Soft Court

"Soft courts" are usually pervious type surfaces, which allow some water drainage through the surface. The exception would be a synthetic grass surface installed on top of an asphalt or concrete subsurface.

Advantages:

• Because some water is absorbed by the porous surface, the soft courts tend to create a cooler, non-glare playing surface.
• The nature of soft surfaces allows some sliding and the ability to slide, when pushing off to move and when stopping, has proven to reduce injuries significantly.
• With the exception of grass and sand filled turf, soft courts tend to provide a slow to medium speed of play which is more enjoyable to many players.

Disadvantages:

• Can be slower drying after a rainfall than hard courts.
• Are easily damaged if neglected or abused.
• Require regular maintenance.
• Not conducive to other sports such as basketball or street hockey.
• Clay and Har-Tru in the Northeast are seasonal courts.

Playing Characteristics

The Clay / Har-Tru surface is a slow surface, which allows for longer rallies and encourages players to develop a variety of shots. (Regular rolling and maintaining minimum levels of top dressing can increase speed of play)

Grass / Synthetic Grass surfaces produce a lower, faster ball bounce than the clay type surface. The length of grass on natural grass or the level of sand in the fibers on the synthetic grass can govern the speed of play.

Maintenance

• Clay / Har Tru: Annual opening, winter closing, in season rolling, daily watering and grooming.
• Natural Grass: Specialized maintenance equipment, daily watering, regular cutting, fertilizing and top dressing.
• Synthetic Grass: Also referred to as "sand filled turf", requires annual grooming in which sand is added and products used to discourage moss and or algae growth are applied. In season regular grooming is recommended.

Whether new construction, conversion of an all weather type surface or maintenance, Cape and Island can provide a competitive quote.