After waiting what seemed like a lifetime, I finally had the opportunity to enjoy a match of tennis on a grass surface last summer. Having visited the tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, there were a number of courts on the premise that were available for rent.
Boy, was it an experience. Unlike many things in this world, my experience here actually lived up to my expectations. I felt as if I was playing the sport in a completely different way.
NEWPORT
Grass is the original surface that tennis was born on, hence its use at the Hall of Fame in Newport. The only major Grand Slam event that you'll see these courts being used for is Wimbledon, played in London every summer.
This is the favorite event of many tennis fans, and it certainly holds a special place in my heart. Players treasure the surface just as much, and the strategy definitely changes when it comes to playing on grass.
Here are a few things that you should know if you'll be playing a match on this court type.
First of all, the ball moves far more quickly than it would on a clay or hard surface. In fact, it often skids once it lands, barely bouncing. This makes it difficult to return shots, especially if they're sliced.
As a result, you'll see many people relying on net play when they're playing matches. A serve and volley strategy works wonders here, as hitting the ball in the air will give your opponent less time to prepare to your shot and reach the ball.
The more pressure you can apply in this regard, the better off you'll be. The same goes for your serve, as a powerful serve can be extremely difficult to return.
You should also be careful about slipping, as some people end up hurting themselves due to the different feel of the court. Having said that, play cautiously and enjoy the experience.
Grass Tennis Courts - Things to Know NEWPORT
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