passing shot

American  

noun

Tennis.

1. a shot played to one side of and beyond the reach of an opponent coming to or stationed at the net.

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passing shot British  

noun

1. tennis a winning shot hit outside an opponent's reach

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Etymology

Origin of passing shot

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

passing shot

Huarte had four service breaks — the last being a cross-court passing shot on match point.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2026

The 22-year-old took the second opportunity, with a rasping passing shot forcing a deciding set.

From Barron's ● Nov. 11, 2025

She should have broken back in the next game but ended up falling to her knees at the net, arms outstretched as she sent the passing shot wide to go 3-1 down.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2025

Yet another lob produced yet another overhead, again back to Alcaraz’s left, and this time he came up with a down-the-line backhand passing shot that Ramos-Vinola volleyed into the net.

From Washington Times ● May 25, 2022

And with this passing shot, to which neither of his auditors responded, he made his final obeisance and calmly left the room.

From The Sword of Damocles A Story of New York Life by Anna Katharine Green