This tennis glossary explains the words you will hear on court and on TV, from scoring terms like love, deuce and advantage to shots like the drop shot, lob and slice, plus common match, equipment and tournament terms. Tennis has its own vocabulary, and knowing it makes it easier to follow matches, understand coaching and play by the rules. Terms are grouped by topic, with short, plain definitions. A quick-reference table covers the most common words, followed by sections on scoring, serving, shots, court and equipment, tournaments and slang, then tips for learning the language of tennis.
Rulebook note: Official definitions of scoring, faults, lets and other rules come from the ITF Rules of Tennis. Tours, federations and leagues may use additional terms or formats, such as no-ad scoring and match tiebreaks. Check the current rules for your event when a term affects play.
Quick reference: the most common terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace | A legal serve the receiver does not touch |
| Advantage | The point after deuce |
| Break | Winning a game on the opponent’s serve |
| Deuce | 40-40 in a game |
| Double fault | Missing both serves, losing the point |
| Let | A serve that clips the net and lands in, replayed |
| Love | Zero |
| Unforced error | A mistake not caused by the opponent’s shot |
Scoring terms
Love: Zero. A game score of 15-love means the server has won one point and the receiver none.
15, 30, 40: The first, second and third points in a game.
Game: Won by the first player to win four points with a lead of two.
Deuce: A score of 40-40, after which a player must win two points in a row.
Advantage: The point won after deuce. Often called ad in or ad out depending on whether the server or receiver has it.
Set: A group of games, usually won by the first player to six games with a two-game lead.
Tiebreak: A special game, usually at 6-6, won by the first to seven points with a two-point lead.
Match tiebreak: A tiebreak to 10 points, sometimes used instead of a final set.
No-ad scoring: A format where the next point at deuce decides the game.
Bagel: Slang for winning a set 6-0.
Breadstick: Slang for winning a set 6-1.
Serving and return terms
Serve: The shot that starts every point, hit diagonally into the service box.
Fault: A serve that does not land in the correct service box or breaks a serving rule.
Foot fault: A fault caused by touching the baseline or court with a foot before hitting the serve.
Double fault: Two faults in a row, losing the point.
Let: A serve that touches the net and lands in the correct box, replayed under standard rules.
Ace: A serve the receiver does not touch.
Service winner: A serve the receiver touches but cannot return into play.
Break point: A point where the receiver can win the game on the opponent’s serve.
Hold: Winning your own service game.
Return: The shot hit by the receiver in response to a serve.
Shot terms
Forehand: A groundstroke hit on the dominant side of the body.
Backhand: A groundstroke hit on the non-dominant side, with one or two hands.
Groundstroke: A shot hit after the ball bounces.
Volley: A shot hit before the ball bounces, usually near the net.
Half volley: A shot hit just after the ball bounces, close to the ground.
Overhead or smash: A shot hit above the head, usually in response to a lob.
Lob: A high shot over an opponent at the net.
Drop shot: A soft shot that lands just over the net.
Slice: A shot hit with backspin that stays low.
Topspin: Forward spin that makes the ball dip and bounce higher.
Passing shot: A shot hit past an opponent at the net.
Approach shot: A shot hit before moving to the net.
Winner: A shot the opponent cannot touch.
Unforced error: A mistake not caused by the opponent’s shot.
Forced error: A mistake caused by the pressure of the opponent’s shot.
Court and equipment terms
Baseline: The line at each end of the court.
Service line: The line parallel to the net marking the back of the service boxes.
Service box: The area a serve must land in.
Doubles alley: The area between the singles and doubles sidelines.
Center mark: The short mark on the baseline showing the middle.
No man’s land: Informal term for the area between the service line and baseline.
Grip: The handle of the racquet, or the way a player holds it.
Overgrip: A thin wrap placed over the base grip.
String tension: How tightly the strings are strung, affecting feel and control.
Sweet spot: The area of the strings giving the best response.
Tournament terms
Seed: A highly ranked player placed in the draw to avoid meeting other top players early.
Wild card: An entry given by organizers outside normal qualification.
Qualifier: A player who earns a place in the main draw through qualifying rounds.
Lucky loser: A player who lost in qualifying but enters the main draw when another player withdraws.
Walkover: Advancing without playing because the opponent withdrew before the match.
Retirement: A player stopping during a match, usually due to injury or illness.
Default: Losing a match due to rules violations or failure to appear.
Draw: The bracket showing who plays whom.
Tactics and doubles terms
Poach: In doubles, when the net player moves across to intercept a return meant for their partner.
I-formation: A doubles serving formation where the net player crouches near the center line.
Australian formation: A doubles formation where the server’s partner stands on the same side as the server.
Serve and volley: Serving and immediately moving forward to volley.
Crosscourt: A shot hit diagonally across the court.
Down the line: A shot hit parallel to the sideline.
Inside-out: A forehand hit from the backhand side toward the opponent’s backhand, or the equivalent on the other wing.
Moonball: A very high, looping shot, often used defensively.
Split step: A small hop that prepares a player to move as the opponent hits.
Unit turn: Turning the shoulders and hips together to prepare a groundstroke.
Officiating terms
Chair umpire: The official who oversees the match from a high chair.
Line judge: An official who calls whether balls are in or out on specific lines.
Hindrance: An action that interferes with an opponent’s ability to play a point.
Code violation: A penalty for breaking conduct rules, which may lead to warnings, point or game penalties.
Time violation: A penalty for taking too long between points or at changeovers.
Electronic line calling: Technology that tracks the ball and makes line calls at some events.
Why knowing the terms helps
Understanding tennis vocabulary helps you follow instructions from coaches, keep score correctly, communicate with doubles partners and enjoy watching professional matches. It also reduces disputes, since players who know terms like let, fault and hindrance are more likely to apply the rules correctly. New players often pick up the language quickly by hearing it in lessons and matches.
Step-by-step: learning tennis terms
- Start with scoring terms, since you need them in every match.
- Learn the basic shots used in lessons.
- Watch matches and listen for terms used by commentators.
- Use terms in practice, such as calling scores out loud.
- Ask your coach about terms you do not understand.
- Review this glossary after lessons and matches.
Common mistakes with tennis terms
- Calling a let when the serve hit the net and missed the box, which is a fault.
- Confusing ace and service winner.
- Announcing the receiver’s score first instead of the server’s.
- Using zero instead of love in formal scoring.
- Calling every mistake unforced.
- Mixing up walkover and retirement.
Frequently asked questions
Why is zero called love in tennis?
The origin is uncertain. Several explanations have been suggested, but none is confirmed.
What is the difference between a winner and an ace?
An ace is a serve the receiver does not touch. A winner is any shot the opponent cannot touch, including groundstrokes and volleys.
What does breaking serve mean?
Winning a game in which your opponent was serving.
