baseline
BAYSS-line
/ˈbeɪslaɪn/
The line at each end of a court that marks the limit of play.
The baseline is the primary territory for defensive players who prefer to stay back and wait for an opponent's mistake.
The story behind the word. A compound of 'base' (from the Greek 'basis,' meaning a stepping or a pedestal) and 'line' (from the Latin 'linea,' meaning a linen thread). It is the foundation line of the court.
Word relationships
- backline: 'Backline' is more common in sports like rugby or soccer; 'baseline' is the standard for court sports.
- net: The net is the center of the court, the opposite of the baseline position.
Commonly confused with
- sideline: The sideline marks the side boundaries, while the baseline marks the end boundaries.
Collocations
- baseline player
- baseline rally
- stay on the baseline
Example sentences
- "I'm a baseline player; I like to stay back and grind out the points." Player style
- "The ball landed just an inch beyond the baseline, resulting in a point for the opponent." Court description
Memory hook
The 'base' of your operations on the court. The back boundary.
When not to use
In business, 'baseline' refers to a starting point for comparison; ensure the context is sports.
Fun facts
- In the early 20th century, baseline play was considered 'boring' compared to the 'gentlemanly' net game.
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