[Emre]

Each surface changes the bounce, the speed of the ball and how you move. Adjusting tactics to the surface can make a big difference.

• Clay slows the ball and produces higher bounces, rewarding consistency, topspin and patience
• Grass keeps the ball low and fast, rewarding serve, slice and short points
• Hard courts sit in between and vary a lot depending on the surface
• Movement differs too: sliding on clay, short steps on grass, firm stops on hard courts

Read more: the physics of tennis surfaces and tennis shoes and surface-specific design.

Which surface suits your game, and what do you change when you switch?

[Emre]

A practical tip: when switching surfaces, give yourself a few sessions to adjust timing before competing. Many players blame their form when they are just not used to the bounce yet.

[Author]

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