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.

---

passing shot British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of passing shot

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

passing shot

Asked what his memories of the moment were, in typically understated fashion he remembers "hitting an approach shot with my forehand into Raonic's backhand and him missing the passing shot into the net".

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

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

Hit a forehand passing shot down the line that appeared headed wide before curling in.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 4, 2023

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 Green, Anna Katharine