Tennis is a sport that celebrates diversity. Each surface poses its own distinct set of challenges and rewards.
Court surfaces can drastically change every aspect of a game from speed and intensity to strategy and player safety.
Opting for the surface you prefer can often come down to personal choice, so this blog post explores the pros and cons of some popular court surfaces:
Grass
Hard courts provide high-speed play and easy maintenance, making them the go-to surface. Made from asphalt or concrete, they typically feature low bounce, which enables players to accelerate quickly after each stroke without risking lower-body injuries.
Hard courts are commonly found at professional tournaments and public facilities like gyms and schools, offering an all-inclusive playing experience while being harder on the body than other court surfaces. Clubs and public areas frequently utilize hard courts because of its ease of cleaning and upkeep.
Though grass courts may not provide the most traditional or comfortable surface for playing tennis, they do provide an authentic and natural feel. Some iconic images from tennis history like Rod Laver leaping to the net or Boris Becker throwing himself around were all shot on grass courts. Although grass offers the slowest surface for the game, its rapid pace still allows balls to bounce low against the ground; making this surface an effective one for big servers who can control themselves at the net while playing an attacking style game.
Grass courts often feature unpredictable bounce, due to the softer soil. This can make timing shots on grass courts difficult when using top spin, and an uneven surface may make maintaining balance difficult, placing extra strain on arms and making hitting top spin harder than intended.
Grass courts can become slippery underfoot during rain showers, making drainage systems an essential feature. If a match must be moved indoors due to poor weather, hard courts must be used instead.
Red Clay
Tennis may be an athletic contest between two athletes, but court surfaces play an equally essential role in its outcome. Different kinds of courts can have significant effects on ball speed and bounce as well as player strategies and physical demands of play – something different types of courts cannot.
Clay courts are very popular throughout Europe, particularly Spain and Italy, due to their red dirt surface which slows the ball down for long rallies and tactical play. Furthermore, this surface provides ample cushion for joints, helping players remain physically healthy throughout their matches; however, with such a soft surface being difficult for hitting winners requires good technique to hit winners!
Clay courts require significant maintenance in European climates. Regular sweeping, brushing and watering is necessary to avoid becoming slippery and unplayable – causing injuries. But with proper care taken on maintenance it can still provide fast playing experience with long rallies possible.
Concrete tennis courts are comprised of asphalt or concrete covered in an acrylic surface and offer a medium-paced playing experience that’s accessible year-round and easy on joints – ideal for beginners. Unfortunately, their hard surface may cause knee discomfort as it increases risk of injury; in addition, its heat retention capabilities make the court uncomfortable to play on.
Carpet rubber courts are made up of asphalt mixed with flexible cushioning rubber that offers quick and consistent play experience, without becoming slippery after even light rainfall. Carpet rubber courts are an increasingly popular choice among recreational and tournament players as they provide quick play times with enough traction for players to continue playing safely and consistently.
Grass courts have long been used in major tennis tournaments like Wimbledon. Grass is known to keep the ball low and reward players with Eastern grips who can play deep slices; therefore it has been considered fairest surface in terms of providing equal opportunities to all players; due to it being harder for those with greater power to gain an advantage over opponents, thus decreasing favoritism.
Har-Tru (Green Clay)
Har-Tru courts, also referred to as fast-dry surfaces, quickly dry after rainstorms so play can continue without interruption. Combining the best attributes of both grass and hard courts while being easier on players’ bodies. Har-Tru courts are increasingly popular with tennis enthusiasts and support a range of playing styles and abilities.
Har-Tru tennis courts feature granular clay surfaces designed to allow players to slide when returning the ball, eliminating twisting and jarring motion that can cause injuries and allow players to play longer without straining themselves physically. This reduces injuries associated with tennis-playing activities while permitting more hours per day across multiple days a week without over-stressing their bodies.
Har-Tru courts are constructed from pre-Cambrian metabasalt quarried from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains over billion years ago and possessing high degrees of angularity and hardness – creating the ideal surface for tennis court construction. Angularity helps stone particles lock together securely for an ideal playing surface.
Har-Tru courts feature fast-drying green clay surfaces with springy bounce, which makes them suitable for players of all skill levels and experience levels. Their soft surface also slows the pace of play, leading to longer rallies with more innovative and inspiring plays.
Har-Tru courts may not be as quick to set up as their hard counterparts, but they are straightforward and long-lasting if cared for correctly. Maintenance tasks include daily sweeping and brushing as well as monthly scraping and light resurfacing with Coarse Blend material resurfacing material; periodic calcium or magnesium chloride application to maintain moisture balance is also recommended to keep them looking their best; in the Northeast region these courts typically undergo an annual refurbishment before their outdoor playing season begins.
No matter the court surface you select, investing in a tennis court will benefit both you and your family. Not only can you enjoy this timeless game of tennis but it will also develop character by teaching patience, persistence and dealing with adversity – essential skills necessary for becoming an all-rounded, successful adult.
Polymeric Rubber
Polymeric rubber court surfaces are an economical and low maintenance choice, offering numerous benefits including good ball bounce, all weather performance and anti-slip properties. Furthermore, they are permeable and SUDS compliant ensuring no flooding during wet weather conditions.
Polymeric surfaces offer multiple advantages, the primary being shock absorption. This is essential as repetitive hand and leg movements during play can have detrimental effects on knee joints and lower back muscles if not managed carefully, leading to knee joint damage or discomfort for players. That is why Europe-inspired DIN tested FLEX COURT tennis surface is considered world’s most advanced tennis surface, created with orthopedic surgeons to offer maximum player protection.
These surfaces consist of EPDM rubber crumb particles combined with either polyurethane, styrene butadiene or acrylic emulsion polymers as binders, laid on macadam or other hard wearing porous bases for use. They can accommodate numerous sports including basketball, netball and football as well as long jump run-ups and high jump zones that meet SAPCA, ITF and LTA standards for tennis play.
When comparing various tennis court surfaces on the market, several factors must be taken into account when making a comparison, including ball bounce, player/surface interaction and slip resistance. The type of polymer used to bond granules will have a direct influence over these characteristics.
Surface type will have an effect on overall project costs; initial installation and ongoing maintenance expenses can differ significantly depending on its features and installation/maintenance requirements. Working with an expert installer of sports surfaces will enable an impartial analysis of various options, helping you make a decision that’s suitable for your facility.