Attributes That Make Clay A Unique Tennis Surface

The red clay that is used as the surface on a tennis court originated right back to the origins of the game. If you play tennis yourself, you have been privileged to have a game on this famous surface. The history of the red clay court is particularly prevalent in Spain and the home of the only major played on clay; France.

If you ever have the opportunity to play on clay; grab it with both hands! It really is a unique experience and one you will never forget. Just stepping on that stunning red surface is a thrill!

We are all fascinated by both its appearance and the way that red clay changes the game of tennis. Here are a few snippets of information that you may not already know.

A player who constantly serves and volleys on other surfaces will find themselves really struggling on the class. As will those whose success depends on the accuracy of their booming serves.

If you do ever see a player approach the net while playing on clay, it is a very rare thing indeed. Those who rely on their booming serve will also find that it hasn't the effect on this surface as it does on others.

If you weren't aware already, clay is a very thick compound. It is the thickest of all the surfaces and instead of the ball hitting the surface and then speeding up, the clay slows it down.

Where as on other surfaces such as hard courts the ball skids along the surface at speed, on clay courts it is slowed right down by the thickness of the surface.

So the ball is slower and as a result bounces a lot higher. This means your opponent has longer to reach the ball and return it, thus making the game go on for longer. Some matches on clay have literally gone for hours.

The matches are made so much longer by the length of the rallies, where the spectators frequently begin to count the strokes out loud after they have gone over 10.

Those who are quicker around the court will always have the edge over their opponents.

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