Tennis Development Glossary

Shots hit after the ball bounces: forehand and backhand.

Shots hit before the ball bounces: forehand volley, backhand volley, serve and smash.

The groundstroke hit on the dominant-hand side of the body.

The backhand hit with both hands on the grip. Most orange-stage players use it because it gives more control and strength.

The backhand hit with only the dominant hand. The free arm pulls back for balance.

The shot that starts every point, hit from behind the baseline after a toss. In orange, players build a simple, repeatable toss and swing.

An overhead shot hit on a high ball, usually near the net. The key elements are turning sideways, pointing at the ball with the free hand, and moving under it.

A short, firm punch at the ball before it bounces, with little backswing and the racquet in front.

The shot hitting back the opponent's serve. In orange the goal is simple: get it back in, deep and safe.

How the hand holds the racquet handle. The grip decides the racquet face angle at contact. The main grips are continental, eastern, semi-western and western.

Often called the hammer grip. Used for serve, volley, smash and slice.

A classic forehand grip, like shaking hands with the racquet. A natural first forehand grip for many children.

A forehand grip turned further under the handle than eastern, which makes topspin easier. Common in the modern game.

An extreme forehand grip with the palm well under the handle. Produces heavy topspin but makes low balls difficult.

The eight flat sides of the racquet handle, numbered to describe grips precisely. Coaches use the base knuckle of the index finger and the heel of the hand as reference points.

A core technical foundation with four parts: starting position, preparation, acceleration, and coordination between the hitting arm and the free arm.

Taking the racquet back to get ready to hit. It can be circular (a loop) or straight back (linear). Early preparation gives more time.

The part of the swing where the racquet speeds up toward the ball.

Where the racquet meets the ball. For most shots it should be in front of the body and at a comfortable distance to the side.

The part of the swing after contact. A full, relaxed finish shows the swing wasn't cut short.

What the non-hitting arm does. It helps turn the body, track the ball, and balance the swing.

The side distance between the body and the ball at contact. Too close cramps the swing, too far stretches it.

Reaching the hitting arm out toward the ball through contact, instead of keeping it bent and tight.

Keeping the head still and eyes on the contact point through the hit.

Starting and finishing each part of the movement at the right moment relative to the ball.

Turning the shoulders and hips to prepare and then uncoiling them to hit. The main power source in the orange stage.

Two ways of generating power: stepping forward into the ball (linear) or turning the body around a stable base (rotational). Players learn both.

Forward spin created by brushing up the back of the ball. It makes the ball dip into the court and kick up after the bounce, so players can hit harder with more margin.

Backspin created by cutting under the ball with an open racquet face. The ball stays low and skids. Used for defence, approaches and changes of pace.

A serve with little spin, hit for speed. Usually a first-serve option.

A serve with sidespin that curves away. Useful for pulling the returner wide.

A serve with heavy topspin that clears the net high and bounces up and away. The most reliable second serve at higher levels.

A ball hit just after it bounces, often at the feet while moving forward.

A full groundstroke swing on a ball in the air, usually a floating ball around the service line.

A high ball over an opponent at the net, or a high defensive ball to buy time.

A soft shot that lands just over the net, usually with backspin, to catch an opponent far behind the baseline.

Pushing up and into the ball with the legs, especially on the serve.

The inward rotation of the forearm through contact on the serve and smash. It adds racquet-head speed.

How fast the racquet is moving at contact. It drives both ball speed and spin.