How to Play Better on Grass Courts: Tips, Tactics & Gear for 2026
Every summer, Wimbledon reminds us that grass court tennis is a different game. The ball stays low, points are shorter, and the players who adapt fastest tend to win. Most of us have never stepped on a grass court before, but if you're lucky enough to do it, these tips will help you make the most of the surface.
Why Grass Courts Play So Differently
Grass is the fastest surface in tennis. The ball skids through low after the bounce instead of sitting up the way it does on clay or hard courts. That means less time to set up your shots, shorter rallies, and a massive premium on your first strike. If you're a patient baseliner who loves grinding out long points, grass is going to test you.
5 Tips to Raise Your Grass Court Game
1. Bend Your Knees — More Than You Think
The number one technical adjustment on grass is staying low. Balls bounce significantly lower than on hard or clay courts, and if you're standing tall at contact, you'll frame balls all day. Get your knees bent early and stay compact through your swing.
2. Shorten Your Swing
On clay, a big loopy backswing is your friend. On grass, it's a liability. The ball comes at you faster and lower, so you have less time to wind up. Tighten your take-back, flatten out your groundstrokes, and drive through the ball. Heavy topspin loses effectiveness on grass as the ball tends to skid rather than kick up, so your opponent gets more time, not less.
3. Use the Slice
The slice is one of the most effective shots in grass court tennis at any level. It keeps the ball low, gives opponents an awkward contact point, and helps you extend rallies when you're under pressure. Use it on the backhand side especially, and don't be afraid to mix in a slice approach to set up a net finish.
4. Get to the Net
Grass rewards players who move forward. Serve-and-volley is no longer the default tactic even at the pro level but coming to the net behind a good first serve or an approach shot is still one of the highest-percentage strategies on the surface. Because the ball bounces so low, your opponents will struggle to hit aggressive passing shots and a decent volley on grass often wins the point outright.
5. Be Ready for Weird Bounces
Grass is a living surface. It wears down, especially later in a match or season, and not every bounce will be what you expect. Stay mentally ready to improvise and sometimes that means taking the ball out of the air as a drive volley rather than waiting for it to bounce at all. Watch the court surface early in your warm-up and identify any dead patches or worn areas.
A Quick Note on Footwork
Grass can be slippery, particularly when freshly cut or damp. The sliding footwork that works on clay is a fast track to a fall on grass. Use short, controlled adjustment steps and keep your weight centered. Quick split-steps are your best friend.
The Right Gear Makes a Difference
You don't need to overhaul your whole bag for grass season, but a couple of things matter:
Shoes: This is the most important equipment change. Grass court shoes feature small rubber pimples on the outsole that grip the turf without tearing it up. Playing in hard court shoes on grass is asking for both slipping and bad footing — if you have access to a grass court this summer, proper footwear is worth it. Browse grass court shoes at Do It Tennis →
Strings: A slightly higher tension can help on grass since you're already getting pace from the surface. You want control more than power. If your strings are overdue for a change, restring your racquet before hitting the grass.
The Mindset Shift
More than any specific shot, grass court tennis rewards decisiveness. Waiting for the perfect ball on grass is a losing strategy. By the time it arrives, the point may already be over. Take your chances early, serve aggressively, and stay on the attack. The best grass court players aren't necessarily the most talented, they're the ones who adjust fastest and commit to their game plan.
With Wimbledon 2026 kicking off June 29, there's no better time to get out and put these ideas into practice. Find a grass court near you if you can. Even one session on the surface will change how you see the game and it's so much fun!
Looking for gear to level up your grass season? Shop racquets, shoes, and strings at doittennis.com.
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