Tennis Glossary

A-Z guide to tennis statistics and coaching terminology

Metrics Concepts
4 terms
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

B

Block Return Return Concepts ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🖼️ What
A compact, abbreviated return swing that uses the server's pace to redirect the ball.
📡 The Signal
Survival technique against big serves. The goal is depth and neutralisation, not aggression.
🎯 Why It Matters
When the serve is too fast for a full swing, a block return keeps you in the point. Essential against big servers.
⭐ Impact
3/5 — Meaningful factor
📏 How to recognise it
Visual — compact swing, minimal backswing, using the server's pace. Track return-in-play % against fast servers.
🚧 Common Mistake
Taking a full backswing against fast first serves instead of simplifying to a block.
🔁 Related Terms
1st-return-made-pct return-depth chip-and-charge

C

Chip and Charge Return Concepts ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🖼️ What
A return tactic: slice the return (chip) and immediately move forward to the net (charge).
📡 The Signal
Tactical aggression on return. Takes time away from the server and changes the geometry of the rally.
🎯 Why It Matters
Pressures the server by removing their time and forcing passing shots. Especially effective against weak second serves.
⭐ Impact
2/5 — Contributing factor
📏 How to recognise it
Frequency of chip-and-charge approaches and win rate when used.
🚧 Common Mistake
Using chip and charge against big first serves — it works best against second serves or weaker first serves.
🔁 Related Terms
block-return 2nd-return-win-pct serve-and-volley

R

Return Depth Return Concepts ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🖼️ What
How deep into the court your returns land.
📡 The Signal
Deep returns push the server back and remove their attacking options. Shallow returns invite aggression.
🎯 Why It Matters
A deep return neutralises the server's advantage even if it's not aggressive. Depth first, then direction.
⭐ Impact
3/5 — Meaningful factor
📏 How to recognise it
Returns landing past the service line (deep) vs in front of it (short). Expressed as deep return %.
🚧 Common Mistake
Sacrificing depth for speed or angle — a deep, neutral return is better than a short, aggressive one.
🔁 Related Terms
return-in-play return-points-won-pct block-return
Return In Play Return Concepts ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🖼️ What
Getting the return back in play — past the net and inside the lines.
📡 The Signal
The most fundamental return skill. Everything else builds on simply getting the ball back.
🎯 Why It Matters
A high return-in-play rate is the foundation of good returning. You can't win the point if you miss the return.
⭐ Impact
3/5 — Meaningful factor
📏 How to recognise it
Returns in play ÷ total returns attempted × 100.
🚧 Common Mistake
Trying to do too much with the return instead of focusing on reliable ball-in-court first.
🔁 Related Terms
1st-return-made-pct 2nd-return-made-pct return-depth

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