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I recently wrote about what it was like playing on grass courts, so this week I thought I would write about clay courts. Clay and grass are significantly different. The most prestigious clay court tournament is the French Open (Roland Garros).
Playing on a clay court is vastly different from playing on a grass surface and some consider the former to be the more difficult. I will go through some things that will help you prepare for your clay court matches.
Be very patient. Clay courts play slower than other surfaces, points usually last longer. They don't produce a lot of non-returnable shots so good conditioning is essential since you will be moving back and forth a lot.
Clay courts require lots of creativity since the surface slows down your hard shots. So mix it up, use different spins and angles instead of just trying to hit hard. Use the element of surprise, keep your opponent guessing.
Use heavy topspin shots as they bite into the clay well, giving it a more unpredictable bounce and it will make it difficult for your opponent to put counter-spin on it.
Playing deep into the court will allow you more time to plan your shots since clay is slower. This will allow you more control over the point instead of just reacting.
The clay surface is different from the other surfaces in footing as well as bounce. Being able to slide effectively on clay will allow you to get to balls you would not have a chance at on harder surfaces.
Make your opponent back up with deep topspin shots and then surprise them with a drop shot. Drop shots can be devastating on clay when mixed with deep balls with lots of top spin, drop shots can give you a great advantage.
Because points last longer you have to be a lot fitter, you will have to cover a lot more ground and hit more shots. Playing on clay will improve your consistency but you will have to change the way you play as you will have to adapt to the surface.
Happy hitting.
