Tennis/Terminology

Basic Tennis Terms

Volley

a hit, or series of hits, done without the ball touching the ground.

Serve

a usually 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 (or Racket)

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.