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Shale Court Information
What is Shale?
Shale is a type of clay court (known as blaes in Scotland). Traditional shale is made from brick-dust layed on a bed of clinker (ash). Shale courts are medium paced which makes them faster than European clay courts and porous macadam courts but slower than grass. Our courts make excellent practice courts for players wishing enter clay-court tournaments.
The following is taken from the Lawn Tennis Association's guide to court surfaces:-
Playing Characteristics of Shale:
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Speed of Court: Medium
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Height of bounce: Medium
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Trueness of bounce: Variable
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Topspin: Yes
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Slice: Yes
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Sliding/Firm Footing: Sliding
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Traction (Slip or non-slip): Slip
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Shock Absorption (hardness): Medium to Soft.
Why is clay a good surface to play on?
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Suitable for all standards of player.
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A clay court is an excellent training surface for all players because the nature of the surface is forgiving, being firm but not hard, and the body's motion is absobed through the natural sliding action permitted by the court's loose surface. As a result, jarring and vibration on the joints and body is less than with other surfaces therefore all players can play for longer hours without stressing their body and are also less likely to be susceptible to stress fracture injuries.
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Playing characteristics of the surface provide a consistent bounce of reasonable height and at a medium to slow pace.
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Clay courts provide the opportunity to develop sound technique resulting in longer rallies which improves concentration, mental toughness and physical endurance.
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Clay courts provide more astute tactical awareness.
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The pace of the surface allows players of all styles whether they be a serve and volleyer, an all court player, or an aggressive backcourt player, to have an equal opportunity to play the game.
I would have to add the clay courts also have the benefit of easier line calls. Clay is the only surface where, in competition, a player is allowed to ask the umpire to check the mark a ball made at the end of the point. It is hard to dispute a call made when the evidence is there - although I have seen a line judge point to the wrong mark in the past!
The drier the court, the faster the pace. Shale courts are meant to be kept damp when in play to get the right ball speed and foot traction. Dampness also cuts down on dust in your clothes (but players should expect to come away with pink tennis shoes)! So it is important to have a good sprinkler system in place.
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