Grass Courts

[AngeloDS]

I'm playing Singles for the league, about 2 weeks from now. I'm pretty sure it's not a Wimbledon style grasscourt, so it'll have bad bounces.

My opponents played on grass several times, and I have not. So, I'm at a huge disadvantage from the start.

His weakness is high-bouncing balls to his backhands. So, I always did kickers to him on the backhand and lots of topspin for the ground. But not sure how the bounces on grass are. If it'll bounce as high.

I'm not sure on topspin and drive. Lately, a lot of my shots have had a lot of topspin. Not sure how it'll work with grass. As well as the speed, not sure on how fast/slow grass plays. Also, on serve I have no clue how it all works out.

I'm not sure if I should change my grip. I'm thinking about changing my grip to something with more drive, and more open -- specifically for grass. I'm guessing the ball won't bounce high, especially with the bad bounces.

I can take balls way below my knee. Like maybe 2 inches above my ankle, I can take them pretty low and make good shots but it's really hard to recover for the volley.

So, I'm thinking of changing to something. Not sure.

 

[bookem]

From my limited grass experience, if you can get some crazy high-kickers, then more power to you! However, I've found that the more effective shot on that surface is slice; you'll be surprised how low the ball stays when you hit an effective slice, particularly shots that have a tendency to "skid" on hardcourts.

Pre-match, I would only suggest that you react and prepare EARLY, since grass is a faster surface. This is not only your racquet prep but particularly your footwork and first-step reaction.

Good luck!

 

[joe sch]

I'm playing Singles for the league, about 2 weeks from now. I'm pretty sure it's not a Wimbledon style grasscourt, so it'll have bad bounces.

My opponents played on grass several times, and I have not. So, I'm at a huge disadvantage from the start.

His weakness is high-bouncing balls to his backhands. So, I always did kickers to him on the backhand and lots of topspin for the ground. But not sure how the bounces on grass are. If it'll bounce as high.

I'm not sure on topspin and drive. Lately, a lot of my shots have had a lot of topspin. Not sure how it'll work with grass. As well as the speed, not sure on how fast/slow grass plays. Also, on serve I have no clue how it all works out.

I'm not sure if I should change my grip. I'm thinking about changing my grip to something with more drive, and more open -- specifically for grass. I'm guessing the ball won't bounce high, especially with the bad bounces.

I can take balls way below my knee. Like maybe 2 inches above my ankle, I can take them pretty low and make good shots but it's really hard to recover for the volley.

So, I'm thinking of changing to something. Not sure.

If there were more grass court tennis today, like the days of lawn tennis, you would have a better idea of how you would need to adjust your game. As you mentioned, even Wimbledon now plays more like a hard court with higher & true bounces. Unless your are a much better player than your opponent that you can compete with using topspinning tactics, you better learn to hit sooner off the bounce, level out your strokes and volley some winners. Good luck

 

[Geezer Guy]

If possible, see if you can get some practice matches on those courts between now and when you play your "real" match. That will help you adjust to the surface.

If you go in "cold", but the time you've adjusted to the surface the match will be over.

 

[Net Cord]

I'm originally from England and have had the priviledge of playing a lot of tennis on grass...
Obviously grass varies... but some of the fundamentals for me are.... using the slice (especially backhand) it keeps so so low to the ground. Use it on your approach shots.
A good grass court is very time consuming to maintain - chances are the court may have erratic bounces. Get to the net asap! Serve and volley, chip and charge etc.
Keep your centre of gravity low.. the ball will not be bouncing very high. Do not be too upright as you prepare..
If you've not played on grass before - it's going to be tough - try to enjoy. Fr's nothing better than playing on a good grass court!!