Global Sports: Myrtle Beach Tennis Facilities Are Excellent

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Myrtle Beach Tennis Facilities Are Excellent

By Marla Swanson


One of the most popular team and individual sports in the world is offered at Myrtle Beach tennis courts. The sport involves hitting a ball over a center net onto the opponents court in such a way that prevents them from returning the ball. The game is extremely well known as is practiced on all levels, including in the Olympics, professionally, in schools, and by those with disabilities.

Since being introduced in the late 19th century in England, the sport as it is seen today has not seen many rule changes. The game is popular with both fans at major professional matches as well as a weekend pastime or way to get some exercise. The game itself is quite easy to understand and learn and players can take lessons to improve their skills.

In the professional world of tennis, there are four major events known as the Grand Slam tournaments. These tournaments are played in America, Australia, France and England. Each tournament, or major as they are also referred, is highly respected and draws professional players from all corners of the globe.

The United States Open and the Australian open matches are both played on a court type which is hard. Hard courts are likely the most common type of court and they are characterized by a concrete or asphalt base covered with a synthetic material. Courts made from harder materials make for faster play as they absorb less energy and make the ball bounce higher.

The French Open is played on a red clay court making it a unique stop on the Grand Slam tour. Red clay courts are made up of crushed stones and minerals, such as brick or shale. The rate of play on clay courts is often slower as the material absorbs more energy when the ball hits it and slows it down.

Lastly, likely the most famous stop of the tour, London's Wimbledon, features play on classic grass courts. Grass courts are seen as traditional and can be made up of different kinds of grass; Wimbledon courts are made up of rye grass which slows down play speed. While they may be more traditional than clay and hard courts, courts made of grass also demand more maintenance and have to be shut down when it rains because they become too slippery for play.

The equipment used in tennis is simple and easy to come by, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular today. Players use rackets which consist of a long handle with a neck connected to an elliptical frame featuring stings which are stretched tightly. Tennis balls are hollow, rubber, and have a soft felt material on the outside which is usually a bright neon yellow color to help increase player visibility.

All Myrtle Beach tennis courts, regardless of the material from which they are made, feature white lines which designate different areas and out of bounds, such as the service and base lines. For doubles play, there are lines on the courts which singles players do not use in their matches. When players step on certain lines or hit a ball outside certain lines, there are penalties known as faults.




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