Anatomy of HAR-TRU Courts
Why play on Clay?
Clay is the best surface for training and playing tennis - read more to see why:
- Clay is generally very slow, and by slowing down the ball speed, it becomes very difficult to hit clean winners. Young players learn to win with consistency and patience rather than by trying to go for outright winners.
- As the points are longer and slower, players learn tactics better — they learn how to construct points rather than just hit winners.
- The clay is less stressful on the joints of the lower body and the back, allowing players to train longer and play more with less pain and fewer chronic injuries.
- The courts are soft and cushion the legs and back from the incessant pounding they receive in tennis. This is a frequently underappreciated aspect of clay court training that is very beneficial to players.
- The slow ball speed on clay can assist in the development of proper technique in young, developing players. The balls generally don’t bounce too high or too fast promoting good grips and contact points for 10-and-under players, and the extra time produces a lot of long rallies for good quality stroke production repetitions.
- The slow and heavy conditions on the red clay force the player to maximize kinetic chain and racquet speed development in order to successfully compete.
- The inherent instability of the clay surface helps players develop better dynamic balance, stability on the run, and general lower body and foot coordination.
- Unexpected bounces on the clay develop reactive capabilities, hand-eye coordination and technical adaptability—sharpening the mind and nervous system. In addition, high bouncing balls help develop strength above the shoulder.
- Due to the slow courts and longer points, players develop better general cardiovascular stamina and muscular endurance. (Source: https://newyorktennismagazine.com/article/why-playing-clay-so-beneficial/)
What is Har-Tru?
Har-Tru Green Clay is the world's leading clay court surface. It is a natural green stone that is extremely hard and angular — two very important qualities when it comes to tennis court construction. The angularity helps the stone particles lock together to form a stable playing surface. The hardness provides exceptional durability.
The natural green color is classically clay and instantly recognizable. The stone is crushed, screened, and mixed in the precise proportions necessary to produce a stable playing surface. It is then installed over a porous base of crushed stone aggregate to produce the final product.
The benefits to players are numerous:
- HAR-TRU is easier on the body and reduces injuries
- HAR-TRU dries quickly after a rain. It also allows you to continue play through light rain.
- HAR-TRU is 10–15 degrees cooler to play on than a hard court.
- HAR-TRU never cracks, and repairs are simple and inexpensive.
With simple but consistent care, HAR-TRU courts will last forever. Read on to find out how we care for our courts.
CTC Clay Court Maintenance
Surface Preparation
We spend a lot of time, money, and energy in maintaining the high quality of our HAR-TRU courts. Many people, both club personnel and contractors, are involved. In April of each playing season, the Facilities Manager arranges the opening of the water pump, sprinkler system and the ride-on roller. Then dates are arranged with the external court contractor to come and prepare the courts. The courts are cleaned of debris and old HAR-TRU, scarified, and then rolled. A minimum of 1.4 tons of HAR-TRU per court (totaling roughly $5,000) are spread out evenly over the courts then rolled and watered and rolled again. Line tapes are then meticulously measured, positioned and laid out on the 4 courts (roughly $9,000 - a significant annual investment in providing a professional quality court surface). Finally, the nets are erected and benches put out. The courts are ready for play.
Daily Court Maintenance
Each day throughout the playing season, a grounds keeper waters the courts from 7-9am and 2-4pm using the sprinkler system and manual hoses. Water is pumped from a nearby stream to save paying for city water. After watering, this person brushes the lines to remove any remaining Har Tru.
In addition to manual watering twice during the day, the automatic sprinklers soak the courts overnight.
Closing the Club
In late October we prepare the clubhouse and courts for winter. This involves:
- boarding up all the windows of the clubhouse
- clearing fallen leaves on the courts and surrounds
- pulling up all the tapes (and removing nails from the tapes)
- taking down the nets and removing court benches.
We can use all the help we can get when closing the club. Click on the button below to receive a reminder in the fall. While helping, you will also learn some eye-opening truths about the Har Tru court type.
2024 Club Closing Crew
A big thanks to all the members who came out and helped put the club to bed for winter. It was a fabulous fall day, and the extra hands made for a quick and easy shut down.
Our Dedicated Contractors
