---
title: "Tennis Glossary - Download Resource PDF"
url: https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/resources/tennis-glossary-1706/
description: "Our free Tennis Glossary describes all the key terminology in tennis. Download this PDF resource today"
---

# Tennis Glossary

## Download Resource PDF

[Download Now](https://media-prod.pehub.eject.pro/cms-sync/cG9zdDoxNzk2MTE1)

This glossary is our full guide to key tennis vocabulary and tennis terminology. Available as a downloadable PDF you can print and stick on a wall.

**Ace –** When a point is won with the **serving shot**.

**Backhand** - is when a player hits a ball with the back of their hand facing the ball. This usually happens when a right-handed player hits a ball on their left side.

**Backcourt** – The back section of a tennis **court**. It is the furthest part of the court away from the net on either side of the court.

**Backspin –** The spin on a ball that causes it to bounce low when landing, making it harder to return.

**Baseline –** The line at the very back of the **court** on both sides of the net.

**Boundaries** – A defined space where a tennis match is played. The size can be changed depending on the area or numbers playing.

**Break –** When the player who does not **serve** to start a **point** wins a **game**.

**Court** – The standardised area where a tennis match is played. It is split into two equal sides, divided by a **net** in the middle.

**Cross-court –** A shot hit diagonally across the **court**, over the **net**.

**Doubles –** A match played 2 v 2.

**Doubles Alley** - The 4.5 foot section of a tennis court on either side used when playing doubles. It is used to expand the effective playable width of the court to accommodate the greater number of players.

**Double fault –** When a player who is **serving** commits two **faults** in a row. This leads to the opponent winning a **point.**

**Fault –** When a **serve** does not land correctly into play. 

**First serve –** The first attempt at hitting a legal **serve** by a player.

**Forecourt –** The part of the **court** closest to the **net** on either side. It is usually considered between the net and the **service line**.

**Forehand –** Hitting a ball whilst the palm of your hand is facing the ball. So, for example, a right-handed hit where the ball is on the right side of the body.

![tennis forehand](https://media-prod.pehub.eject.pro/tennis forehand.png)

A tennis glossary can help teachers gain a solid foundation for the terminology and keywords they may encounter when teaching the unit.

**Game –** Part of the scoring system in tennis. A player wins a game by being the first to win 5 **points**. In turn, a player must be the first to win 6 games by 2 clear games to win a **set.** E.g a player could win 6-4 or 6-3 but not 6-5…the game would have to go onto another point to win 7-5.

**Let –** When a **serve** hits the **net** but still lands as a legal serve. No fault is applied in this instance, and the server retakes the shot.

**Lob –** A shot that is hit high in the air. The aim is to go over the opponent and land near the **baseline** in the **backcourt**.

**Love –** The name given when a player has a score of zero. This could be **points** or **games.**

**Mid-court –** The middle part of the **court** on either side of the net.

**Net Play** – Playing a shot when in the **forecourt**.

**Net** – The dividing material between the two halves of the court

**Out of bounds –** Any area where a **ball** lands that would not win a point. Often, this would be outside the **court** markings.

**Point –** Part of the scoring system in tennis. A player wins a point by forcing an opponent to either not return a ball or return it **out of bounds.** A player needs to win 4 points to win a **game.** Love = 0, 15 = 1, 30 = 2, 40 = 3, Game = 4.

**Racquet/racket –** The equipment used in tennis to hit the ball.

![tennis basic grip](https://media-prod.pehub.eject.pro/tennis basic grip.png)

We have glossaries for all sports and activities on The PE Hub platform including tennis.

**Rally** – Hitting of shots between two or more players, where players take turns to hit the **ball**.  

**Second Serve -** The player's second attempt at hitting a legal serve. If a player **faults** a second serve, their opponent takes the **point**.

**Self-feed**– The throwing or dropping of a **ball** to be hit and commonly used for a **serve**. 

**Serve** – The shot played to start a **rally** or a point. It is a shot that travels diagonally **cross-court**.

**Service line –** A line in the centre of each half of the **court** parallel to the **net.** A **service** has to bounce over this line to be a legal **serve.**

**Set -** Part of the scoring system in tennis. A player wins a set by being the first to win 6 **games or** by two clear points e.g. 7-5.

**Singles –** When a game is played 1 v 1

**Topspin -** The spin on a ball that causes it to dip down lower over the **net** and then bounce higher when landing, making it harder to return.

**Umpire –** The name of the official of the match. They enforce the rules and make calls on any infractions that may take place during a game.

**Volley –** A shot played to a ball hit over the **net** before it bounces**.**

**Winner –** A shot that wins a **point** for the player hitting it that is unreturnable by the opponent.

## Other Resources You May Find Helpful

- [Tennis forehand shot](https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/resources/tennis-forehand-shot-445/)
- [Tennis scoring information](https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/resources/tennis-scoring-explained-1363/)

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