About Elmwood LTC - Shale courts
ELTC have 3 shale surface courts available for club matches, training and recreational tennis. Use of the shale courts may be restricted due to club matches and adverse weather conditions. These courts need to be looked after by the members of the club and the club will require players on these courts to maintain them in a good playing condition. Shale is a type of clay court (known as blaes in Scotland). Traditional shale is made from brick-dust layed on a bed of clinker (ash). Shale courts are medium paced which makes them faster than European clay courts and porous macadam but slower than grass.Playing Characteristics of Shale:
- Speed of Court: Medium
- Height of bounce: Medium
- Trueness of bounce: Variable
- Topspin: Yes
- Slice: Yes
- Sliding/Firm Footing: Sliding
- Traction (Slip or non-slip): Slip
- Shock Absorption (hardness): Medium to Soft.