Tennis Terms

There are 46 entries in this glossary.
Search for glossary terms (regular expression allowed)
Begins with Contains Exact term
All | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | P | R | S | T | V
Page:  1 2 3 4 5 Next »

All

Term Definition
Ace
A serve where the receiver fails to return or even touch the ball. The point is won by the server.
Actual Tension
The tension in a strung racquet, which will almost always be lower than the machine setting, or reference tension. This is due (mostly) to string relaxation, or creep. As a result, a racquet strung at 60 pounds may actually measure (with a Stringmeter) 50-55 pounds, depending on head size, type of string and machine type used.
Ad-Court(advantage court)
The Ad-Court or Advantage Court is the left hand side of the court from where both players have the ability to win a Game.
Advantage
The point being played after a Deuce. A player who has the Advantage and wins the next point wins the game.
Approach Shot
Usually occurs when a ball is hit short of the baseline. The receiving player then moves forward to the ball and places it deep in his/her opponents court, while continue moving forward to the net in order to kill off the point with a volley.
ATP
Association of Tennis Professionals. The ATP are the governing body of the men's professional tennis circuit.
Backhand
To hit the ball accross your body. Accross the left of your body if you are right handed, and accross the right of your body if you are left handed.
Backspin
To hit the bottom of the ball making it spin backwards while moving forwards. See also Dropshot or Slice.
Balance
Static measure of weight distribution in a racquet and measured from the butt end in inches and/or centimeters. Commonly referenced in "points" head light or head heavy - each "point" represents 1/8 inch. Generally speaking, heavier racquets are head light to maintain maneuverability, while most of today's super-light racquets are head heavy to supply enough mass (which translates into power) to the area of the frame where the ball is being contacted. A 27 inch racquet with a balance point of 12-1/2 inches is 1 inch, or 8 points head light (even balance would be 13-1/2 inches). A 28 inch racquet with a balance point of 15 inches is 1 inch (or 8 points) head heavy. Static balance ultimately affects swingweight (see below), which is a dynamic measure of racquet maneuverability.
Baseline
The lines at either end of the tennis court, where you serve from.
Page:  1 2 3 4 5 Next »