What does sidestroke mean?
A sidestroke is a stroke or movement made from the side. Its best-known use is in tennis, where it describes a shot struck while the player moves sideways; it may be used to alter direction, change pace, or exploit an opponent’s positioning. In canoeing, a sidestroke is a paddle stroke made on one side of the boat to propel or steer it. In swimming, the word denotes a stroke performed on the side of the body. Although the idea of a sideward stroke can be understood intuitively, the established term is mainly confined to sporting technique. It is especially useful in discussing tennis footwork and strategy, where the direction from which a player strikes the ball can be as important as the shot’s power or spin.
A stroke made from the side, especially in tennis, canoeing, or swimming.
"He learned the sidestroke before trying the serve."
In swimming, the expression is also commonly written as two words, "side stroke."
To make a sidestroke, especially a sideways stroke in tennis.
"She sidestroked the ball into the opposite court."
This verbal use is uncommon outside descriptions of tennis technique.
Used when referring to multiple strokes of the kind.
"His sidestrokes repeatedly pulled the ball toward the baseline."
One word spans three sports: a sideways tennis shot, a canoe paddle beat, and a swimmer's side-stroke technique.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sidestroke come from?
Sidestroke is an English compound formed from side and stroke. Both elements are old English words: side referred to an edge or half, while stroke could denote a line, movement, or act of striking. The compound literally describes a stroke made to or from the side, a meaning extended to several sports.
Related word forms
How sidestroke is actually used
The term is specialized and occurs most often in sports contexts. In swimming, it may also be written as two words, "side stroke."