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Tennis vocabulary and match terms for players

This list suits new players, students, and fans who want to follow a tennis match or lesson with confidence. It covers strokes, court positions, and the sport's unusual scoring language. Learn a few words before watching or playing a match, then try to spot them in real play.

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Tennis vocabulary and match terms for players

26 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
serveverbTo perform duties for someone, provide something needed, or present food or drink to someone.The waiter served our meals promptly despite the busy, crowded restaurant.
volleynounA number of things, such as shots, blows, or questions, released or delivered together in quick succession.The soldiers fired a volley of shots into the air to mark the ceremony.
backhandnounA stroke in tennis or a similar sport made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the swing.Her powerful backhand surprised opponents who expected a weaker return on that side.
forehandnounA stroke in tennis or a similar sport made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the swing.She won the point with a powerful forehand hit down the line.
rallynounA large public gathering held to show support for a cause, campaign, or team.Thousands of supporters attended the rally in the city square before the election.
acenounA person who is extremely skilled at a particular activity.Her older brother is an ace at chess and rarely loses a match.
faultnounResponsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing, or a flaw or defect in something.It was clearly his fault that the car ran out of gas on the highway.
deucenounIn tennis, a tied score of forty points each, after which a player must win two consecutive points to take the game.The players traded long rallies until the game reached deuce for the third time.
advantagenounA condition or circumstance that puts someone or something in a favorable or superior position.Speaking three languages gave her a clear advantage in the job interview.
baselinenounA minimum or starting point used as a reference for comparison or measurement.The doctor recorded a baseline blood pressure reading before starting the new medication.
topspinnounA forward spin given to a ball that makes it dip and bounce higher after hitting the ground.She hit the tennis ball with heavy topspin to keep it inside the court.
slicenounA thin, flat piece cut from something larger, especially food.She cut a thick slice of bread and spread butter across it.
lobverbTo throw, hit, or kick something in a slow, high arc.She lobbed the tennis ball gently over the net to catch her opponent off guard.
smashverbTo break something violently into pieces, or to strike it with great force.The vase smashed into pieces when it fell off the shelf.
doublesnounA match or game played by two teams of two players each, as in tennis or table tennis.They entered the club tournament together and won the mixed doubles final.
singlesnounPeople who are not married or in a committed romantic relationship.The app was designed to help singles in the city meet new people.
umpirenounAn official who supervises a sports match to enforce the rules and make judgment calls.The umpire called the runner out at second base after a close play.
racketnounA light bat with a round or oval frame strung with tight cord, used to hit a ball in sports such as tennis.She restrung her tennis racket before the tournament because the old strings had worn thin.
gripnounA firm hold on something, or the ability to hold something firmly.He tightened his grip on the rope as the wind picked up.
footworknounThe skillful movement and placement of the feet, especially in sports, dance, or fighting.The boxer's quick footwork let him dodge every punch his opponent threw.
break pointnounIn tennis, a point that, if won by the receiving player, ends the current game for the server.She saved three break points in a row to hold her serve.
tiebreaknounA special game or round used to decide a winner when a match or contest is tied.The set went to a tiebreak after both players won six games each.
letverbTo allow or permit something to happen or someone to do something.Her parents let her stay out later on weekends now that she is older.
drop shotnounA softly hit shot in tennis or badminton designed to fall just over the net, hard to return.She caught her opponent off guard with a perfectly placed drop shot.
sidelinenounOne of the lines marking the boundary along the side of a playing field, or the area just outside it.The injured player watched the rest of the game from the sideline.
netadjectiveRemaining after all relevant deductions, such as taxes or expenses, have been made.Her net pay was much lower than her salary after taxes and insurance.

Understanding tennis scoring words

Tennis scoring uses its own vocabulary, which can confuse newcomers. Deuce means the score is tied after both players reach three points, and advantage describes whichever player scores next. A break-point is a chance to win a game on the opponent's serve, while a tiebreak decides a set once the game score is even. Knowing these words makes following or keeping score much easier.

Frequently asked questions

What does deuce mean in tennis?

Deuce is a tied score of 40-40 in a game, after which a player must win two points in a row to take the game.

What is the difference between a volley and a rally?

A volley is a shot hit before the ball bounces, usually near the net, while a rally is the back-and-forth exchange of shots between players during a point.