Tennis Court Surfaces – Different Types of tennis court sand
Believe it or not, tennis court surfaces aren’t all the same and many are made with different types of tennis court sand.
Even though we usually only see what’s happening on the top part of a court, there is more to the surface than you might realise and that’s where the role of tennis court sand comes into the mix.
Tennis court sand plays a big role in surface performance, which in turn affects the speed of the ball, how a player moves and the overall quality of a game. Various sand types are used for different courts, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Ultracourts hit the court to find out a bit more about each.
Different types of tennis court sand
When you first walk on to the surface of a tennis court, chances are you’re stepping onto an area that is filled with sand. But how can you tell it’s there if you can’t see it?
The combinations and colours can vary from court-to-court and feature different characteristics that help them do their job.
100% green sand
Pros
- Green stands out and enhances the overall appearance of the court.
- Minimal maintenance.
- Allows water to drain away.
- Can be used as top dressing and an anchor sand for the court.
Cons
- The need to replace after wear and tear.
- The sand may be harder to come by than other options.
50/50 green and white sand
Pros
- Better contrast with the mix of colours to track the ball.
- The mix of sand provides greater durability and court traction for gameplay
Cons
- Requires more maintenance to maintain even distribution of both colours.
- Uneven wear and tear of one colour over the other.
Rounded and angular sand
The silica sand that is commonly used is finer and has more of a rounded shape. Round sand can provide abrasion resistance (extending the life of the court) and aid with a smoother playing surface. Angular sand creates texture which can be used to achieve a slower speed of play and higher bounce with a ball. It is the combination of the two which can help achieve an optimal performance on court.
