Is sliding on clay bad for your knees?

Done gradually with good technique and proper clay shoes, sliding is a normal part of clay-court tennis. If you have knee problems, ask a medical professional and build up slowly.

Can you slide on hard courts?

Some top players do, but it takes a lot of skill and strength. For most players, sliding is best kept to clay and other soft surfaces.

How to Slide on Clay

4 video lessons

Start the slide early, stay low, and hit as you stop.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Sliding lets you reach wide balls on clay without the hard stop you would make on a hard court. Run toward the ball, then lead with your outside foot and let it glide while you lower your center of gravity, with your back leg bent behind you.

Time the slide so you come to a stop as you hit, not after. Keep most of your weight balanced between your feet, then push off the sliding foot to recover. Start with short slides at low speed and build up gradually.

Key tips

Begin the slide a step or two before the ball, not at the last moment.
Stay low with bent knees to keep your balance.
Slide on the outside edge of the shoe, not flat on the sole.
Practice slowly; long slides come with time on the surface.

FAQ

Is sliding on clay bad for your knees?: Done gradually with good technique and proper clay shoes, sliding is a normal part of clay-court tennis. If you have knee problems, ask a medical professional and build up slowly.
Can you slide on hard courts?: Some top players do, but it takes a lot of skill and strength. For most players, sliding is best kept to clay and other soft surfaces.