Tennis Glossary
Glossary explained in plain English for parents learning Tennis.
| Term | Plain-English Meaning | Example | Also Known As |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | A match format with one player on each side of the net. | The player covers the full singles court alone. | One-on-one |
| Doubles | A match format with two partners on each side of the net. | One partner serves while the other prepares near the net or service line. | Two-on-two |
| Serve | The shot that starts a point, hit from behind the baseline into the diagonal service box. | The server calls the score and starts the next point with a serve. | Service |
| Receiver | The player who stands ready to return the serve. | The receiver gets low and prepares for the second serve. | Returner |
| Fault | A serve that does not legally start the point. | The first serve misses the service box, so it is a fault. | Missed serve |
| Double fault | Two missed serves in a row, which usually gives the point to the receiver. | The server misses both attempts and loses the point. | Two faults |
| Let | A replay, often when a serve touches the net and still lands in the correct service box. | The serve hits the net cord and drops in, so the player serves again. | Replay |
| Love | The tennis word for zero in the score. | The server starts the game by calling love-love. | Zero |
| Deuce | A tied score at 40-40 in formats that use deuce scoring. | At deuce, one player usually needs two points in a row unless the match uses no-ad scoring. | 40-all |
| Ad | Short for advantage, meaning a player has won the point after deuce in ad-scoring formats. | Ad server means the server can win the game with the next point. | Advantage |
| No-ad | A scoring format where one point decides the game at deuce. | The tournament uses no-ad to keep rounds on schedule. | No advantage |
| Game | A scoring unit made of points. Winning enough games wins a set. | The player wins four points with the required margin and wins the game. | Service game |
| Set | A scoring unit made of games. | The players finish a short set to four games. | Short set |
| Tiebreak | A shorter scoring format used to decide a tied set or match. | The match is tied, so the players start a tiebreak with simple numbered points. | Breaker |
| Baseline | The back boundary line of the court. | The player recovers near the baseline after a deep shot. | Back line |
| Service box | The box where a serve must land to be legal. | The serve lands in the right service box. | Serve box |
| Alley | The side lane used in doubles but not singles. | The ball lands in the doubles alley, which is out in singles but in during doubles. | Doubles alley |
| Volley | A shot hit before the ball bounces. | The net player volleys a soft ball back into the open court. | Net shot |
| Cross-court | A shot hit diagonally across the court. | The player aims cross-court for a safer, longer target. | Diagonal |
| Line call | A decision that a ball landed in or out. | The player calls out after the ball lands beyond the baseline. | In-out call |