What Type Of Tennis Court Do You Prefer?
By Mario Xavier
Tennis courts are rectangular surfaces that have a low net spread across the center. Most often, the courts are on a flat surface, made of grass, clay or concrete measuring 78 feet in length by 27 feet in width for singles matches, or 36 feet for doubles matches.
There are four different types of tennis courts depending on what types of materials are used for the surface; clay, hard, grass, and indoor. Each surface has its advantages and disadvantages, which can affect how the game of tennis is played. U.S. Open and Australian Open tournaments use hard courts, while the French Open is played on clay and Wimbledon uses grass for its surface.
Clay tennis courts are made of crushed shale, stones or brick, and are either green or red color. In tennis, clay courts are often considered slow because balls bounce forward in a slower motion, which makes it harder on the opposing player to return a shot. Clay courts are great for players who hit on the baseline, and are more consistent and defensive. Clay tennis courts are most common in Europe and South America. In the United States, clay courts are uncommon, but when used, the clay is different from that used in other countries.
Hard tennis courts are most often made of concrete or plastic and are considered fast surfaces, since they allow for a more powerful serve and short game play. These types of courts are faster than the clay types, but slower than the grass courts, which allow the ball to slide.
Synthetic courts such as Rebound Ace differ from concrete courts in the level of hardness. Rebound Ace is made from a more spongy material, causing the ball to lose speed since the momentum of the ball is absorbed by the surface. Hard surfaces provide less cushion to the ball, allowing it to gain speed.
The fastest types of tennis courts are created from grass surfaces. They are similar to golf greens, in that they are grown on hard packed soil. The game can actually depend on the state of the grass, since the bounces depend on how healthy the grass is, and the length and wear and tear on it.
The best example of a grass tennis court is the Centre Court in Wimbledon. The surface on a grass court is more slippery and less firm, causing the ball to slide and bounce less, which in turn make the player work harder at getting to the ball and returning it.
When it comes to indoor tennis courts, only special surfaces can be used. The most common are carpet surfaces, and thickness, texture and materials can all affect game play. Some courts are also made from wood, which is the most rare to find. This surface is the fastest, since it allows the ball to bounce faster than grass.
Tennis courts come in a variety of surfaces, and all have advantages and disadvantages. Finding a court to play your best on may take some practice, but there is a court for any playing level or preference.
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