There are plenty of things to think about when you're having a tennis court constructed, but few are as important as that tennis court's surface. There are plenty of options from which to choose, and many people find themselves coming down to synthetic grass vs. clay.
Here are just four reasons you should opt for synthetic grass.
1. Dries Faster
One of the main problems that come with clay tennis courts is that they need to be left for a long time to dry after heavy rainfall – that usually means several hours, but it could mean days. Only the most advanced and expensive drainage systems will see you back on a clay court after heavy rain. Synthetic grass tennis courts are different. They dry out even faster than courts made from natural grass, and they aren't even slippery when wet. When the rain stops, you can pick up your game.
2. Better Traction
Clay isn't just slippery in the rain. It's relatively slick at all times. You won't notice when you walk across it, but you might find your feet moving out from under you as you try changing direction. This is unfortunate since even a slight slide can cause injuries when you're moving fast. Again, synthetic grass makes a smarter choice since it provides a relatively high-traction surface. You'll be able to switch directions without worrying about falling or stretching yourself. If you do fall over, you'll have a much softer surface than clay waiting to break your fall.
3. Easier on the Body
Even if you never slip and fall, clay courts can be tough on your body. Tennis is a very demanding sport that involves lots of running and jumping, so it puts plenty of pressure on your joints and muscles. After playing on a hard surface like clay for an hour or two, you might find those parts of your body starting to ache. Synthetic grass has some spring to it, so running and jumping won't place as much pressure on your body.
4. More Predictable Bounce Height
Few people appreciate that changes in court surface can impact the height of a ball's bounce, and no surface is more temperamental than clay. When it's cold and wet, the ball will bounce much lower than when it's hot and dry, which can make it quite hard to learn the basics or even enjoy a friendly game. Synthetic grass isn't as temperamental.