Playing on clay vs hard court

[andrehanderson]

About once or twice a month I get to play on clay and I always struggle with adjusting to the bounce. I think playing on clay helps my game overall, because I incorporate more angles and drop shots, but I find the timing to be challenging. A lot of times I end up at the ball too quickly and my stroke gets jammed.

Here are some points I played on clay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLiSPhPxt08

1) If you see anything that you can help me fix, please let me know.

2) How would you rate my play? I am hoping to move back to the U.S. soon and start competing there. What level should I play?


EDIT: I'm in the red shirt with black shorts.

Thanks!

 

[andrehanderson]

Sorry, I'm in the red shirt with black shorts.

 

[mntlblok]

About once or twice a month I get to play on clay and I always struggle with adjusting to the bounce. I think playing on clay helps my game overall, because I incorporate more angles and drop shots, but I find the timing to be challenging. A lot of times I end up at the ball too quickly and my stroke gets jammed.

Here are some points I played on clay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLiSPhPxt08

1) If you see anything that you can help me fix, please let me know.

2) How would you rate my play? I am hoping to move back to the U.S. soon and start competing there. What level should I play?


EDIT: I'm in the red shirt with black shorts.

Thanks!

You've been around the game long enough to figure out any problems that clay might present - if you get to play on it enough. You have enough variety and consistency and power to be a strongish 4.0. I'd have to work some to beat you, but it would be fun. I'm guessing that yer opponent that day didn't win many points. Oh, and you foot faulted twice on the 2:08 point.

 

[andrehanderson]

You've been around the game long enough to figure out any problems that clay might present - if you get to play on it enough. You have enough variety and consistency and power to be a strongish 4.0. I'd have to work some to beat you, but it would be fun. I'm guessing that yer opponent that day didn't win many points. Oh, and you foot faulted twice on the 2:08 point.

Thanks for the feedback! I'd love a match! I wish we had an annual Talk Tennis championship.

 

[meltphace 6]

 

[Deleted member 23235]

About once or twice a month I get to play on clay and I always struggle with adjusting to the bounce. I think playing on clay helps my game overall, because I incorporate more angles and drop shots, but I find the timing to be challenging. A lot of times I end up at the ball too quickly and my stroke gets jammed.

Here are some points I played on clay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLiSPhPxt08

1) If you see anything that you can help me fix, please let me know.

2) How would you rate my play? I am hoping to move back to the U.S. soon and start competing there. What level should I play?


EDIT: I'm in the red shirt with black shorts.

Thanks!

I love and hate playing on clay. Love it because it's easier on my old body, but hate it because of the bad bounces.

Some things I do when playing on clay... I presume every bounce will be bad... so I'm constantly:
* moving my feet... the little adjusting steps... alot. If i get to the spot where I think i need to plant, early... i'll still keep taking adjusting steps anticipating a bad bounce or heavier than expected spin
* tend to prep my racquet lower, in case the ball takes a bad bounce and dives lower (eg. back of the tape)... in generally I try to follow the wegner method, of keeping my hands at slightly lower than height of the ball at all times
* tend to aim for the middle of the court more than hard court.... presuming my shot will always be slightly off due to a bad bounce; i only go for a big directional change or forcing shot if I have alot time between the ball bounce and my contact.
* shorter backswing... helps when adjusting to a bad bounce; but full forward swing and follow through.
* stand slightly further back (if my avg receiving position is 2ft behind th baseline, I might stand 3ft behind)
* more use of topspin and slice (if it's bad for me, i'll try to make it bad for him!).

 

[Gazelle]

Aren't you the guy who asked for forehand advice?

 

[andrehanderson]

I love and hate playing on clay. Love it because it's easier on my old body, but hate it because of the bad bounces.

Some things I do when playing on clay... I presume every bounce will be bad... so I'm constantly:
* moving my feet... the little adjusting steps... alot. If i get to the spot where I think i need to plant, early... i'll still keep taking adjusting steps anticipating a bad bounce or heavier than expected spin
* tend to prep my racquet lower, in case the ball takes a bad bounce and dives lower (eg. back of the tape)... in generally I try to follow the wegner method, of keeping my hands at slightly lower than height of the ball at all times
* tend to aim for the middle of the court more than hard court.... presuming my shot will always be slightly off due to a bad bounce; i only go for a big directional change or forcing shot if I have alot time between the ball bounce and my contact.
* shorter backswing... helps when adjusting to a bad bounce; but full forward swing and follow through.
* stand slightly further back (if my avg receiving position is 2ft behind th baseline, I might stand 3ft behind)
* more use of topspin and slice (if it's bad for me, i'll try to make it bad for him!).

Thank you! Those are exactly the kinds of tips I have been looking for!

 

[andrehanderson]

Aren't you the guy who asked for forehand advice?

Yes, sir. Anything in the video stand out that I can correct?

Thanks!

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

I also struggle on clay. So far, my observations are:

- No need to try to overpower the opponent, it will rarely work and will force you into mistakes
- Hit forceful, quality shots without going full-out, and be prepared to hit many of these shots in a row during each point. Do not get frustrated if your good shots keep coming back.
- Do not try to take the ball very early and take time away from the opponent at all cost. On clay this is very hard to do, you almost need to hit half-volleys and you'll end up being rushed into errors again. Instead, take the ball at a comfortable height, push your opponent around with changes of direction, without going for too much. Heavy topspin, and change it up with drop shots, and slices, good variety.
- Patience
- Patience
- Have I said patience?

 

[andrehanderson]

I also struggle on clay. So far, my observations are:

- No need to try to overpower the opponent, it will rarely work and will force you into mistakes
- Hit forceful, quality shots without going full-out, and be prepared to hit many of these shots in a row during each point. Do not get frustrated if your good shots keep coming back.
- Do not try to take the ball very early and take time away from the opponent at all cost. On clay this is very hard to do, you almost need to hit half-volleys and you'll end up being rushed into errors again. Instead, take the ball at a comfortable height, push your opponent around with changes of direction, without going for too much. Heavy topspin, and change it up with drop shots, and slices, good variety.
- Patience
- Patience
- Have I said patience?

Great advice, thank you!

Any guess as to what my rating might be?