Ace – A serve that lands inside the lines and is untouched by the opponent, thereby scoring a point.
Advantage – The player or team which wins the deuce point is said to have the advantage. If the player serving won the deuce point, it is called “advantage in” or Ad-In. If the opposing player or team won the point, it is called “advantage out” or Ad-Out. If the player who has the advantage wins the point, they win the game. Otherwise, the score goes back to deuce.
Ad Court – The left side of the tennis court. Ad points are always served from this side.
Approach Shot – A shot that the player follows, allowing them to transition from the baseline to the net.
ATP – The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) is the principal governing body of men’s professional tennis.
Backspin – A ball hit with backspin rotates backwards, usually helping the ball to stay lower.
Backhand – Type of groundstroke in which the player swings the racquet around her body with the back of the hand preceding the palm of the other hand. As opposed to Forehand.
Bagel – When a player doesn’t win any games, losing a set 6-0.
Break – When you win a game against your opponent that was serving.
Break Point – The receiver is said to have a break point whenever he is in a situation where a point won results in him winning the game off of the server.
Deep – A longer shot that lands closer to the baseline than the service line.
Deuce – When the score is tied at 40-40.
Deuce Court – The right side of the tennis court. Deuce points are always served from this side.
Double Fault – When a player misses both serves and loses the point.
Doubles – Playing tennis with four players (2v2).
Error – Any shot that lands outside the court boundary lines.
Fault – Any unsuccessful serve attempt. There are many ways a serve can be a fault, including being stopped by the net and landing outside the service box.
Foot Fault – If the player serving walks or touches the baseline during the serve, this is considered a fault.
Forehand – Type of groundstroke in which the player swings across her body with an open palm. As opposed to Backhand.
Forced Error – When a player is unable to return a very difficult or un-returnable shot. As opposed to an unforced error.
Grand Slams – The Grand Slam tournaments, also called majors, are the four most important international tennis events. They include the Australian Open, the French Open (also known as Roland Garros), Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Groundstroke – A stroke after the ball has bounced on your side of the court. Forehands and backhands are both groundstrokes.
Kick Serve – A serve hit with a lot topspin, causing the ball to go very high.
Let – When a serve touches the net but still lands in the service box. The serve is replayed after a let.
Lob – A shot that is hit high and deep.
Overhead – A shot that is hit above the hitter’s head with a serve-like motion. Also called a smash.
Singles – Playing tennis with two players (1v1).
Smash – A shot that is hit above the hitter’s head with a serve-like motion. Also called an overhead.
Unforced Error – When a player misses and easy shot. As opposed to a forced error.
Volley – A shot that is hit before it bounces on the ground.
WTA – The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is the principal governing body of professional women’s tennis.