The Clay Court Surface

The French Open is coming on the 23rd. That means the racket bracket is that weekend. The racket bracket is where you make your picks for who you think is going to win. So I thought that it would help to explain the different courts for the slams just to broaden understanding.

Clay Courts

Clay courts are the most special of the 4 types of courts. It takes more maintenance. The surface is a relatively soft. And there is clay spread out on top. In America, the courts are grey or greyish green. I'm EUROPE, however the courts are red. The mixture of the clay is up to the manufacturer but the red stuff has some old bricks ground up into sand. The courts are sometimes bigger for more running space.

Because of this, clay courts are the slowest courts. They favor the most patient, the most balanced movers and the most well conditioned.

The ball normally bounces higher and can bounce crazy depending on the condition of the court. Whatever spin you put on the ball with magnify in the bounce. Topspin will jump more violently, underspin will stay low etc. The boundary lines are nailed into court which makes them raised slightly. When the ball bounces off the line, it can bounce unpredictably. It can also bounce funny off any spot that clay is accumulated.

The advantages of clay is that it is easier on the body. The joints do not get the same pounding as with hard courts. And the clay leaves marks where the ball landed. So you know (unless the opponent hits the ball very weakly) if the ball was in or out based on the bounce and the mark.

ANY type of player can be great on clay though. You just have to use the flow and not fight it. One thing is for sure, clay is for long fights.

Counterpuncher

Rafael Nadal and Jelena Jankovic

The counterpuncher uses the slowed pace and the higher bounce to give them time to play defense. Running everything down, sliding everywhere and making sure to extend the rallies. The counterpuncher on clay gets a bonus if they have a weapon that can wear people down. like a heavily spun topspin forehand or a full mixture of shots. Wear out everyone.

Powerhitter

Robin Soderling and Serena Williams

The powerhitter uses the extended rallies to make the opponent run A LOT. Whatever weapon they have, they want to hit it all day. Sometimes you see them running all over the court trying to hit a forehand ALL THE TIME. Overpower the powerful, wear out the weak.

Serve and Volley

Michael Llodra

The serve needs to have variety. Since the power will be dulled by the surface, a good spin serve is essential. It really depends on your opponent. The volleys will be a lot nicer when they hit the floor and you will have longer to get to the net. Overwhelm your opponent.

All Court Player

Roger Federer and Svetlana Kuznetsova

Constructing points is the key as usual for the all court player. So whatever type of play he/she does, he can use it to get to the net and take time away.

Clay Courts For You

When you play on clay, remember a few things:

If it rains a little, its OK as long as there are no puddles.

At most places, is customary to prep the courts for the next players when you finish your match.

If someone chooses clay on purpose, most of the time they are doing it to mess you up.

Use soft court balls on clay. I carry a can just in case my opponent does not have one.

If you want to learn about technique on TV. Watching clay court tennis is the way to go.