Tips for Sliding on hard courts

[remshaam]

I have always wondered how players like Djokovic, Nadal and Monfils slide so well on hard courts. Monfils especially, he slides like its a clay court. Is it because of their ankle flexibility and strength? Do all these wear ankle support and are their shoes custom made? Below is a pic of Novak, its just unbelievable how he is able to slide so well.Any tips for sliding on hard courts?

 

[Oakel]

I wouldn't recommend sliding on hard court at all. As for the pros it's mainly to do with momentum that allows them to almost skid to a stop.

 

[Inanimate_object]

Yeah, I would never slide on a hard-court. Too much risk unless you're Gumby.

 

[Andyk028]

Jeeeeez look at those calves.

 

[Noelan]

Much thinner than tick ones on Murray or Nadal.
OP I woudn't recommend to you to slide on HC , if you're not very flexible with an excellent balance and at the same time have strong joints. Don't look up in this at Novak he's really unique player in that department.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Jeeeeez look at those calves.

Gotta give Novak credit here. His legs are shredded.

 

[P = NP]

The key to sliding comes from flexibility first off. Make sure you stretch often to prevent injury when trying this. Sliding results from trying to slow down your momentum in one direction and changing direction. This is why you see so many people end up in the splits or near splits position. On a hard court, it's more common to hit the ball and then finish with the slide to reverse direction.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Look at Novak's feet, even in that picture. He has full control. The ball of his foot is placed firmly on the ground, while his other leg is coming through in a sweeping motion.

If you watch Novak slide in slow motion, you will see that his "sliding" is possible at a lower level.. you just won't ever be able to glide and slide around the court like Monfils or Djokovic do.

 

[Russeljones]

This is a very good thread. I expect some precious gems.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Asking for tips on how to slide on HC is like asking for tips on how to jump off a 100 story building.

Sliding on HC is not an asset or beneficial (obviously) on HC's. When Djoker is 30 and his body is beaten up like Nadal's and his results go into the toilet, one reason will be because of his sliding on HC. Play on HC's like Fed, who won 5 straight USO's, don't slide like Clownfils or Djoker.

 

[AngieB]

#Don't. #KimClijsters started that mess and it's dangerous for the ankles and knees. Hardcourt surfaces were never meant to slide on.

#GrannyIlluminati​

 

[remshaam]

Here he is at it! Don't know what his legs are made of.

 

[remshaam]

Also notice all players slide with the feet perpendicular to the direction of slide. Aren't chances of injuries more in that posture than keeping feet in the direction of slide?

 

[Shaolin]

Tip: don't try to slide on hardcourts.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Here he is at it! Don't know what his legs are made of.

Yeah, do you see the control he has with the ball of his foot?

Look at the picture of Djoker you posted. You'll see he has the same control Monfils has in this point.

 

[Zoolander]

Here he is at it! Don't know what his legs are made of.

My groin hurts just looking at Monfils do this.

 

[P = NP]

Sliding on hard courts is not that difficult, given a certain amount of training. A lot of players that are 5.0 NTRP and above can do it pretty easily, but it isn't always a good idea.

 

[RF-18]

Don't try and replicate Djokovic. I think he is the most extreme when it comes to sliding on hard and it is a bit scary to look at considering my history of spraining my ankle (but not due to sliding). Every time I see him do it, I cringe. But at the same time, it is admirable. Same to Nadal, Monf etc but Djokovic does it more and way better. He can slide from the ad court to the other side.

You will end up getting badly injured.

 

[Zoolander]

Tips for sliding on hardcourt:
1. Run at full speed towards sideline and extend correct foot out in front.
2. Lower your body until leg is horizontal to ground and ankle is flexed at an unnatural angle.
3. Scream loudly as foot rolls and said ankle snaps completely.
4. Always remember to continue screaming as ankle flops around limply at the end of your leg. This will facilitate the calling of emergency services.

 

[JerseyDevil]

For the love of God man do not do it!!!! You will greatly regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. But you will eventually pay for it if you don't suffer a nasty injury while doing so.

 

[Rjtennis]

Sliding has more to do with speed and trying to stop quickly than anything else. Sliding on HC can be unavoidable if you moving quick enough. Out of all the matches I've played and watched I've never seen anyone actually get hurt from sliding but that's just me.

 

[mtommer]

Get low and extend out that front foot as much as you can, thereby getting as much weight off of that leading foot as much as you can. As you slide your body weight will move backwards toward your rear foot as your mass center gets even lower and you compensate for balance by leaning back. Watch this over and over until you understand the weight dynamics going on.

 

[RanchDressing]

Mc Enroe I think once made a comment that these guys use clay court soles to slide on the hardcourt. It would almost make sense, but their shoes probably would be shredded by the end of of 3 sets I'd think.

But I still think it could be some kind of rubber compound difference, because those AUS open courts are going to be a heck of a lot grippier than your local rec court. Or even your country club. They get resurfaced for the tournament, and for sure have more sand in them than our courts do.

If you wear out vapors and get some flat spots on them, you'll see what sliding is like. It's not very fun to stop for a shot and do the splits. It hurts like hell actually.