Tennis/Terminology

Basic Tennis Terms


 * Volley:usually deflecting the ball at the net.


 * Serve:usually an overhand hit used to get the ball in play.


 * Forehand:a hit with the inside of the hitting hand facing the court, almost always a one-handed shot.


 * Backhand:a hit the back of the hitting hand facing the court. Can be a one or two-handed shot.  The two-handed backhand, though difficult for some, if mastered, offers good power, direction, and spin.  The one-handed backhand offers power, speed, and flexibility.


 * Racquet:the stringed bat used to hit the tennis ball.


 * Backspin:when the ball is literally spinning backwards while traveling forwards. Produces a low bounce and/or less forward motion after the bounce.


 * Topspin:when the ball is spinning forward while traveling forward. Usually produces a high bounce.


 * Slice:hitting the ball with left or right side spin, produces a low or sideways bounce.


 * Rally:hitting the ball back and forth.