How to slide on hard courts and clay court???

Question

i been watching the US open 08 and see the players slide on the hard courts..... i tried to do that but my coach as like you might roll ur ankle and i was like okay... so you guys know how???

Answer 1

That's a pro move I guess.

Answer 2

First of all.  Your coach is right.  Even if you don't roll your ankle, the torque you put on it is not good.  

That being said, many PROFESSIONAL tennis courts have been changed to material that allow for easier sliding.  On you local court, you wil not get that advantage.

To slide, you have your feet a little over should width apart in front of you.  Then you stop moving your feet, bend you knees slightly, and place your weight on your trailing foot.  Ideally, to get the the maximum out our you slide, your non-dominate leg should be the one that trails you.  That way it is easier to push yourself off in the opposite direction after you hit the ball.  The best way to practice is to find a clay court and practice sliding while doing wind sprints.

Answer 3

Your coach's right. Its easier to slide on clay courts because they're covered with a layer of sand, which makes them slippery and there's less chance of getting injured - but you could fall if you're not careful!

Its dangerous to slide on hard courts and try to avoid doing that if you're not a PRO! You need to move very aggressively to build up speed if you want to go into a slide.

Stay low, get a lot of speed, use both feet to maintain your balance and change directions very quickly. Still, it isn't something that should be attempted in my opinion.