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.