Local Clay Courts Offer Twist on Game

With the French Open set to begin on May 24, now is a great time to look at the different clay courts that can be found in the Kansas City metro area.

Clay courts provide respite for those dealing with joint injuries, as they are softer than typical hard courts and are easier on the body, Clay lowers the overall risk of injury. Since many tennis players tend to play the sport for life, clay is a great way to protect your joints.

On clay courts the ball bounces slower than it would be on other surfaces. That gives players more time to execute strategies and work on technical skills. This is great for beginners who can take their time and pull off a greater variety of strokes.

Here are some of the clay courts in the USTA Heart of America area.

Overland Park Racquet Club

Overland Park Racquet Club (OPRC) has four clay courts, the most in the area. All of their courts are professional-grade Har-Tru courts, making for a great playing experience. The courts are available for members to play on, with the club offering classes, lessons, tournaments and other fun opportunities.

Carriage Club

The Carriage Club also offers clay court opportunities for its members, with two clay courts paired with eight hard courts.