Our Lingo
Just like any profession, tennis has its own specialized jargon and we do too! We’ve developed our unique lingo to effectively convey and clarify complex concepts, making it simpler for others to grasp our teaching methods. Plus, we aim to inject some fun and enjoyment into the process along the way.
Big Dog |
A player who brings power and strength to the game and tries to overpower you in a “hitting contest”. |
California Groundie |
Hitting the ball above shoulder height, almost like you’re giving it a high-five! |
Catch and Hold |
When it comes to volleys, think of it as gently cradling the ball with your racket. Picture yourself catching a fragile egg without letting it crack—that’s the soft touch you’re aiming for when the ball meets your racket. It’s all about that delicate balance and sharp accuracy, making each volley sleek and spot-on. |
Chop Shot |
Like tossing a beach ball with a spin—it pops up high and slow and makes it a sitting duck for your opponent to attack. |
Court Smarts Session |
A live match analysis session, focusing on real-time decision-making, tactical adjustments, and mental resilience. During the session, players observe and discuss key points like shot selection, positioning, and strategic shifts, enhancing their tennis IQ by understanding the nuances of competitive play as it unfolds. |
Deep to Deep |
Hitting the ball from your baseline all the way to your opponent’s baseline. Deep baseline shots are effective in creating openings in the court, forcing errors due to the increased distance and time pressure, and setting up opportunities for more offensive play. |
Deep to Short |
First hit the ball deep, making your opponent move back, and then surprise them with a short shot close to the net. It opens up the court. |
Don’t Crab |
Moving sideways like a crab on the tennis court, with your feet pointing out, might seem fun, but it’s not the best for your balance. This makes us a bit wobbly and slows us down when we need change direction quickly. |
Don’t Fight Gravity |
Emphasizes the importance of lift and carry to ensure your shot clears the net comfortably without requiring excessive effort that could disrupt your form or accuracy. It’s about harnessing the laws of physics to your advantage, ensuring your shots are both effective and consistent. |
Don’t Take the Elevator |
Avoid abrupt, vertical movements (like an elevator) and instead maintain a smooth, circular motion (staying on the wheel) throughout the serve to develop a fluid serve motion. |
Down & Up Together |
Maintaining balance during a tennis serve is crucial for power, accuracy, and consistency. When you move both hands down and up together during the serve, it helps your rhythm, timing and power. |
Early Preparation |
It’s like getting ready for a fun dance move; you position your feet, hold your racket just right, and angle yourself perfectly. So, when the ball heads your way, you’re all prepared to hit it back with a smooth, strong swing. It’s all about being ready to make your move and enjoy the game! |
Easy Power |
Using a slow swing. It’s all about smooth, graceful strokes that pack power. Letting your core do the work, It’s effortless strength, pure and simple! |
Game Changer |
A unexpected shot that totally flips a point in your favour. |
Ghost Line |
As you move from the baseline towards the net, visualize a line extending from the top of the net to the baseline, right from your current position. This unseen guide helps you choose whether to adopt an offensive strategy or to prepare to defend. |
Heavy Ball |
Transferring maximum power into the ball; it feels solid and strong, like hitting a brick! It zooms off your racket with extra weight behind it, making it harder for your opponent to return. |
Quick Hitting |
Relying on your eye-hand coordination to adjust to the speed of the ball. It’s like playing a video game on reflex mode. You’re trusting your natural instincts to adjust your hitting leading to increased error rates. |
Racket Before Foot |
Emphasizes the importance of early racket preparation resulting in better shot execution because you’re not rushing your swing. You can more easily adjust for depth, speed, and angle, leading to more precise and powerful shots. |
Racket is only 300 grams |
Emphasizes that the true power behind your shots should originate from your core body, not just your arm. By utilizing your core, you can generate more power with less effort and minimize the risk of tennis elbow. |
Short Hopping |
Being caught in no man’s land leaves you vulnerable to well-placed shots by your opponent, as you have less time to react and are not in an optimal position to generate power or control. |
Short to Short |
Hitting the ball so it lands close to the net on your opponent’s side. It’s a clever strategy to draw them forward, away from their comfy spot at the baseline, making them stretch for the ball. |
Stay on the Wheel |
Means aligning your body to channel energy from your legs and core, through your shoulder, into your follow through for better control and more powerful shots. |
Toolbox |
Your “toolbox” is your stash of tennis moves and tactics, all set for whatever comes your way in a match. Imagine yourself as a tennis handyman, packing your toolbox with an assortment of shots for every possible game scenario. |
Two Eyes on Ball |
Watching the ball requires binocular vision and overcoming eye dominace. Two Eyes means getting behind the ball to minimize the impact of your dominant eye. |
Using Your Core |
Using your core and shoulder to hit the ball like a dance move on the tennis court! You twist your core to build up power, then swing your shoulder with that energy, making the ball fly off your racket. It creates a ‘heavy ball” and easy power to create a beautiful shot. |
Player Styles
These are broad archetypes, and many players integrate aspects from various styles into their game.
| Aggressive Baseliner | A player who stays at the baseline, hitting powerful groundstrokes to dominate rallies. |
| Serve and Volleyer | A player who frequently approaches the net, looking to finish points with volleys after a strong serve. |
| All-Court Player | Versatile player comfortable at the baseline, net, and mid-court, adapting their game to different situations. |
| Counterhitter | Relies on defensive skills, turning opponents’ pace against them and capitalizing on their mistakes. |
| Big Server | Emphasizes powerful and precise serving to gain advantages in points. |
| Net-Rusher | Constantly looks to approach the net, employing an aggressive and attacking style of play. |
| Pusher | Prioritizes retrieving shots, maintaining a solid defensive game to outlast opponents. Primarily junior players. |
| Moonballer | Prioritizes hitting high balls as part of a solid defensive game to frustrate opponents. Primarily junior players. |
| Clay-Court Specialist | Excels on clay surfaces, often with a game tailored to longer rallies and sliding movements. |
