Tennis Vocabulary
Instructions: Serve up your knowledge of tennis terms and lingo!
- 1.
In tennis, what is a 'let'?
AA fault on the second serveBA volley hit from behind the baselineCA serve that clips the net but lands in the correct service box, requiring a replayDA point won without the opponent touching the ball - 2.
What does 'deuce' mean in tennis scoring?
AThe score is 30-30BThe score is tied at 40-40CThe second set of the matchDA double fault - 3.
In tennis, what is a 'drop shot'?
AA shot hit from behind the bodyBA serve that drops below the netCA shot that bounces twice before the opponent reaches itDA softly hit shot that lands just over the net - 4.
What is an 'ace' in tennis?
AA shot hit down the middle of the courtBA serve that the opponent cannot return at allCThe first point of a tie-breakDWinning a game without losing a point - 5.
In tennis, what does 'break of serve' mean?
AWinning a game when the opponent is servingBA pause during the server's motionCA serve that breaks the stringsDThe interval between sets - 6.
What is a 'topspin' shot in tennis?
AA shot where the ball spins backward, staying lowBA lob hit high into the airCA shot where the ball spins forward, dipping quickly after crossing the netDA shot that floats without any spin - 7.
In tennis, what is a 'bagel'?
AWinning a set 6-0BA round tournament trophyCA circular motion in the serveDA ball that spins in a circle - 8.
What is the 'no-man's land' in tennis?
AThe area between the baseline and the service lineBThe space directly under the netCThe area outside the court linesDThe area between the doubles and singles sidelines - 9.
In tennis, what is a 'volley'?
AA shot hit from behind the baselineBHitting the ball before it bouncesCA rally of more than ten shotsDThe opening shot of a game - 10.
What is a 'Grand Slam' in tennis?
AWinning a match without losing a single gameBWinning any four tournaments in a yearCWinning three sets in a rowDWinning all four major tournaments in a calendar year - 11.
In tennis, what does 'advantage' mean?
AServing from the preferred sideBHaving a higher rankingCLeading by two setsDThe point scored immediately after deuce - 12.
What is a 'passing shot' in tennis?
AA shot played between the legsBA shot that passes just over the netCA groundstroke hit past an opponent who is at the netDA serve that passes the opponent - 13.
In tennis, what is a 'tweener'?
AA match played between two teenagersBA ball landing on the lineCA tie-break between setsDA shot hit between the legs while running away from the net - 14.
What does 'double fault' mean in tennis?
AMissing both the first and second serveBTwo errors in a single rallyCTwo consecutive lets on a serveDBeing penalized twice in one game - 15.
In tennis, what is a 'lob'?
AA short forehand sliceBA shot hit high into the air, intended to sail over an opponent at the netCA serve hit with backspinDA rally that lasts fewer than three shots
Answer Key
A let occurs when a serve touches the net cord but still lands in the correct service box. The serve is replayed without penalty.
Deuce in tennis means the score is tied at 40-40. A player must win two consecutive points from deuce to win the game.
A drop shot is a softly struck ball designed to barely clear the net and land close to it, catching an opponent who is positioned far back.
An ace is a legal serve that is not touched by the receiver, resulting in a point for the server. It is often hit with great speed or placement.
A break of serve occurs when the receiving player wins the game against the server, which is significant because the server has a natural advantage.
Topspin is forward rotation on the ball, created by brushing up on it. It causes the ball to dip sharply and bounce high, a key weapon in modern tennis.
A 'bagel' is slang for winning a set 6-0, because the zero resembles the shape of a bagel. A 'double bagel' means winning both sets 6-0.
No-man's land is the area between the baseline and the service line, considered a vulnerable position because balls bounce at the player's feet.
A volley is a shot made by hitting the ball before it bounces on the court, typically executed near the net.
A Grand Slam in tennis means winning all four major championships (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) in the same calendar year.
Advantage is the point scored immediately after deuce (40-40). The player who wins this point has the 'advantage' and needs one more point to win the game.
A passing shot is a groundstroke hit past an opponent who has come to the net, either down the line or cross-court, out of their reach.
A tweener (or 'hotdog') is a trick shot hit between the player's legs, usually while running away from the net to retrieve a lob.
A double fault occurs when a server fails to get either the first or second serve into play, resulting in the loss of that point.
A lob is a high-arcing shot intended to sail over the head of an opponent positioned at the net, either defensively to buy time or offensively to win the point.