| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 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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| Baseline Tennis |
Lleyton Hewitt is the perfect example, as he is a Baseliner. It simply means that players remain on the baseline during a rally. This method of trying to win points can be tiring, but a good Baseliner will either wear down an opponent or set them up for passing shot.
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| Best of Three (or Five) |
This is the number of Sets to be played in a match. Men usually play Best of Five where they need to win 3 Sets to win the game. Women usually play Best of Three where they need to win 2 Sets to win the game.
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| Blue Collar Tennis |
You're under pressure in a match and need to work extra hard to win those points!
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| Break of Serve |
When the server loses the Break Point, and therefore loses the game, this is termed a Break of Service.
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| Break Point |
The point in a game where the server risks losing his serve. For example, the score could be 30-40, 15-40, 40-Advantage, etc.
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| Bye |
Before the start of a tournament seeded players can be given a Bye, which means they are automatically awarded a place in the second round of the tournament.
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