Will You be Able to Solve the Wall Street Crossword Clue: Like Some Tennis Shots or Basketball Passes Answers Revealed as of April 22, 2024

Hi! Wall Street crosswords are puzzles you can solve for fun. You read clues to fill in the words and see how many you can get right. It's a great game to keep your brain busy. Before we check out today's crossword clues, let's explore some cool facts about crossword puzzles. When you make a crossword for the Wall Street Journal, you need to start with a fun theme. A theme is an idea that ties the puzzle together, like a common word or topic in the answers.

The theme has to be clear, and you should stick to it throughout the puzzle. For example, if your theme is about animals, you might have answers that include animal names or phrases related to animals. The clues should match the theme and be interesting to solve. The more creative and clever the theme, the better the puzzle. In the Wall Street Journal, themed puzzles are often used on weekends or for special times of the year, like holidays.

If you're making a weekend crossword, you can use a theme to make the puzzle more engaging and enjoyable. The key to a good-themed crossword is consistency. All the themed answers should fit well with the theme, and the clues should be challenging but fun. A well-thought-out theme can make solving the crossword even more exciting and rewarding.

Let's jump into today's crossword clue: The clue "like some tennis shots or basketball passes" refers to a characteristic or style of how these sports moves are performed. In tennis, there are various types of shots, including serves, volleys, smashes, and ground strokes.

Some of these shots can be played with a particular technique that involves a downward or straight trajectory. Similarly, in basketball, there are different kinds of passes, such as chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes. Like in tennis, some passes can involve an underhand or downward motion.

Clue

Like some tennis shots or basketball passes

Explanation

The crossword clue "Like some tennis shots or basketball passes" describes a particular style or method used in tennis and basketball. Let's break it down to understand what it's asking without giving away the exact word.In tennis, players use different types of shots to win points.

They can hit the ball in various ways, like smashes, serves, volleys, or ground strokes. Some shots might involve hitting the ball in a way that makes it go straight over the net or with a specific motion that creates an effect on the ball. It might go high and then drop or move with a curve.

Similarly, in basketball, players use different passes to move the ball to their teammates. These passes can be thrown overhand, underhand, or even bounced on the floor to reach the player. Like tennis shots, some passes might be thrown with a specific technique or direction.

When thinking about this clue, consider what these shots and passes might have in common. For example, you might think about a particular direction these moves go in or a specific style of movement. In tennis, it might refer to a shot that follows a straight path or comes from a specific angle.

In basketball, it could be a pass that's direct or has a unique way of reaching the player. This clue is looking for a word that describes the common technique or style in both tennis shots and basketball passes. By focusing on the motion, angle, or direction these moves take, you can find a word that fits.

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Hints to Finding the Answer

If you're still having trouble finding the answer, here are some hints to guide you.

• The answer is a 10-letter word.

• The answer starts with C and ends with T.

• This term describes a direction in tennis.
• It's a shot that goes diagonally across the court.
• It's often used to catch opponents off-guard.
• It's a common strategy in tennis matches.

Answer

Great job, everyone! You nailed it and got the answer right.

CROSS COURT

Explanation

"Cross court" is a term used in sports, especially in tennis and badminton, to describe a shot that goes diagonally from one side of the court to the other. When players hit the ball or shuttlecock across the court, they aim to make it land on the opposite side, usually to make it harder for their opponent to reach.

In tennis, players typically use cross-court shots to move their opponents around and create openings. This shot can be a forehand or backhand, depending on which side the player is on. The idea is to hit the ball in a way that it travels diagonally across the net, from one corner of the court to the other. This can make it challenging for the opponent to return the shot because they have to run across the court to reach it.

Cross-court shots are useful because they can create angles and force the opponent to move a lot. If a player hits a good cross-court shot, the opponent might not have enough time to respond, leading to a point for the player who hit the shot. In badminton, cross-court shots are also common. Players use them to make the shuttlecock travel from one corner to the opposite corner, making the opponent run and increasing their chances of scoring a point.

Overall, cross-court shots are strategic and require skill and precision. Players who can hit these shots accurately often have an advantage in the game. It's a move that keeps the game exciting because it requires quick thinking and fast movement from both players.

Possible Answers

LOBS

Explanation

Lobs are high shots in tennis used to send the ball soaring above an opponent's head. They are one of the many techniques players use to gain an advantage during a game. When you hit a lob, you aim to get the ball over your opponent and into the back part of their court. Let's look at why lobs are useful and how players use them.

In tennis, players move around the court quickly, trying to hit the ball back and forth. Sometimes, your opponent comes close to the net, which leaves a lot of open space behind them. This is a perfect time to hit a lob. By sending the ball high and deep into the court, you make it hard for them to reach it in time.

Lobs can be defensive or offensive. Defensive lobs are used when you need more time to recover or get back into position. If your opponent hits a powerful shot, a high lob gives you a moment to regroup. Offensive lobs are used to surprise the opponent and force them to run back quickly, which can be tiring and challenging.

To hit a lob, you usually swing the racket in a way that sends the ball upward. You need to control the angle and force, so the ball goes high enough to clear the opponent's racket but not too far out of bounds. A well-executed lob can be very tricky to defend against, especially if your opponent is close to the net.

Lobs are not just about height—they require good timing and placement. Tennis players who master the lob can use it to change the pace of the game and create opportunities to win points. It’s a valuable shot that can be a game-changer in the right situation.

SMASH HITS

Explanation

Smash hits in tennis are one of the most exciting and powerful moves in the game. When a player hits a "smash," they strike the ball with a lot of force, usually from above their head. This move is similar to a volleyball spike and is typically used to finish a point quickly. Let's break down what makes smash hits in tennis so special.

Imagine you're playing tennis and your opponent hits the ball high into the air, usually as a lob shot. The lob is a shot that goes high above the net, trying to make it difficult for the opponent to return. If the ball is coming down from a high point, that's the perfect opportunity to perform a smash.

To execute a smash, the player moves into position, getting under the ball and ready to strike. They raise their racket high, almost like they're serving, and then hit the ball downwards with a lot of force. The goal is to send the ball into the opponent's court at a high speed, making it difficult or even impossible for the opponent to return.

Smash hits are great for winning points quickly because they are fast and forceful. Players need to have good timing and aim to perform a successful smash. If done correctly, the ball can travel at a high speed, often leaving the opponent with little chance to react.

While smash hits are thrilling and can lead to quick wins, they require practice to perfect. Players need to work on their footwork, timing, and precision to consistently perform successful smashes. That's why smash hits are typically seen in professional tennis matches where players have honed their skills to deliver powerful and accurate shots.

FTS

Explanation

FTS in basketball stands for "Free Throws," which are a special type of shot. Free throws are an important part of the game, allowing players to score points without any interference from other players. Here's an explanation of how free throws work in simple terms.

In basketball, when a player is fouled (meaning another player breaks a rule by hitting or pushing them), the referee might call for a free throw. This gives the fouled player a chance to take a shot from a specific spot on the court without anyone trying to block it. The free throw line is a marked line on the court, located about 15 feet from the basket.

When taking a free throw, players stand behind the free throw line and aim to shoot the basketball into the basket. They need to have good aim and concentration because there are no defenders in front of them. This is an excellent opportunity to score points for their team.

Players usually take one or more free throws, depending on the type of foul. If the foul is during a shot attempt and the ball doesn't go in, the player gets two free throws. If the shot goes in despite the foul, they get one free throw. If a player is fouled during a three-point attempt, they get three free throws.

Free throws can be crucial in close games because each successful shot adds a point to the team's score. Since no one is blocking the shot, it's all about the player's skill and focus. Free throws can change the course of a game, especially in the final moments when the score is tight. In summary, FTS in basketball are free throws, which are special shots taken from the free-throw line after a player is fouled. They're an essential part of the game and can make a big difference in the outcome.

GRASSED

Explanation

A "grassed court" is a type of tennis court with a playing surface covered in grass. This kind of court is one of the traditional surfaces used in tennis, and it's known for being fast and providing lowball bounces. When playing on a grassed court, the grass makes the ball move quickly because the surface is smooth.

Players need quick reflexes to hit the ball before it bounces twice. The low bounce also means players must stay low to the ground to make good shots. This type of court is often used for professional tournaments, with Wimbledon being the most famous grassed court tournament in the world.

Players who do well on grassed courts frequently use a serve-and-volley style, where they hit the ball hard and then quickly move to the net to hit the ball again. The fast pace of grassed courts makes this strategy effective because it doesn't give opponents much time to react. Playing on grassed courts can be challenging because the grass can be slippery, especially if it's wet. Players need to wear special shoes with extra grip to avoid slipping while running and turning.

Overall, grassed courts are a unique and exciting surface for tennis. They require players to be fast, agile, and ready to play a fast-paced game. If you're watching tennis on a grassed court, you'll notice the quick action and exciting rallies as players adapt to the challenging surface. If you ever get a chance to play on a grassed court, get ready for a fast and fun game!

TWOS

Explanation

Basketball is a popular sport where two teams try to score points by shooting a ball into a hoop. A basketball hoop is a circular metal rim with a net, and it's placed high above the ground on a backboard. There are different ways to score points in basketball, and one of the most common types of shots is a "two-pointer," or a "two."

A "two" is a shot taken from within a certain distance from the basket. In professional basketball, there's a line on the court called the three-point line. Any shot taken from inside this line is worth two points. This is why it's called a "two." Players can take two-point shots in several ways, like a layup, a dunk, a jump shot, or a hook shot.

• A layup is when a player runs toward the basket and gently places the ball into the hoop.
• A dunk is when a player jumps high and slams the ball through the hoop with force.
• A jump shot is when a player jumps and shoots the ball in one smooth motion.
• A hook shot is when a player uses a sweeping motion to shoot the ball, usually with one hand.

Two-point shots are an essential part of basketball. They are often the most frequent type of shot in a game, and they can happen during fast breaks, set plays, or one-on-one moves. Even though they are closer to the basket, they still require skill, precision, and good timing. In summary, "twos" in basketball refer to shots taken from inside the three-point line, which are worth two points. These shots come in different forms and play a big role in how teams score and win games.

NO LOOK

Explanation

No-look basketball passes are a fun and impressive way to move the ball on the court without giving away your intentions to the defense. Let's break down what they are and why they matter, using simple words. In basketball, passing the ball to your teammates is a big part of the game. Players need to find creative ways to get the ball to someone else, especially when defenders are watching closely.

A no-look pass is a special kind of pass where the player does not look directly at the teammate they're passing to. Instead, they look in a different direction, sometimes even faking a look at another teammate or at the basket. This can trick the defenders, making them think the ball is going somewhere else. When a no-look pass works, it's exciting to watch! It shows that the passer has great skills and a good understanding of the game.

To make a no-look pass, players need excellent coordination, awareness, and trust in their teammates. They need to know where everyone is on the court, even without looking. This type of pass is often used by some of the best players in basketball because it can lead to surprise plays and open shots for the team. No-look passes are tricky to do because the passer has to rely on their sense of timing and positioning.

If done wrong, the ball might get intercepted by the other team, but when done right, it's a great way to outsmart the defense. Players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and LeBron James are known for their incredible no-look passes, turning them into memorable moments in basketball history. So, no-look passes add a fun and clever twist to the game, making it more exciting for players and fans alike.

ACES

Explanation

In tennis, an "ace" is a very special type of shot. It happens when a player serves the ball so well that the opponent cannot hit it back. This means the server wins the point immediately. Here's a simple explanation of how aces work in tennis A tennis match starts with a serve. One player hits the ball across the net into the opponent's service box.

If the serve is strong and fast, and it lands in the right spot, it can be difficult for the other player to return it. When the opponent can't even touch the ball with their racket, it's called an ace. Aces are exciting because they show off a player's skill and power. To hit an ace, a player must serve with a lot of speed and accuracy.

They aim for a spot in the service box where it's hard for the opponent to reach. Sometimes, players use spin or different angles to make their serve even trickier. Aces can happen in any tennis match, whether it's at a professional tournament or a friendly game at the park. When a player hits an ace, the crowd often cheers because it's an impressive play.

Some of the best tennis players in the world are known for their powerful serves and their ability to hit many aces in a match. In summary, a tennis ace is a serve that wins the point immediately because the opponent can't hit it back. It shows skill, speed, and precision. Players practice their serves a lot to increase their chances of hitting aces during matches.

ARCED

Explanation

"Arced" describes a type of movement where something follows a curved path, much like the shape of a rainbow. In tennis, this term can refer to shots that travel in a high, curved trajectory before hitting the ground. This kind of shot is frequently used to get the ball over the net with extra height, making it difficult for the opponent to return.

In tennis, players use different types of shots to outmaneuver their opponents. An arced shot is one where the ball is hit in such a way that it travels high into the air, and then comes down at an angle. This curve can create a unique challenge for the opponent, who must adjust to the changing height and speed of the ball.

Arced shots can be used strategically in tennis. For example, when a player is far back on the court, hitting an arced shot can give them more time to return to position or disrupt the rhythm of their opponent. It can also be helpful when aiming for a specific spot on the court, like a deep corner.

An arced shot might also be used to add spin to the ball, which can change how it bounces when it hits the ground. This spin can make the ball move in unexpected ways, confusing the opponent and giving the player an advantage. Overall, when you hear the term "arced" in the context of tennis, it describes a shot with a high, curved path. This type of shot can be a powerful tool in a player's strategy, adding variety and unpredictability to the game.

SEEDED

Explanation

When you hear the term "seeded," you might think of gardening, where you plant seeds to grow plants. In sports like tennis, "seeded" has a different meaning. It refers to ranking players based on how good they are before a tournament starts. This ranking helps organize who plays against whom during the competition.

In a tennis tournament, the best players get a "seed" or a ranking number. The highest-ranked player is the number one seed, the second-best is the number two seed, and so on. This system ensures that top players don't play against each other too early in the tournament. It helps keep the competition balanced and makes sure the best players have a chance to reach the final rounds.

Being "seeded" is a big deal in tennis. It means you've proven yourself to be among the best. Seeded players usually have a good record and are expected to do well in the tournament. It also gives them certain advantages, like not playing against other top players right away. "Like tennis aces?" could be a clue asking about seeded players. An "ace" in tennis is when a player serves the ball so well that their opponent can't even touch it.

If someone is "like a tennis ace," they are seen as powerful or exceptional, just like seeded players who are ranked among the top in a tournament. In summary, being seeded in tennis means you're one of the best players, giving you a good start in a tournament. This clue might be hinting at how seeded players are similar to aces in terms of skill and excellence.

LAY UPS

Explanation

Layups are a common type of basketball shot. When a player makes a layup, they're very close to the basket, usually just a few steps away. Here's how a layup works in simple terms. When a player is heading toward the basket, they often take two steps, jump, and then carefully place the ball into the hoop. The goal is to get as close to the basket as possible, giving the player a high chance of scoring.

Layups are used a lot in basketball because they're one of the easiest and most effective shots. Players can use different techniques to make a layup. Some players use their right hand, while others use their left, depending on which side of the basket they're on. To make a layup, players also need to avoid defenders who might try to block their shot.

This might involve changing the angle of the shot or using a special move to get around defenders. Layups are not just for scoring; they're also useful in setting up other plays. For example, if a player goes for a layup and defenders come to stop them, they can pass the ball to a teammate who has a better chance of scoring.

This creates teamwork and makes the game more exciting. Overall, layups are a key part of basketball. They're a simple but effective way to score points and can be used by players of all ages and skill levels. By practicing layups, basketball players can improve their skills and become better at the game.

WIDE

Explanation

"WIDE" is a term often used in sports like tennis and cricket. In tennis, "wide" refers to a shot that lands outside the boundaries of the court. When a player hits a ball during a rally or a serve, it must land within a specific area, marked by lines. If the ball goes beyond those lines, it is called "wide."

Imagine you're playing tennis and you want to hit the ball into the other side of the court. The court has lines to show you where you can hit the ball. If you hit it too far to the side, so it goes outside those lines, the shot is "wide." That means it doesn't count, and the other player wins that point.

In cricket, "wide" has a similar meaning. When a bowler throws a ball to the batsman, it must be within a certain range so the batsman can hit it. If the ball is too far away from the batsman, so he can't reach it with his bat, it's called a "wide." The bowler gets penalized, and the batting team gets extra runs.

In summary, "wide" is a word that means a ball has gone outside the boundaries where it is supposed to go. In tennis, it's a point for the other player, and in cricket, it's a chance for the batting team to get extra runs. The goal in both sports is to keep the ball inside the lines. If you don't, it's like hitting a bad shot that doesn't count.

TWO-HANDED

Explanation

"Two-handed" means using both hands at the same time to do something. It’s a common way to get more strength or balance. Here's a simple explanation with a few examples. In sports like tennis, some players use both hands to hit certain shots. When they do a "two-handed backhand," they hold the tennis racket with both hands.

This helps them swing harder and have more control over where the ball goes. Using two hands can make the shot more powerful. In fitness, many exercises use both hands. Think about push-ups. When you do a push-up, you press your body up from the ground using both hands. This gives you better stability and strength. It’s much harder to do a push-up with just one hand! Using two hands can also be helpful in everyday tasks.

For example, when you carry a heavy box, it’s easier and safer to use both hands. This way, you spread the weight evenly and have a better grip. In summary, "two-handed" means using both hands together to do something. It’s a technique that helps with strength, balance, and control. Whether in sports, fitness, or daily activities, using two hands can make tasks easier and more effective.

ALLY OOP

Explanation

An alley-oop is a special move in basketball where one player throws the ball near the basket, and another player catches it in mid-air to score. Here's how it works in simple terms: First, the player with the ball looks for a teammate who is near the basket and ready to jump. This teammate needs to be tall or able to jump high.

The player with the ball then tosses it gently towards the basket, aiming it high and towards where their teammate will be. The teammate who is jumping, times their leap to catch the ball while in the air. Once they catch it, they can quickly put it in the basket, usually by dunking or tapping it in.

This move is exciting to watch because it happens quickly and involves a lot of skill. The alley-oop is often used to surprise the other team and can be a thrilling way to score. It requires good communication and teamwork because the two players need to understand each other and know where the ball will be.

It's a flashy play, often leading to loud cheers from the crowd because it's so impressive to see. In summary, an alley-oop is when one basketball player throws the ball near the basket, and another player catches it mid-air to score. It's a cool and exciting move that requires teamwork, timing, and skill.