If a hard court game in tennis can be compared with the American lifestyle -- fast, hard and powerful -- the clay court reflects the subtle seduction of France, with its soft, sandy surface that facilitates volleying rather than aggressive power shots. The French Open is played on clay courts each year, and Americans typically lose because the clay court requires a different playing style, including slides that position the player in front of the ball. When executed correctly, this footwork facilitates a quick recovery back to center court.
Step 1
Move your feet into the position that you will need for the shot you will make when you slide in front of the ball and slide in the direction in which your front foot is pointed. Changing position in mid-slide is difficult or impossible.
Step 2
Gauge the force you will need to slide into a position in front of the ball. Stop by putting pressure on the ball of the front foot. Less pressure will be required if you correctly estimate the necessary force and momentum for the slide. This allows you to conserve your energy and position yourself so that you can push off immediately back to center court. This will require practice. If you over-slide, and cannot stop, you will lose time and footing -- and might miss the following shot.
Step 3
Practice drills positioning your body and sliding into making returns for basic forehand and backhand shots. As with hard-court tennis, building competence in both categories avoids vulnerabilities and helps you attain a well-rounded game.
Step 4
Spend time practicing on the court. Build your body's clay-court memory with fequent contact for which there is no substitute.
Step 1
Move your feet into the position that you will need for the shot you will make when you slide in front of the ball and slide in the direction in which your front foot is pointed. Changing position in mid-slide is difficult or impossible.
Step 2
Gauge the force you will need to slide into a position in front of the ball. Stop by putting pressure on the ball of the front foot. Less pressure will be required if you correctly estimate the necessary force and momentum for the slide. This allows you to conserve your energy and position yourself so that you can push off immediately back to center court. This will require practice. If you over-slide, and cannot stop, you will lose time and footing -- and might miss the following shot.
Step 3
Practice drills positioning your body and sliding into making returns for basic forehand and backhand shots. As with hard-court tennis, building competence in both categories avoids vulnerabilities and helps you attain a well-rounded game.
Step 4
Spend time practicing on the court. Build your body's clay-court memory with fequent contact for which there is no substitute.