I'm hopeless on clay

[Attila_the_gorilla]

A few days ago my team played on red clay or similar, and my game was rubbish. Generally we play on synthetic carpet, that's where I started just over 3 years ago. My game is about taking risks, especially trying to overpower the opposition (at my level of course), getting cheap points on serve and finishing points quickly.

On Wednesday it finally dawned on me that to succeed on clay I simply need to adapt my game style. Be patient, don't try to hit winners often, keep the ball in play, work with placement, use drop shots and passing shots.

My team plays doubles only but the way I see it pretty much the same applies as in singles.

Have you had a time in your tennis when you needed to adapt your game to a slow surface? What has worked for you? Anything you can add to my observations? Especially with regards to playing doubles on a very slow surface.

Cheers

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Playing on clay really makes you build points and use a full spectrum of shots. To me, it is the most fun to watch on the ATP tour. I don't really have any advice other than heavy topspin and work the drop shot. Coming to the net is actually more effective on clay than people give it credit for.

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

Coming to the net is actually more effective on clay than people give it credit for.

Why do you think so? I find that you need a very good approach shot, otherwise the opponent will have plenty of time to hit a passing shot, and also hitting winning volleys is not easy either.

 

[mntlblok]

Why do you think so? I find that you need a very good approach shot, otherwise the opponent will have plenty of time to hit a passing shot, and also hitting winning volleys is not easy either.

I would read his statement with the emphasis on "than people give it credit for". For one, you can come to the net on a "bluff" and have pretty good success with me. I'll panic. Also, if you know yer opponent's tendencies, you can cheat to the area that he is most likely to use for his pass. Some players will routinely lob if approached. When I have mobility, going to the net on clay is reasonable if I'm confident in my overhead and my drop volleys.

As for doubles on clay, it's less of a problem coming to the net because it is more difficult to pass two players at the net. If I have a capable partner at the net with me, then topspin lobs and the surprise lob volley are about all I fear. OTOH, against capable opponents, finishing a point on clay can take a while. Really good players can get a lot of "winners" back. Always assume that yer winners may come back and be prepared to act on that knowledge.

Oh, and if yer winner *does* come back, don't let yerself get into the mindset that, by golly, I've already *earned* that point so I'll just show them with this *next* shot! All too commonly, the "lucked back" ball gets buried into the net because of that sort of macho attitude. Sometimes you just have to take yer medicine and restart the point. Use yer brain on clay playing doubles.

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

Oh, and if yer winner *does* come back, don't let yerself get into the mindset that, by golly, I've already *earned* that point so I'll just show them with this *next* shot! All too commonly, the "lucked back" ball gets buried into the net because of that sort of macho attitude. Sometimes you just have to take yer medicine and restart the point. Use yer brain on clay playing doubles.

You sound like you saw me play on Wednesday night haha. Exactly what I was doing. Also, just going for too much cos I realized my normal shots were not having their usual effect. I need to be ready for long points and a battle.

 

[Moz]

Coming to the net is actually more effective on clay than people give it credit for.

I totally agree with this.

In clay if you work the point and hit to open spaces the opponent's ability to apply pressure will gradually get reduced. If you don't come to the net, against some you'll find it very difficult to finish the point and take advantage of this. The key difference is that you can't come into the net solely because of the quality of your shot like you are able to on fast surfaces. Rather you have to be aware of your opponent's situation.

For example:

- As soon as you see into your opponent's ear come in, e.g if you hit wide and they have to turn their head to hit a slice come in.
- If you hit a high ball and they are no longer looking forward / down into the court you can come in.
- Wide kick serves to the backhand which take people off the court can really limit their ability to recover quickly to cover volleys to the open court.

The other mistake hard court players make is trying to hit their volleys through the court which sets up the passing shot. Instead try and close the net fast, take the ball early and angle the volleys away. When you do come in, come in hard and take time away, don't saunter in.

With doubles do not be dogmatic about coming to the net on serves. It's common and effective for people to stay back on second serves. The people who struggle most seem to be those who are dogmatic about serve and volleying or chip and charging. Again, close the volleys and hit the angles.