The clay-court season is upon us, and for tennis players, this means adapting to a slower surface and longer rallies. The game is played outside during summer months so the temperature is always high and facing the sun is a part of clay court game. Additionally, there are marks that make it possible to check every ball so there is no sense to complain at umpire’s decisions. With all this in mind, coach Marcin Bieniek explains the key areas to work on and provides tips to help you become more effective on clay.
Technical skills
On clay courts, it’s essential to have a diverse range of spins in your arsenal. Topspin is the most important shot to keep the ball consistently in the court and make it hard for your opponent to play difficult shots. The ball bounces awkwardly after heavy topspin, so aim for a higher trajectory on clay. Backspin can also be useful, especially in defense, to keep the ball low and force your opponent to work hard to stay in offensive mode. Training your kick-serve and drop shots will also help you capitalize on your opponent’s defensive position.
Tactical skills
Consistency is crucial on clay courts. It’s nearly impossible to win against a solid rival while attempting risky shots from the beginning to the end of the point. Being able to rally for…
