So which is better to train on, clay or hard courts? There’s no doubt that they’re both completely different so it’s important to keep in mind exactly what the adjustments are that need to be made. Today I’ll talk about the pros and cons of each and give you my own personal opinion.
I also discuss this topic from the perspective of a young junior player with high level aspirations. Does one court give more benefits in the long run than the other? Find out in this episode of the podcast!
![[Rome] Federer to meet Nadal in finals of Rome for 13th meeting on clay](http://www.essentialtennis.com/wp-content/themes/LondonLive_2/thumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130518fed.jpeg&w=53&h=41&zc=1&q=100)
drfredc
I gather you've not had much opportunity to ski? Not that skiing and clay courts would make much sense to someone from Brazil, or Minnesota…
Clay courts are the powder skiing of tennis, just as hard courts are the 'bumps' of skiing. Clay is soft, slow just as powder is for skiers. Hard courts are fast and demanding, like packed mogul runs are for skiers. Each surface requires development of different skill sets, whether it's for tennis or skiing. Just as a well rounded skier needs to learn to be competent on all snow conditions, a well rounded tennis player should have experience on both clay and hard courts.
Even Nadal finally got around to playing on hard courts… and grass…
Manny
What is that ridiculous slow motion camera you are going to use at Paribas?
Ahsen
Yes Ian agreed that clay courts are much easier on the body.
I am a middle aged player and have experienced the same.
I play twice a week on clay and twice on clay a week.
Best Wishes
Ahsen