There are different types of tennis courts and each tennis player chooses the surface where he/she will play according to the one that best suits him/her to excel in his/her style. Nowadays tennis has become a very popular sport and is trained in countless gyms and clubs.
Types of Tennis Courts
We have 4 different types of tennis courts and they are classified by their hardness. This is relevant to the type of game you want to play.
The most common tennis court surfaces are:
- Clay
- Hard / fast (concrete or asphalt)
- Natural grass (grass)
- Artificial carpet
What is probably not so well known is that only the first three surfaces (clay, hard, fast and natural grass) are used on professional circuits such as the ATP or WTA.
I will mention them one by one and show you a picture to give you a better understanding of what the courts are like.
What are the 3 main types of tennis courts? Grass, Clay, Hard
The type of tennis court used can have a significant impact on the game, influencing the speed of the ball, the bounce of the ball, and the amount of spin that can be generated. In this article, we will explore the different types of tennis court surfaces and their distinctive features.
Grass Court
Grass courts are the oldest and fastest type of tennis court, offering low and fast bounces. This surface is made up of grass and is most common in Great Britain. The ball skids and bounces low, making it difficult for the players to anticipate its trajectory. Due to the fast-paced nature of the game on grass courts, serve and volley style of play is commonly used.
Clay Court
Clay courts are made up of crushed shale, stone, or brick, and are typically slower than grass courts. The ball bounces higher and slower on clay, allowing the player to have more time to prepare for their shots. This surface allows for more extended rallies and is known to be a great equalizer as it requires a player to have good endurance and patience. The most prominent tennis tournament played on clay is the French Open, also known as Roland Garros.
Hard Court
Hard courts are made up of asphalt or concrete, and are the most popular type of court used in tennis. These courts provide a faster pace of play than clay courts, but are slower than grass courts. The bounce of the ball is medium, which allows for a variety of playing styles to be effective. Many professional tournaments use hard courts, including the US Open and the Australian Open.
Tennis court dimensions
The dimensions of a tennis court are normally 23.78 metres long and 10.97 metres wide, with a space at the back equal to or greater than 3.65 metres (4 m in international tournaments) and a lateral space equal to or greater than 6.40 metres (8 m in international tournaments).
The net plays a very important role in this sport, it must be at a height of 0.914 m. at the centre and 1.07 m. at the posts that support it. The net is held in place by a metal cable with a diameter of 0.8 m and covered with the famous white band that decides many points.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each type of tennis court has its own unique characteristics, which can significantly impact the game. Grass courts are fast and offer low bounces, clay courts are slower and provide higher bounces, hard courts provide medium bounces and are the most popular type of court, while carpet courts are no longer in use. Understanding the type of court being played on is crucial for tennis players to be able to adapt their playing style and tactics accordingly.
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