Playing tennis on a clay court can be quite challenging, especially if you're not used to it. There are certain moves and tactics that will just not be as effective as when you're on the hard court. Hence, you have to practice and apply different strategies in order to play well and win.
Changes to Expect
When you are playing on a clay court, expect the tennis ball to move a bit slower but to bounce higher than usual. This is why you need to manage the ball accordingly.
In addition, you have to be aware that the court can be more slippery than ever. Not only will you need to wear high traction tennis shoes that are of very good quality, but you can use this slipperiness to your advantage by making your opponent run from one far side to the other direction.
You have to know how to strategize based on the expected changes that clay court tennis brings about.
How to Deal
Here are several tips that will help you to deal well with the changes mentioned above, and may just help you win the game too:
1. Hit the ball deep and maintain it there on the court.
Make sure to keep the ball deep on the court throughout the game. You can achieve this by simply being consistent with your hits to move the ball from one side to another, thereby tiring the opponent. Try to make the ball go as deep as the opponent's baseline and beyond too. This will work to your advantage especially if you move fast.
2. Hit with extra topspin for added consistency.
Consistency on the clay court is of utmost importance. Thus, you need to have enough stamina to be consistent. What's more, you should try to hit with extra topspin so as to have a safer margin above the net and also to lessen the slowing down of the ball. When this happens, the opponent will have a harder and shorter time getting to the ball.
3. Hit after and behind your opponent.
Of course hitting after or behind your opponent is a well-known strategy. But if you practice it well on the clay court, you'll benefit from it. This is because it's more difficult for the player to suddenly reverse direction when you hit far and then hit again to the opposite side. The clay surface will not allow for sufficient grip with these abrupt changes in direction.
4. Hit short and angled shots along with drop shots.
You must also practice hitting short and angled shots to attain your goal better. Drop shots will work wonders too! These shots will force your opponent to go nearer the net instead of staying on the baseline. Naturally, you must be well-prepared to answer to the shots that will be passed your way afterward.
Many tennis players will still want to try out a good clay court because this can improve their game and make them more versatile and skilled in this sport. Thus, it's important to ensure the best supplies and materials for such courts. Here at Tennis Court Supply, there is a range of top quality equipment being offered just for clay courts.