Shank Meaning in Tennis

A shank is a slang term for a shot that misses the center of the racket. The ball usually hits the edge of the frame or the very top of the strings. This causes the ball to fly off in an unpredictable and wild direction. Most shanks result in the ball landing far outside the court boundaries or in the net. It usually happens when a player is out of position or loses their timing. Even the best professionals in the world shank the ball when they are tired. It is an embarrassing but common part of learning the complex mechanics of tennis. For example, a player might shank a forehand if they take their eyes off the ball. Sometimes, a shanked ball can actually loop over the net and land in for a winner. This is considered very lucky and usually requires a small apology to the opponent. Perfecting your footwork is the best way to avoid these frustrating errors.