TENNIS COURT SURFACES

Balls usually bounce lower on faster surfaces such as grass, and higher on slower surfaces such as clay. Big servers and serve-and-volley players (those who serve and then immediately run in to the net to volley) usually prefer fast courts, because shorter points are easier on fast surfaces. Baseliner tend to prefer slower surfaces, as they are more suited to longer points.

1. Saving Time
   On clay courts you can slide into a shot, which saves time running to hit the ball.
   Sliding helps balance and can reduce the distance you need to cover on each point.
   
2. Predicting Bounce
   On a hard court, medium to fast, low bounces keep rallies short, so powerful, hard-serving players have a slight advantage.
   
3. Court Preparation
   Before play, clay courts are smoothed for a truer ball bounce and to erase marks that the ball has made.
   

ON FAST SURFACES

• String your tennis racquet tighter. Because the court is producing more pace, having tighter strings will help control the ball.
• Because the ball comes through quicker you will have less time, so shorten your backswing.
• The energy supplied from a fast court will give you shots more pace and to keep the ball in you must hit lower.
• Be aggressive. Hit the ball harder and aim for the corners. One good shot usually means the end of the point on quick surfaces.

ON SLOW SURFACES

• Have your racquet strung at a looser tension. You will now need to supply your own power.
• Lengthen your backswing. To help supply the extra power, especially on higher deep shots, take a bigger backswing and hit through with power and topspin.
• Hit the ball higher over the net. Hitting short on a slow court give your opponent the chance to attack.
• Be patient and work the point ! On slow courts hit the ball hard, but remember it takes more shots to get the ball past your opponent and win the point.