Tennis terms for new parents

Scoring terms

These words explain the score. For the full picture, read tennis rules for beginners.

Ace

A legal serve that lands in the correct box and that the returner cannot touch.

Advantage

The point won right after deuce. Win the next point too and you win the game.

Deuce

A score of 40-40. A player must win two points in a row to win the game.

Double fault

Two missed serves in a row, which loses the point.

Fault

A serve that does not land in the correct service box, hits the net without landing in the box, or is hit with a foot fault.

Game

A unit of scoring made up of points. The first to win four points, with a two-point lead, wins it.

Love

Zero.

Set

A group of games. In standard rules, the first to win six games with a two-game lead wins it.

Tiebreak

A special game that decides a set when the players are tied at six games each, in many formats.

Court terms

Alley

The strip between the singles and doubles sidelines, which is in play only in doubles.

Baseline

The line at the back of the court at each end.

Net

The barrier across the middle of the court that the ball must clear.

Service box

One of the two areas on each side of the net where a serve must land.

Let

A point or serve that is replayed, for example when a serve touches the net cord and still lands in the correct box, or when a ball from another court interrupts play.

Shot terms

Forehand

A groundstroke hit on the same side as the hitting hand.

Backhand

A groundstroke hit on the opposite side from the hitting hand. It can be played with one hand or two.

Groundstroke

Any shot hit after the ball has bounced.

Volley

A shot hit before the ball bounces, usually near the net.

Lob

A high shot that goes over an opponent who is at the net.

Rally

A series of shots back and forth in one point.

Unforced error

A miss that was not caused by a good shot from the opponent.

Overgrip

A thin wrap placed over the racquet handle for comfort and grip.

More words you may hear

Changeover

The short break when players switch sides of the net, in standard rules after the first game and then every odd-numbered game, and a good moment to drink water.

Approach shot

A shot hit while moving forward toward the net.

Drop shot

A soft shot that barely clears the net and lands close to it.

Slice

A shot hit with backspin, which usually makes the ball stay lower after the bounce.

Topspin

Forward spin on the ball that makes it dip down and bounce up.

Warm-up

The easy hitting players do before a match starts to loosen up.

Grip

Either the handle of the racquet or the way a player holds it.

Bye

When a player advances in a tournament without playing a match in that round, often because the draw has an uneven number of players.

How to use this glossary

You do not need to memorize everything. Pick up a few words at a time as you watch practices and matches, and ask your child to explain what they are learning. Kids often enjoy being the expert, and teaching a parent helps them remember. If the coach uses a term you do not see here, ask for a quick explanation. Programs differ in the words they emphasize, and different regions sometimes use slightly different phrases.

Format terms

Singles

One player against one player.

Doubles

Two players against two players. See singles vs doubles.

Seed

A player placed in a tournament draw by ranking so strong players do not meet early.

Draw

The chart showing who plays whom in a tournament.

You will hear more terms as your child plays. Ask the coach whenever one is unclear, and visit the tennis hub for more guides.