Playing tennis on a wet surface can be pretty tricky. From slippery courts and soggy grips to weakened shots and decreased maneuverability, playing tennis in the rain or when the court is already wet can often leave you winded and frustrated. However, there are ways that you can make sure you stay safe while simultaneously improving your game. We've compiled five tips for playing tennis on a wet surface to help you.
Bend Your Knees
It's crucial to adapt your technique to account for the slippery surface when playing tennis on a wet court or in the rain. One way to do this is by bending your knees more than usual. This minor adjustment can make a huge difference in your game, allowing you to get closer to the ground and better anticipate low bounces from the wet ball.
Adjust Your Swing
Tennis is a sport that requires a keen sense of adaptability. This sentiment is especially true when playing on a wet court surface. The court's surface can be slippery and affect how the ball bounces. However, players who can adjust their swing to these conditions have a clear advantage. By adjusting the swing technique, players can generate more spin on the ball, gaining better control and accuracy.
Opt for Slice Spins
When faced with a rainy day on the tennis court, players must be strategic about how they play their shots. While top spins are popular for adding power and spin to a shot, slice spins might be the wiser option on a wet court. Slice spins allow the ball to skid and slide across the court, making it harder for opponents to anticipate where it will bounce. This technique can be handy on a wet court, where the ball may not bounce as predictably due to moisture.
Learn To Slide
With the added moisture on the court, your shoes will have less grip on the surface, making it challenging to move around quickly and effectively. This is why learning to slide is crucial. By mastering the sliding technique, you can glide smoothly across the court, enabling you to get to any ball quickly. Not only will this improve your speed and performance, but it will also help prevent you from slipping or falling on the slick surface.
Volley More Often
Volleying more often can be a game-changer on a wet court. By actively seeking opportunities to volley, players can shorten the length of the rallies and make the points shorter. This means less time spent on the slippery surface and a greater chance of maintaining one's footing during the match. Not only does volleying serve a practical purpose, but it can also add a level of excitement and unpredictability to the game.
Now that you have a few helpful tips for playing tennis in the rain, you can safely and effectively have a great match on a wet court. Whether it's been raining all day or water sits on the court from an afternoon shower, you now have the tricks to conduct yourself in slippery circumstances. Don't forget to invest in quality rain-resistant equipment as well. All Star Tennis Supply has high-quality tennis court supplies to meet your needs. Check out our selection today.