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The HarTru Surface motto is “Play on clay.  Play for life”

 

The material used on HarTru Tennis courts comes from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  It is billion-year-old Pre-Cambrian met basalt that is mined, crushed, screened and mixed in precise proportions to produce a stable but porous surface.  The stability happens because the tiny particles are angular and graded.  Smaller particles fill in between larger particles but do not lock up and porous by allowing water to enter between the particles.  The particles are hard like industrial diamonds. 

 

The granular HarTru surface is a shock-absorbing cushion by allowing players to slide into their returns; thus preventing joint-jarring stops as on hard court surfaces.  Studies show that players are seven times less likely to be injured on surfaces allowing sliding.  In the USA, junior training centres are using HarTru surfaces to train the youth as the HarTru surface is easier on the growth plates in the young bodies and thus causing less long-lasting injuries to the future players.  Over 30-year-old players are able to compete in tournaments and play recreationally on HarTru surface because of less stress on joints.

 

On HarTru surfaces the ball has a slower bounce allowing longer rallies, greater stroke variety and a more controlled game.  Stamina, strategy and mental toughness come into play.  Most of the world’s top players started playing on clay.

 

With HarTru surfaces, it is easy to follow the balls on a non-glare surface.  The natural green HarTru will not stain clothing as does “red clay” surfaces.  Wear and tear on shoes and tennis equipment is reduced.

 

Clay Courts vs Hard Courts

 

• Reduces injuries –  85 % more injuries than clay
• Lessens severity of injuries –   Repeated, excessive impact exacerbates   injuries
• Sliding reduces stress of court impact – More stress on back, knees and ankles
• Allows frequent play – Body needs recovery time
• Surface is cooler – Can fry an egg

Clay Game vs Hard Game

 

• Skill/strategy – Speed/power
• Patience/ endurance –Aggression/instant gratification
• Variety of shots – Fast/blast shots
• Long points – Better not blink
• Success for all ages – Over-the-hill at 30

 

Chicopee is now a member of the Clay Court Tennis Ontario (CCTO).  This membership allows Chicopee members to call or email another reciprocal member and book a court with a guest fee.  Click on the website - www.tennisonclay.com for the reciprocal clubs.