What does Ad mean in tennis? In tennis, “Ad” stands for advantage. When a player reaches a score of 40-30 or 30-40, they are just one point from winning that game.
If their opponent wins the next point, it resets to 40-40 or “deuce,” and it is back to square one!
I am Chris, a British tennis player based in London, ERSA Pro Stringer, and a fan of all things tennis. I have spent hours researching this in-depth, so you don’t have to (you’re welcome!). Seeing as you got this far, let’s jump straight in! Feel free to skip ahead to the bit that interests you!
What does Ad mean in tennis? – The history
So what does Ad mean in tennis? Well, the term “Ad” in tennis traces its roots back back to the 16th century!
It originates from the French word “avantage”! It was introduced when tennis was gaining popularity among European nobility!
It is thought that players developed the scoring system. It was done to create excitement and more drama in matches!
The idea of advantage added an extra layer of tension and put even more pressure on each point!
Tennis did start with several other scoring methods. But “Ad” soon became the adopted approach.
This terminology was embraced worldwide and is now part of the game we all ‘love’ today, no pun intended!
Understanding the scoring in tennis
Ok, now you can answer the question – what does Ad mean in tennis? Good for you! But there is more to tennis scoring than this! And I will warn you, it does seem confusing at first!
Ok, so let’s begin with “love“. But wait, Chris, what has that got to do with Tennis? Well, “love” in Tennis means zero or no points!
Players start with love [1] and then work their way up through 15,30 and then 40. Following so far?
When a player reaches 40 and wins the next point, they win the game! Well, that is unless both players have 40 at the same time. In tennis, we call this “deuce“.
I know, I know, confusing. But stay with me. For a player to win the game from 40, they need to win two consecutive points.
The first one is called “Ad” or advantage as it’s also known. If the player wins the next consecutive point, then they win the game!
So they can go home then, right? Well, no, not quite.
For the player to win the match, first, they need to win a set. They need to win six games and be ahead by two games.
I know what you’re thinking! What if both players have six games each?
If both players get six games each, they have to play a tiebreaker. This is what decides who wins the set!
In a best-of-three-set match, the winner has to win two sets. In a best-of-five set match, the winner has to win three sets.
You see! It’s not that complicated! Well, maybe a bit. But thankfully, Venus Williams does a much better job of explaining it in the below video!
Strategies when dealing with Ad in tennis
Players need a strategic game plan with faced with an Ad!
This is when serving first really helps. A powerful serve puts immediate pressure on the returner.
All about placement! Blasting the ball is one thing, but a well-placed serve out wide or down the tee can be more fruitful.
As the returner, spotting your opponent’s patterns in serve is key. This is where previous knowledge helps.
You can anticipate their service and position yourself accordingly!
Faced with an Ad, staying composed under pressure is key! Stay composed under pressure.
Letting your mind race ahead can be easy, but focusing on the next point is what matters.
Here are some ideas to think about when serving:
- Varying your serve – Don’t be predictable! Mix it up with a few flat, slice, and kick serves to keep your opponent guessing.
- Target specific areas – Think about where you want to place the ball! Serve to their weaker side to create an opening.
- Think about your stance – Look like you are ready to seize the point! Have a confident and assertive stance if it is a pivotal moment in the match.
- Practice makes permanent – Take the opportunity to hone your serve regularly! It will be there for you when it counts at “Ad.”
Here are some ideas to think about when receiving:
- Anticipation is key – Try to read your opponent’s racquet and body position. This helps to predict where they might serve. Those added split seconds can make a difference in your return.
- Positioning – Standing further back can help you deal with stronger serves [2]. You can also ‘cheat the position’ by standing in one place and then moving at the last minute. This helps to disrupt your opponent’s serve.
- Vary your shot – Don’t be predictable (again)! Mix it up with slice, topspin, or flat shots—to keep your opponent guessing.
- Footwork – So many players forget to move! Footwork is essential to get in position behind the ball. This also helps you balance under pressure.
The importance of mental toughness with Ad
What about Mental toughness [3]? Yes, this is crucial when facing an “Ad” situation in tennis!
The pressure can be intense at this moment in a match. How you respond can often dictate the match’s outcome.
Staying calm during these moments helps maintain focus! Easier said than done, I know!
It is so important to block out any distractions. Block out any negative thoughts by staying present. Ignore your opponent’s tactics and focus on the next point.
Did you know visualization techniques can also play a significant role? It is not just tennis players that use this! I mention more about this in my article on how to get better at tennis.
Many successful athletes visualize themselves winning critical points. This helps boost their confidence and mental clarity.
Additionally, managing emotions is key. Do not give your opponent an advantage!
Learn to keep your composure after hitting an error. This will help you rebound quickly and seize opportunities.
With strong mental resilience, you are more likely to capitalize on “Ad” situations. Turning potential disadvantages into advantages (excuse the pun!)
Embracing the challenge of Ad
Some closing thoughts, then…
Understanding the “Ad” in tennis is more than just scoring! It is an integral part of the game that can decide the match!
It can be such a significant part of the match, and you need to plan accordingly! You must have the mental toughness to deal with the challenge. You also need to focus when tensions run high!
When faced with an advantage point, you have to dig deep and push past self-doubt to seize the moment!
As fans, we witness these epic battles where matches change on a single “Ad” point. These moments are what makes tennis so captivating!
Over to you!
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