ground stroke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Semi-formal to formal; primarily sports commentary, instructional contexts, and enthusiast discussion.
Quick answer
What does “ground stroke” mean?
A stroke in tennis (or similar racket sports) made after the ball has bounced on the ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stroke in tennis (or similar racket sports) made after the ball has bounced on the ground.
In broader sports contexts, can refer to a similar shot in other ball games where the ball is hit after bouncing. Metaphorically, can describe a strong, foundational action or a basic, reliable technique.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The compound spelling 'groundstroke' (single word) is slightly more common in American sources, while 'ground stroke' (two words) remains prevalent in British English, though both variants are accepted in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes technical skill, consistency, and foundational play. In US junior tennis, 'groundies' is a common informal synonym.
Frequency
High frequency within tennis/sports discourse; low frequency in general language.
Grammar
How to Use “ground stroke” in a Sentence
[player] + hit/struck + [determiner] + ground stroke[player]'s + ground stroke + [verb e.g., landed/was] + [complement]to + exchange + ground strokes + with + [opponent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ground stroke” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Murray's cross-court ground stroke was perfectly placed.
- She won the point with a deep, penetrating ground stroke.
- The coach focused the session entirely on ground stroke technique.
American English
- His groundstroke consistency wore down the opponent.
- She set up the point with a powerful groundstroke to the corner.
- Developing a reliable groundstroke is key for juniors.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in sports science literature analysing biomechanics or match tactics.
Everyday
Common when discussing or watching tennis, badminton, or squash.
Technical
Core terminology in tennis coaching manuals, rulebooks, and match commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ground stroke”
- Using 'ground stroke' to refer to a shot in golf (incorrect).
- Confusing 'ground stroke' with 'volley'.
- Misspelling as one word 'groundstroke' in contexts where style guides prefer two words.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'ground stroke' and 'groundstroke' are acceptable. The two-word form is traditional and common in British English, while the compound form is increasingly common, especially in American English.
A ground stroke is hit after the ball bounces on the ground. A volley is hit before the ball bounces, usually when a player is closer to the net.
Yes, it is primarily used in tennis but can also apply to similar shots in other racket sports like badminton (when played with a bounce, as in 'ground badminton' variants), squash, or platform tennis. It is not used for golf or hockey.
Yes, 'forehand ground stroke' and 'backhand ground stroke' are the two primary categories, distinguished by which side of the body the racket swings from.
A stroke in tennis (or similar racket sports) made after the ball has bounced on the ground.
Ground stroke is usually semi-formal to formal; primarily sports commentary, instructional contexts, and enthusiast discussion. in register.
Ground stroke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊnd ˌstrəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊnd ˌstroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TENNIS BALL hitting the GROUND, then you STROKE it back. GROUND + STROKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION IS A GROUND STROKE (e.g., 'Her ground strokes are the foundation of her game.')
Practice
Quiz
In tennis, what is the defining characteristic of a 'ground stroke'?