a slippery tennis court

[garfonkee]

For some reason, where I am, the courts are often either hardcourt, or a sandy court (apparently carpet with a lot of sand on it)..

I got to hit with someone for 5 minutes today and it seems that my shoes have zero traction at all in this sandy court. Is this the case for everyone else, or could it be that the place was too sandy, or my shoe needs to be thrown away?

Does a split step help with traction?

 

[kv123]

A split step helps you with positioning and by the way it sounds might actually raise your percentage of slipping

The courts could be really slippery so working on your balance is a must. Also look at the bottom of your tennis shoes to see if their worn out and the grip is worn down until its mostly flat.

A quick tip that could help. Spit on your hands them run them on your shoe
May sound nasty but will add a bit of traction on the hard court if your desperate.

 

[baek57]

a split step will center your weight making it easier to transition to either side of the court.

 

[BullDogTennis]

ha, you dont even have to spit on your hands! just wipe your shoes, it will get loose dust off them and help tons! ( thats why you see basketball players do it all the time!)

 

[Mahboob Khan]

I don't see any wisdom behind "sandy" courts. Why would they put sand on the courts? If sand, rust, dirt is because of neglect, these courts should be watshed on regular basis.

 

[garfonkee]

I don't see any wisdom behind "sandy" courts. Why would they put sand on the courts? If sand, rust, dirt is because of neglect, these courts should be watshed on regular basis.

Hmm.. from http://renovate.realestate.com.au/outdoors/ideas-and-designs/australian-open-in-your-backyard/2 I think it's this:

Sand filled artificial grass

This court is a synthetic carpet that is (usually) laid on a concrete or asphalt base, then filled with sand, which fills the space between the carpet fibres. The sand holds the carpet in place while providing a firm playing surface and water drainage. It is important to maintain court, including brushing the surface, to prolong its life and treat with a good algaecide once a year.

Playing characteristics:

* Medium slow to very fast ball speed
* Medium to low bounce
* Variable bounce depending on carpet design and sand
* Minimal topspin
* Slice
* Firm footing with partial slide
* Reasonable shock absorption
* Lifespan 7 – 15 years

Two of the clubs I've been to in Sydney use these.. But maybe it's just my shoes..

Does this sound similar to clay courts btw? Never been to one.

 

[tom_asdelonge182]

Actually in Sydney, its very hard to find clay courts. Nearly all the courts are hard or this synthetic grass which is bllody annoying and dirty

 

[Vision84]

I like astro when it is not to sandy. In Cambridge there are tons of them.

 

[HyperHorse]

Actually in Sydney, its very hard to find clay courts. Nearly all the courts are hard or this synthetic grass which is bllody annoying and dirty

At Rockdale Tennis club they have synthetic clay courts...
And these seem to be popping up all over the place...
Any other reports of these courts?