Net and Wall Games – Glossary

Serve: The act of starting a point by hitting the ball or shuttlecock into the opponent’s court.

Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground, typically used in tennis and volleyball.

Rally: A sequence of back-and-forth shots between opponents during a point.

Smash: A powerful, downward shot aimed to end the rally by making it difficult for the opponent to return.

Drop Shot: A delicate shot that barely clears the net and falls close to it, making it hard for the opponent to reach.

Lob: A high, arching shot meant to pass over an opponent, often used to buy time or change the pace.

Baseline: The back boundary line of the court, used in tennis, badminton, and other net games.

Forehand: A stroke played with the front of the hand facing the ball or shuttlecock, typically more powerful than a backhand.

Backhand: A stroke played with the back of the hand facing the ball or shuttlecock, often used when the player is on the opposite side of their dominant hand.

Ace: A serve that the opponent cannot touch, resulting in an immediate point.

Fault: A serve or shot that violates the rules, such as hitting the net or landing outside the designated area.

Let: A serve or point that is replayed due to interference or an otherwise unclear result, commonly used in tennis and badminton.

Deuce: A situation in tennis where the score is tied at 40-40, and a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.

Advantage: The point scored after deuce; the player must win the next point to win the game.

Court: The playing area defined by specific boundaries, varying in size and markings for different net and wall games.

Net: The barrier that players must hit the ball or shuttlecock over during play.

Racquet/Racket: The implement used by players to hit the ball or shuttlecock in games like tennis, badminton, and squash.

Shuttlecock: The feathered or plastic projectile used in badminton.

Set: A collection of games in tennis; a player must win a certain number of games to win a set.

Match: A complete contest consisting of multiple sets or games, depending on the sport.

Foot Fault: A violation in tennis and volleyball where the server’s foot crosses the baseline or sideline before the ball is hit.

Spin: Imparting a rotating motion to the ball to affect its trajectory and bounce.

Racket Grip: The way a player holds the racket, which can influence control and power.

Crosscourt: A shot hit diagonally from one side of the court to the other.

Down-the-Line: A shot hit straight along the sideline, parallel to the net.

Double Fault: In tennis, when the server fails to get either of their two serve attempts into the correct service box, resulting in a point for the opponent.

Kill: A decisive shot in volleyball or badminton that ends the rally with a point.

Block: In volleyball, using hands to prevent the ball from crossing the net into your court.

Touch: A light contact with the ball, often used to place it accurately over the net.

Dig: A defensive move in volleyball to prevent the ball from touching the ground, usually performed with an outstretched arm.

Service Box: The area in which a serve must land to be considered legal, used in tennis and squash.

Drive: A powerful, flat shot in badminton, tennis, or squash that travels fast and close to the net or wall.

Clear: A high, deep shot in badminton aimed to push the opponent to the back of their court.

Half-Volley: A shot in tennis where the ball is hit immediately after it bounces.

Slice: A shot that imparts backspin to the ball, causing it to stay low after bouncing.