Tennis Racket Usually, the protectors are made of durable
plastic and eventually, you will need to replace it to
Over the years, technology in the world of tennis and
rackets, in particular, has evolved by leaps and bounds;
however, the central parts of a tennis racket have remained
constant for the most part throughout the history of tennis.
Let’s analyze the individual parts of a tennis racket with a
brief explanation of each part. As we review each part, here is
a drawing of a tennis racket that you can use as a reference
point.
Head
The head of a tennis racket is where the ropes are placed
and creates the main striking surface. Head sizes may vary
between one racket and another. However, in general terms,
most sizes are between 95-110 inches. Often, the size of a
racket’s head has a direct influence on its overall power. That
is, the larger the head, the more power and the smaller, the
less power, however, the more control the player will gain.
Frame/Bumper
The frame of a tennis racket is simply the thickness of the
racket’s head, which tends to differ between the three
different types of tennis rackets. Perhaps one of the most
neglected parts of a racket is the frame since it can have
significant implications on the overall performance of the
racket. Many times, the power rackets will have a larger frame,
which allows the ropes to move more freely and, therefore,
help to generate extra strength and power. On the other hand,
with the control rackets, the frame is usually smaller, which
allows for less movement (which translates into less power)
and more control. You can easily compare the frame of several
rackets by placing them on the floor next to each other. It is
another component you can consider when buying a new
racket.
Strings
While not really one of the parts of a tennis racket, the
ropes are the central component of a racket, which when
skewered provides the player with a striking surface to impact
the ball. The strings strung tennis or have a variety of sizes and
thicknesses and materials and can have a tremendous impact
on the performance of the racket. The ropes and tension with
which you find a racket can have a direct impact: power,
control, rotation and vibration while playing.
Bumper Guard
On the top of the head covering the frame, shock
protection protects the impact area of the tennis racket, which
is often scratched against the ground during a game.
avoid scraping the racket frame, which in turn can
lead to a frame with cracks, or even broken if you do
not remedy it.
Grommet
The washers of a tennis racket are plastic inserts
that extend through the holes around the entire head
of a tennis racket. These rings help protect surface
strings and typically hard edges inside the string
holes.
In addition, the thickness of the rings often comes in
a specific width to allow or restrict the movement of
the ropes.
With power rackets, you will often find that the
washers are wider allowing greater movement of the
ropes, while the control rackets will have narrower
washers to help avoid too much movement.
Shaft
The axis of a tennis racket extends from the bottom
of the racket head to the end of the handle.
At the top of the shaft, you will find the throat or
triangle of the racket and then under it the handle.
Throat
The throat of a tennis racket begins at the top of
the handle and is divided into two sections, which
extend outward on both sides of the racket to begin
the formation of the racket head.
The center of the throat is hollow to maintain the
weight of the racket and is where the flexibility of a
racket starts.
A “rigid” racket often provides less flex in the racket’s
throat to help generate additional power when
hitting.
Handle
The handle of a tennis racket is the bottom of
the racket shaft and is the part of the racket with
which it is attached when playing tennis.
When manufacturers are looking to lengthen
their rackets to provide an “extended” version, which
provides leverage and more power, they often
lengthen the handle to do so.
The circumference of the handles or the length
of the outer edge of a handle varies from 4 inches to
4 ⅝ inches.
 It is important to select the correct size handle to ensure
comfort and limit the possibility of injury because it is too small
or too large.
Grip
The grip of a tennis racket is simply the outer ribbon that
covers the handle of the racket. In this link, you can
understand the difference between grip and overgrip.
It helps to hold the racket firmly by the hand, provides a
cushioning surface to protect the hand from the hard surface
of the handle and also helps ensure a firm connection of the
end of the racket to the handle.
Handle base
The heel or base of the handle of a tennis racket is the
bottom of the handle.
It is slightly wider than the handle, which helps ensure that the
racket remains in your hand while you play.
Butt
The top of a tennis rackets’ handle simply seals the
bottom of the racket’s handle and is a commonplace where
racket manufacturers will place their logo, as well as the size of
the rackets’ handle.
There you have it! Now that you have a complete
understanding of the different parts of a tennis racket, you
should be able to speak with confidence about your racket.
Dimensions of tennis Racket
Length: the frame of the tennis racket shall not exceed 29
inches (73.7 cm) in overall length, including the handle.
Width: the frame of the tennis racket shall not exceed 12.5
inches (31.7 cm) in overall width.
Hitting Surface: the hitting surface shall not exceed 15.5 inches
(39.4 cm) in overall length and 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) in overall
width.
Tennis ball
A tennis ball consists of a pressurized rubber core
covered with high-quality cloth, usually wool mixed with up to
35 percent nylon.
Balls gradually go soft with use, and in tournament play
they are changed at regular intervals agreed upon by officials
and depending upon such factors as the court surface.
Balls must have a uniform outer surface, and, if there are any
seams, they must be stitch less.
The ITF specifies that the ball must be yellow or
white, between 2.5 and 2.8 inches (6.35 and 7.14 cm)
in diameter, and between 1.975 and 2.095 ounces (56
and 59.4 grams) in weight.
The ball must have a bounce between 53 and 58
inches (135 and 147 cm) when dropped 100 inches
(254 cm) upon a concrete base.
Tennis Shoes
Tennis shoes are typically more flat with specifically
designed patterns on the sole, all depending on which
type of court surface you generally play on.
Other types of shoes have thicker, softer heels that
decrease weight and cushioning to lessen impact—
tennis shoes are built sturdier.
Tennis Court
Court Size
A tennis court is 78 x 36 ft. (23.77 x 10.97 m) for
Doubles play and 78 x 27 ft. (23.77 x 8.23 m) for
Singles play.
Court Length – 78 ft. (23.77 m)
Court Width – 36 ft. (10.97 m)
(Singles) Court Width – 27 ft. (8.23 m)
Court Area – 2,808 sq. ft. (855.88 m)
Tennis courts require a clearance area
surrounding the court, from the Baseline to the
Backstop and Sidestop. Including this minimum
clearance distance, a tennis court is 120 x 60 ft.
(36.576 x 18.288 m) for international competition play
or 114 x 56 ft. (34.747 x 17.069 m) for recreational and
club play.
International competition play:
Total Minimum Length – 120 ft. (36.576 m)
 Total Minimum Width – 60 ft. (18.288 m)
Total Minimum Area– 7,200 sq. ft. (2,194.56 m)
Recreational and club play:
Total Minimum Length – 114 ft. (34.747 m)
Total Minimum Width – 56 ft. (17.069 m)
Total Minimum Area– 6,384 sq. ft. (1,945.84 m)
Baseline
The Baseline runs parallel to the net and defines the
boundary of the court’s length. It measures 36 ft. (10.97 m) in
Doubles play, and 27 ft. (8.23 m) in Singles play.
The width of the baseline must be a minimum of 1 in.
(2.54 cm) and can be up to 4 in. (10.16 cm).
Doubles Sideline
The Doubles Sideline runs perpendicular to the Net and
Baselines and defines the boundary of the the court’s width in
Doubles play. It measures 78 ft. (23.77 m).
Singles Sideline
The Singles Sideline runs perpendicular to the Net and
Baselines defines the boundary of the the court’s width in
Singles play. It measures 78 ft. (23.77 m).
Doubles Alley
The Doubles Alley is the area between the Singles
Sideline and the Doubles Sideline. It measures 4.5 x (1.37 m)
wide, and runs the length of the court on both sides. The
Doubles Alley is only playable in Doubles play.
Backcourt
The area between the Baseline and the Service Line is
known as the Backcourt.
Service Box
A tennis court has 4 Service Boxes. They are 21 ft. x 13.5
ft. (6.4 x 4.11 m), and are divided by the Net, the Service Line,
and the Center Service Line.
The first serve of each game is made from the right side
of the court behind the Baseline into your opponent’s Deuce
Court Service Box (the Service Box to your left, and your
opponent’s right). The next point’s serve is made to your
opponent’s Ad Court Service Box (the Service Box to your
right, and your opponent’s left). Each point thereafter
alternates back and forth.
Center Service Line
The Center Service Line runs perpendicular to
the Net and divides the Deuce Court Service Box from
the Ad Court Service Box. It is 42 ft. (12.8 m) in total
length.
Center Mark
The Center (Centre) Mark is perpendicular to
the Baseline and divides it in half. It is 4 in. (10 cm) in
length and 2 in. (5 cm) wide. It defines the boundary
of the area you must serve from and its center is 13.5
ft. (4.11 m) from the Singles Sideline.
When serving, you must stand (behind the
Baseline) in between the Center Mark and the Singles
Sideline of the appropriate side of the court.
Net
The Net on a tennis court runs parallel to the Baseline
and divides the court’s length in half. It is 42 ft. (12.8
m) in length and 3 ft. (.91 m) in width, making it 3 ft.
(.91 m) high off the ground. It is held up by the Net
Posts and extends 3 ft. (.91 m) past the Doubles
Sidelines.
Backstop
The Backstop is any wall, fencing, fabric, or
other surface that encloses the court and runs parallel
to the Baseline. It marks the edge of the length of the
clearance area around the court.
The minimum required distance from the
Baseline to the Backstop is 21 ft. (6.4 m) for
international competition play, and 18 ft. (5.48 m) for
recreational and club play.
Side Stop
The Sidestop is any wall, fencing, fabric, or other
surface that encloses the court and runs
perpendicular to the Baseline. It marks the edge of
the width of the clearance area around the court.
The minimum required distance from the
Baseline to the Sidestop is 12 ft. (3.66 m) for
international competition play, and 10 ft. (3.05 m) for
recreational and club play.
Court Surfaces
There are four types of court surface used in
professional play. Each surface is different in the
speed and height of the bounce of the ball. The same
surface plays faster indoors than outdoors.

Clay Courts
Examples are red clay (used at the French Open and
many other tournaments, especially in Europe and Latin
America) and green clay (an example of which is Har-Tru and
used mainly in the U.S.)
Clay Courts normally have slower paced ball and fairly
true bounce with more spin.
Hard Courts
Examples are acrylic (e.g. Plexicushion used at the
Australian Open, DecoTurf used at the US Open), asphalt, and
concrete.
Hard courts typically have a faster-paced ball with a very
true bounce.
If the ball is spinning counterclockwise, it will
curve right from the hitter’s point of view and curve
left if spinning clockwise.
Some servers are content to use the serve
simply to initiate the point; however, advanced
players often try to hit a winning shot with their
serve. A winning serve that is not touched by the
opponent is called an “ace”.
Grips
Players use various grips: the continental grip;
eastern forehand grip; semi-western forehand grip;
western forehand grip, eastern backhand grip; two-
handed backhand grip; Different grips generally are
used for different types of spin and shots.

Grass Court
Used at Wimbledon. Grass courts usually have a faster-
paced ball, and a more erratic bounce.
Wimbledon has slowed its courts over the years.

Carpet Court
Any form of removable court covering, including
carpeting and artificial turf.
The bounce can be higher or lower than a hard court.

FUNDAMENTALS
Shot
A competent tennis player has eight basic shots in his or
her repertoire: the serve, forehand, backhand, volley, half-
volley, overhead smash, drop shot, and lob.
Forehand
Serve
A shot played on the dominant side of the body.
A serve (or, more formally, a “service”) in tennis is a shot
to start a point.
Backhand
The serve is initiated by tossing the ball into the air and
Is hit on the nondominant side of the body,
hitting it (usually near the apex of its trajectory) into the
using either one or two hands. As the ball comes over
diagonally opposite service box without touching the net.
the net, the player hits it as though he were using the
The serve may be hit under or overhand.
back side of the hand.
Experienced players strive to master the conventional
overhand serve to maximize its power and placement.
Two-handed backhand
The server may employ different types of serve including
Is hit with both hands close together on the
flat serve, topspin serve, slice serve, and kick (American twist)
handle; the player hits as though he were using the
serve.
palm of his non-dominant hand.

A reverse type of spin serve is hit in a manner that spins

the ball opposite the natural spin of the server, the spin
direction depending upon right- or left-handedness.
 Types pf Grips
Continental Grip
is a one-handed used for the serve and universally for
both forehand and backhand volleys.
can also be used for ground strokes, but it generally
limited to very low balls that are hit with backspin, or defensive
shots when net clearance is more important than power.
is also used for the server because it allows the player to
hit with spin.
the position of the handle is offset to give the wrist the
flexibility to hit with both power and spin. With the racket face
perpendicular to the court, the player holds the handle with
the dominant hand as though gripping a hammer.
Eastern Forehand Grip
Is a one-handed grip used on the forehand side for the
balls with no or moderate topspin when the contact point is
between the player’s knees and hips.
With racket face perpendicular to the court, the player
holds the handle with the dominant hand; the palm is on the
same plane as the racket face.
The thumb and first finger from V and are positioned
directly on the top of the flat bevel that is parallel with the
court surface.
Semi-Western Forehand Grip
Is a one-handed grip used on the forehand side for balls
with moderate to heavy topspin when the contact point is
between the player’s waist and shoulders.
With the racket face perpendicular to the court, the palm
is positioned slightly more under the handle than the eastern
forehand grip. The racket is held with the bottom three fingers,
and the thumb overlaps the middle finger.
The index finger is on top and is slightly separated from
the thumb. For right-handed players, the V formed by the
thumb and finger is on the top right bevel as the player holds
the racket perpendicular to the court.
Western Forehand Grip
Is a one-handed grip used on the forehand side for balls
with heavy topspin when the contact point is around shoulder
height.
The grip is not a good choice for low balls or
when the racket face needs to be open for defensive
shots. It is also a very poor grip for serves and volleys.
For volleys, the racket face would be closed on
the forehand side, and the hand and wrist would have
to assume an awkward position to open the racket
face to get the ball over the net.
For serves, the racket would be directly
behind the ball for a flat serve and the handle would
be in a direct line with the wrist so it couldn’t snap for
power.
The player would have to generate spin by
turning the wrist around the ball at the contact point ,
causing the ball to curve right to left.
With the racket face perpendicular to the court,
the palm is positioned under the handle and first
finger and thumb from V over the back flat bevel. The
grip is sometimes called the frying grip because the
hand is under the handle just as it would be when
picking up a frying pan.
Eastern Backhand Grip
Is a one-hand grip used on the backhand side for
balls with no to moderate topspin when the contact
point is at waist level. With the racket perpendicular
to the court, the player grips the handle with the
dominant hand so the base knuckle of the index
finger is on top bevel of the handle.
Like the eastern forehand and continental grips,
three fingers are at the bottom, followed by the
thumb which overlaps the middle finger. The index
finger is separated from the thumb on top.
Two-handed Backhand Grip
Is a two-handed grip used on the backhand side
for balls with moderate to heavy topspin when the
contact point is at the waist level.
This grip has a number of variations, but the strongest
and most common variation used at the youth level is
a semi-western forehand grip for the top hand (the
dominant hand) and a continental grip for the bottom
hand ( the dominant hand).
Volley
made in the air before the ball bounces,
generally near the net, and is usually made with a stiff-
wristed punching motion to hit the ball into an open
area of the opponent’s court.
Half volley
is made by hitting the ball on the rise just after it has
bounced, once again generally in the vicinity of the net.
Swinging Volley -
is hit out of the air as the player approaches the net. It is
an offensive shot used to take preparation time away from the
opponent.
From a poor defensive position in the baseline, the lob
can be used as either an offensive or defensive weapon, hitting
the ball high and deep into the opponent’s court to either
enable the lobber to get into better defensive positions or to
win the point outright by hitting it over the opponent’s head. If
the lob is not hit deeply enough into the other court, however,
the opponent may then hit an overhead smash, a hard, serve-
like shot, to try to end the point.
Finally, if an opponent is deep in his court, a player may
suddenly employ an unexpected drop shot, softly tapping the
ball just over the net so that the opponent is unable to run fast
enough to retrieve it.
Warm-up Exercises
It is important for anyone participating in sports or
physical activity to warm-up before and cool-down afterwards.
Students should always be encouraged to do this as it helps
get their muscles and joints ready for starting and stopping
exercise and will help prevent injuries.
Warming up
is also great exercise to get your mind focused on what
you are about to do.
Cooling down
gives you an opportunity to review your activity and find
out what the students enjoyed the most.
Examples of Warm-up and Cooling Down exercises:
On Command
The students run around the room/court with the
teacher/group leader calling out commands, for example:
touch the ground with your hand; change direction; jump in
the air; shout out your name while running in a circle.
Follow my Leader
The leader chooses what to do with a ball, for example;
throw in the air and catch after one bounce; bounce the ball on
the ground and catch; throw the ball up with the left hand and
catch with right; roll the ball along the ground towards a
target. Each member of the group follows the leader.
After a while, change the leader.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Ace
A service of a tennis ball that is not returned by an
opponent and is deemed to be in play by the umpire.
Ad court
The left side of the court of each player
Advantage
When one player wins a point from a deuce and needs
one more point to win the game
Alley
The area of the court between the singles and
doubles sidelines, also known as the tramlines
Approach shot
A shot used as a setup as the player runs up to the
net, often using underspin
ATP
Association of Tennis Professionals, the men's
professional circuit
Backhand
A method of wielding a tennis racquet where the
player hits the tennis ball with a stroke that comes
across their body with the back of their racquet hand
facing the ball
Backswing
The portion of a swing before the ball is hit
Bagel
Winning a set 6-0. A double bagel is winning 6-0, 6-0.
Ball Boy
A person, male or female, tasked with retrieving
tennis balls from the court that have gone out of play
Baseline
the chalk line at the farthest ends of the court
indicating the boundary of the area of play.
Baseliner the right side of the court of each player
a player whose strategy is to stay at the baseline during play
Dink
Big serve hitting a shot with no pace
a forceful serve, usually giving an advantage in the point for
the server Dirtballer
a clay court specialist
Block
a defensive shot with relatively little backswing, usually while Double Fault
returning a serve two faults in a row in one point, causing the player
serving to lose the Point
Bread stick
winning a set 6-1. See also bagel Doubles
a tennis game played by four players, two per side of
Break the court
to lose a game to an opponent when you are serving
Down the line
Break point hitting the ball straight ahead into the opponent's
one point away from a break court

Closed stance Drop shot

hitting the ball with the body facing between parallel to the a play in which the player hits the ball lightly enough
baseline and back turned to the opponent; it is known as a to just go over the net; designed to catch a player off
classic technique. guard who is away from the net

Chip Drop volley

blocking a shot with underspin a drop shot executed from a volley

Chip and charge Fault

an aggressive strategy to return the opponent's serve with an unsuccessful serve that fails to place the ball in the
underspin and move forward to the net correct area of play therefore not starting the Point

Chop First Service

a shot with extreme underspin the first of the two serves of a tennis ball a player is
allowed at the beginning of a Point.
Counterpuncher
a defensive baseliner. See tennis strategy Flat
e.g. a flat serve; a shot with relatively no spin
Court
the area designated for playing a game of tennis Follow through
the portion a swing after the ball is hit
Crosscourt
hitting the ball diagonally into the opponent's court Foot fault
a fault caused by the server stepping into the tennis
Deep court
a shot that lands near the baseline, as opposed to near the net
Forehand
Deuce a method of wielding a tennis racquet where the
the score 40-40 in a game. A player must win two consecutive player hits the tennis ball with a stroke that comes
points from a deuce before winning the game. See advantage from behind their body with the front of their racquet
Deuce court hand facing the ball
Game point Lawn Tennis
one point away to win the game. tennis played on a court laid out on a grass covered
surface
Golden set
winning a set without losing a point Let
when the ball touches the net but enters the
Golden Slam opponent's half of the court within the play area. The
winning the Grand Slam and the tennis Olympic gold medal in point is replayed
a calendar year
Line Judge
Grand Slam a person designated to observe the passage of tennis
the four most prestigious tournaments in a year: the balls over the boundary lines of the court. A Line
Australian Open, the French Open (or Roland Garros), Judge can declare that a play was within or outside of
Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Winning the Grand Slam is the play area and cannot be overruled by the players.
winning all four in a calendar year. A line Judge must defer to an Umpire's decision, even
when it contradicts their own observations.
Groundies
see Groundstroke Lob
a stroke in tennis where the ball is lifted high above
Groundstroke the net with the intention of it going over the
a forehand or backhand shot that is executed after the ball opposing player in the case of him being close to the
bounces once on the court net, thus nearly guaranteeing the point

Hail Mary Love

an extremely high lob, for defensive purposes zero (score) Love game a shutout game won without
the other player scoring
Head
(racket) the portion of the racket that contains the strings Match point
a situation when the player who is leading needs one
Hold more point to win the match
winning the game when serving
Mini-break
I-formation to win a point from the opponent's serve in a
(in doubles) a formation where the server and his partner tiebreak
stand on the same side of the court (deuce- or ad-court) before
starting the point Mixed Doubles
a tennis game played by four players, two players are
Inside-out male, two are female, one of each player sex per side
running around one side (e.g. the backhand side) and hitting a of the court
crosscourt shot
Moonball
Inside-in an extremely high lob
running around one side and hitting it down the line; less
popular than the inside-out No-Man's Land
the area between the service line and the baseline,
Jamming where a player is most vulnerable
to serve or return straight to the opponent's body
Open stance
Kick serve
a type of spin serve that bounces high
 hitting the ball with the body facing between parallel to the
baseline and facing the opponent; it is known as a modern
technique.
Out
any ball that lands outside the play area
Overrule
reversing a call from the linesperson, done by the umpire
Passing shot
A shot that passes by the opponent at the net, but not over
him (see lob)
Poaching
(in doubles) an aggressive move where the player at net
moves to volley a shot intended for his/her partner
Point
the period of play between the first successful service of a ball
to the point at which that ball goes out of play
Pusher
a player who does not try to hit winners, but only to return it
safely
Putaway
a shot to try to end the point from an advantageous situation
Racquet
a bat with a long handle and a large looped head with a string
mesh tautly stretched across it, made of wood, metal or some
other synthetic material, that is used by a tennis player to hit
the tennis ball during a game of tennis - (see also Racket)
Rally
(Following the service of a tennis ball) A series of return hits
of the ball that ends when one or other player fails to return
the ball within the court boundary or fails to return a ball that
falls within the play area.
Referee
a person in charge of enforcing the rules in a tournament, as
opposed to a tennis match (see Umpire)
Retriever
a defensive baseliner. See tennis strategy
Set point
one point away from winning a set
Singles
a tennis game played by two players
Second Service
the second and final of the two serves of a tennis ball
a player is allowed at the beginning of a Point
Serve
to begin a point by hitting the ball into the
opponents half of the court
Serve and volley
a strategy to serve and immediately move forward to
make a volley and hopefully a winner
Slice
(rally) hitting a tennis ball with underspin; (service)
serving with sidespin
Spin
rotation of the ball as it moves through the air,
affecting its trajectory and bounce
Split step
a footwork technique by doing a small hop just
before the opponent is hitting the ball
Tanking
to purposefully lose a match, because of poor mental
game or others. Or, to simply purposefully lose one
unnecessary set, so as to focus energy and attention
on the final and match-deciding set
Tennis Ball
a soft, hollow, air filled rubber ball coated in a
synthetic fur used in the game of tennis
Tiebreak
a special game at the score 6-6 in a set to decide the
winner of the set; the winner is the first to reach at
least 7 points with a difference of 2 from the
opponent.
Topspin
spin of a ball that goes forward over the top of the
ball, causing the ball to dip and bounce higher
Tramline
a line defining the limit of play on the side of a singles
or doubles court.
Underspin
spin of a ball that goes forward under of the ball, causing the
ball to float and bounce lower

Umpire
(during play) an independent person designated to enforce
the rules of the game in a match, usually sitting on a high chair
beside the net

Unforced error
during play, an error in a service or return shot that cannot be
attributed to any factor other than poor judgement by the
player.

Wild card
a player let by organizers to play in a tournament, even if
his/her rank is not adequate or does not register in time

Winner
(rally) a forcing shot that can not be reached by the opponent
and wins the point; (service) a forcing serve that is reached by
the opponent, but is not returned properly, and wins the point

WTA
Women's Tennis Association, the women's professional circuit