Racket Science

4. A ball landing outside the boundary lines of the court.
5. The stroke used to return balls hit to the left side of a right-handed player (or to the right side of a left-handed player).
8. To hit a ball in doubles at the net that would normally have been played by one’s partner.
9. A system in traditional tennis used to decide a set when the score is tied, 6-all.
13. A served ball that does not land in the proper service box.
14. Forward rotation of the ball caused by hitting from low to high.
16. The area between the singles and doubles sideline on each side of the court.
18. The stroke used to return balls hit to the right side of a right-handed player (or to the left side of a left-handed player).
23. The area around the baseline.
24. A shot that imparts backspin on the ball by hitting the ball with a high-to-low motion.
25. It is the act of putting the ball into play for each point.
26. The part of a set that is completed when one player or side either wins four points and is at least two points ahead of his or her opponent, or who wins two points in a row after deuce.
28. A series of good hits made successfully by players. Also, the practice procedure in which players hit the ball back and forth to each other.

1. A hard overhead shot.
2. A stroke that lifts the ball high in the air, usually over the head of the opponent at the net.
3. The act of striking the ball with the racquet.
6. A score of 40-all, or 40-40. (This means the score is tied and each side has won at least three points.)
7. The smallest unit of scoring..
10. The shot hit by a player just before coming to the net.
11. The rotation of the ball.
12. The overall contest, usually decided by the best two-out-of-three sets.
15. A scoring unit awarded to a player who or team that has won: (a) 6 or more games and has a two-game lead; or (b) 6 games and the tiebreak game when played at 6-all.
17. A point played over because of interference. Also, a serve that hits the top of the net but is otherwise good, in which case the serve is taken again.
19. During play, a stroke made with the racquet above the head in a motion similar to that of an overhand serve.
20. A match with four players, two on each team.
21. A ball that is served so well the opponent cannot touch it with their racquet.
22. During play, a stroke made by hitting the ball before it has touched the ground.
23. The court’s back line that runs parallel to the net and perpendicular to the sidelines.
27. An even score.