| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ace |
A serve where the receiver fails to return or even touch the ball. The point is won by the server.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Advantage |
The point being played after a Deuce. A player who has the Advantage and wins the next point wins the game.
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| 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.
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| ATP |
Association of Tennis Professionals. The ATP are the governing body of the men's professional tennis circuit.
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| 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.
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| Backspin |
To hit the bottom of the ball making it spin backwards while moving forwards. See also Dropshot or Slice.
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| 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.
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| Baseline |
The lines at either end of the tennis court, where you serve from.
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