Most recreational players in Canada play almost exclusively on hard courts. But understanding surface differences helps you adapt when you travel, play indoors, or visit a clay court club.
The Main Court Surfaces Compared
| Surface | Speed | Bounce | Best For | % of World Courts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard court | Medium-fast | Consistent, predictable | Most recreational players | 78% |
| Clay | Slow | High, heavy topspin bounce | Baseline players, seniors | 12% |
| Grass | Fast | Low, skidding | Serve-and-volley players | 6% |
| Indoor carpet | Fast | Very consistent | Winter recreational play | 4% |
Hard Courts
Where most of us play. Bounce is predictable — what you see is what you get. The downside is impact on joints: hard courts are significantly more stressful on knees, hips, and ankles than clay.
Use extra duty felt balls like our Wilson US Open 4-Pack and proper hard court shoes with solid cushioning.
⚠️ Joint health on hard courts
Hard court play is a primary driver of tennis elbow and knee problems. Prioritise cushioned footwear and a proper warm-up routine every session.
Clay Courts
Crushed brick or shale creates a slow, heavy surface. Clay rewards patience and topspin. Far easier on joints than hard courts — many senior players prefer clay for exactly this reason.
Clay Court Tennis Shoes — Amazon.ca →
Grass Courts
Wimbledon has been played on grass since 1877. The ball stays low and skids. Grass courts are extremely rare in Canada. If you ever play on grass: shorten your backswing and approach the net more often.
Whatever surface you play on the fundamentals remain the same. See our guides on improving your serve and fixing your backhand. 🎾
