The grass court season is here, and the world’s top tennis players are taking to the heralded turf of Wimbledon, inspiring tennis players of all levels to add “play on a grass court” to their bucket lists. For the pros, grass court season is over in about one month, but recreational players can enjoy an extended season.
When you feel a manicured grass court beneath your tennis sneakers, be warned, the first few shots may not feel as smooth and beautiful as it looks on television – but the new challenge is part of the fun!
Grass courts play quite differently than most other surfaces, but if you follow these simple tips provided by the pros at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island you’ll be on your way to grass court success.
1. How Low Can You Go
Donning pressed tennis whites and bright white sneakers, more than one tennis lover has stepped up to the baseline of the historic Hall of Fame courts envisioning a return fit for a Wimbledon broadcast instant reply, only to find themselves dumbfounded as the ball’s low bounce hangs in the air, as if goading the player.
“The biggest difference with grass court tennis is that the ball simply does not bounce upwards, like other surfaces. Instead, it slides and skids, which is why it is imperative to keep your body low,” advises Mary Rompf, Senior Professional for the Hall of Fame Tennis Clubs. “Catching the ball low will help ensure your return is low to the net and directly into the court – an effective weapon.”
2. To Spin or to Slice?
A heavy topspin will not be very effective on grass. However, slices and flat shots will keep the bal low and allow you the chance to approach and set yourself up to claim the point. A slice approach shot will force your opponent to hit “up” on the ball, and therefore sets the net player up to receive shots that they can easily volley “down.”
To read more, purchase our June/July issue!
Comments are closed.