Scott Nichols – On The Other Hands Newsletter is focused on providing Tennis tips on various subjects from stroke execution, mental execution, to physical fitness.
In this edition, we are going to discuss the different types of courts one can play on and some tips to help you adjust to each surface.
Hard courts
Hard courts are generally made of cement or plastic. Depending on the thickness and composition of the top surface, they can vary in speed from medium to fast. In general, they are faster than clay but slower than grass. Because the surface is solid and firm, hard courts provide the truest, most predictable bounces, serving to equalize various playing styles.
This is the time to show off your serve, as opponents will have less time to react to the fast bounce. A serve and volley strategy can also be highly effective. While topspin and slice have their place in the hard court game, powerful flat balls are best.
Grass courts
Grass courts are the fastest courts of all. They consist of grass grown on very hard-packed soil, similar to golf greens. Bounces depend on how healthy the grass is, how recently it has been mowed, and the wear and tear of recent play. Because the surface is less firm than hard courts, the ball bounces lower so that players must reach the ball faster. Points are usually very short and the serve plays a crucial role. If you are a serve and volley player, you’ll have a distinct advantage on grass. By getting into the net and cutting off the return, you take control of the point and will often be in position to hit an outright winner.
Indoor courts
Indoor courts can be made of wood, cement or Astroturf, which is a carpet-like material. Carpet-style indoor courts are the most common, and are generally fairly fast, although not as fast as grass. Cement indoor courts play similarly to hard courts. Wood courts are the least common and tend to play fast as well. Newer technologies include vinyl and other fabrications which can mimic the speed of various other court surfaces. If you will be playing an indoor tournament, try to practice on the court and get a feel for the surface so that you can adjust your game accordingly.
Clay courts
Clay courts are made of crushed shale, stone or brick, and are either red or green. The green Har-tru courts are most commonly seen in Clay courts are considered slow, because the balls bounce relatively high and more slowly, making it more difficult to hit an outright winner. The softer surface absorbs power as well as shock to the body, making it the surface of choice for many older players or players with knee or back issues. But that doesn’t mean it’s a powder puff game.
Points are generally longer, requiring a high degree of overall fitness and stamina. Sometimes the underdog will have the advantage, if he or she is fit and patient. Statistics show that more upsets occur on clay than on hard surfaces. This could be good news if you are the weaker player. But if you have the stronger game, be wary of the opponent who seeks to simply wear you down. On clay, it is particularly important to take your time on the point and wait for the opportunity to put the ball away.
Your best bet to win is to develop a consistent baseline game and to play defensively. Because of the irregular surface, bounces can be tricky, requiring greater focus and more patience than might be necessary on a faster court. Topspin and slice are very effective on clay as these shots bite into the surface. For the same reason, drop shots can be downright deadly.
Movement on clay courts is different from other surface in that the feet don’t have a solid grip. Playing on clay often involves the ability to slide into the ball during the stroke, as opposed to running and stopping like on a hard or grass court. Your shoes can make a big difference in your ability to move effectively on clay.
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