e., “topspin” or “backspin”)
Stroke
The act of striking the ball with the racquet.
Faults
Fault
A served ball that does not land in the proper service box.
Double Fault
The failure of both service attempts. On a double fault, the server loses the point.
Foot Fault
A fault called against the server for stepping on or over the baseline with either foot during delivery of the serve.
Others
Doubles
A match with four players, two on each team.
Rally
A series of good hits made successfully by players. Also, the practice procedure in which players hit the ball back and forth to each other.
Let
A point played over because of interference. Also, a serve that hits the top of the net but is otherwise good, in which case the serve is taken again.
By understanding these terms, you’ll be better equipped to follow the game, whether you’re watching from the sidelines, discussing it with friends, or stepping onto the court yourself.
FAQs – Tennis Terms
1. What does the term “Ace” mean in tennis?
An “Ace” in tennis refers to a serve that is so well executed that the opponent does not even touch the ball with their racquet.
It is an indication of a powerful and accurate serve.
2. What is meant by “Ad” in tennis?
“Ad” is short for “Advantage.” This is the point scored after a deuce, which is a score of 40-40.
If the serving side scores, it is referred to as “Ad-in,” and if the receiving side scores, it is referred to as “Ad-out.”
3. What does the term “Alley” refer to in tennis?
In tennis, an “Alley” refers to the area between the singles and doubles sideline on each side of the court.
The singles court is made wider for doubles play by the addition of the alley.
4. What is an “Approach” shot in tennis?
An “Approach” shot in tennis is a shot hit by a player just before they approach the net.
It is usually an aggressive shot intending to force a weak return from the opponent, which sets up for a winning volley or smash.
5. Can you explain what a “Backhand” stroke is?
A “Backhand” stroke is used to return balls hit to the left side of a right-handed player (or the right side of a left-handed player).
Players can use either one hand or two hands to hit a backhand stroke, depending on their style and the situation.
6. What is a “Double Fault” in tennis?
A “Double Fault” occurs when the server fails to get the ball into the correct service box on both service attempts.
When this happens, the server loses the point outright.
7. What does the term “Deuce” mean in tennis?
“Deuce” in tennis refers to a score of 40-all, or 40-40. This means the score is tied and each side has won at least three points.
The game must then be won by two points.
8. Can you explain what a “Drop Shot” is?
A “Drop Shot” in tennis is a softly hit ball that has a lot of backspin and lands near the net after crossing it.
This shot is often used to catch an opponent off guard, particularly if they are positioned far from the net.
9. What is a “Foot Fault” in tennis?
A “Foot Fault” in tennis is a type of service fault that occurs when the server steps on or over the baseline with either foot during the delivery of the serve.
This results in the serve being called out, and can lead to a double fault if the server doesn’t correct this error on their second serve.
10. What is meant by “No-Ad” in tennis?
“No-Ad” refers to a system of scoring a game in which the first player to win four points wins the game.
If the score reaches 3-all, the next point decides the game, regardless of who served it. This scoring system makes games faster and more unpredictable.
11. What is the “Tiebreak” in tennis?
A “Tiebreak” in tennis is a system used to decide a set when the score is tied, 6-all.
In a tiebreak, players alternate service and the first player to reach at least seven points with a margin of two points wins the set.
12. What does the term “Volley” refer to in tennis?
In tennis, a “Volley” refers to a stroke made by hitting the ball before it has touched the ground.
This is typically executed near the net and requires quick reflexes and precision.
