There’s just something special about grass court tennis, isn’t there?
The clean white lines. The low skidding bounce. The sound of the ball coming off the strings just that little bit quicker. And, of course, the feeling that summer tennis has officially arrived.
For many players, grass court season is the highlight of the tennis calendar. It’s traditional, it’s tactical, it’s fast - and, let’s be honest, it can be a little bit unforgiving if you’re not ready for it.
So, whether you’re settling in to watch Wimbledon, heading to your local club championships, or joining us on one of our grass court tennis experiences, here’s everything you need to know.
A Quick Look Back: Why Grass Court Tennis Is So Special
Grass is where tennis really began.
Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, was first played in 1877, and remains the only Grand Slam still played on grass. That history is a huge part of what makes the grass court season feel so iconic.
Before hard courts, before clay court specialists, before the modern baseline game took over, tennis was played on lawns - and the surface shaped the style.
Grass rewarded attacking tennis. Short points. Serve and volley. Chip and charge. Quick reactions at the net. Players had to move forwards, stay sharp, and take their chances early.
And while the modern game has changed, grass still asks different questions of you as a player.
That’s what makes it so brilliant.
How Grass Changes The Game
If you’re a club player, the first thing you’ll notice on grass is that everything happens faster.
The ball stays lower. The bounce can be less predictable. You don’t always get the same time to set up as you might on a hard or clay court.
That means your game needs a few small adjustments.
The biggest one? Keep things simple.
On grass, you don’t need to overplay. In fact, trying to hit three or four “perfect” shots can often get you into trouble. The surface rewards players who are decisive.
Here are a few changes that will really help:
1. Shorten Your Backswing
Big swings are lovely when you’ve got time. On grass, you often don’t.
Try to make your preparation a little more compact, especially on returns and volleys. Think “block and redirect” rather than “wind up and unload”.
The cleaner and earlier you can take the ball, the more control you’ll have.
2. Stay Low
This is the golden rule.
Grass keeps the ball lower, so if you stay too upright, you’ll find yourself reaching, scooping, or mistiming the ball. Bend your knees, keep your centre of gravity low, and expect the ball to skid through.
It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference.
3. Use The Slice
Grass loves a slice.
A good backhand slice stays low, skids through the court, and forces your opponent to hit up. It’s one of the most effective shots you can use on this surface, especially in doubles.
Don’t think of the slice as a defensive shot. On grass, it can be a weapon.
4. Get Comfortable Moving Forwards
Grass court tennis rewards positive movement.
That doesn’t mean you need to serve and volley every point, but you should be looking for opportunities to come forward. A short ball, a good wide serve, a low slice, or a strong return can all be chances to move in and finish at the net.
For doubles players, this is especially important. Grass suits players who close the space, take the ball early, and make life uncomfortable for their opponents.
5. Make Your Return More Compact
Returning on grass can be tricky because the serve often stays low and skids through.
Instead of taking a huge swing, focus on a shorter, firmer return. Get the ball back low, make the server play, and look to take time away.
In doubles, a blocked return at the server’s feet can be just as effective as a big winner.
The Big Grass Court Events To Watch
The grass court season may be short, but it is packed with brilliant tennis.
Of course, Wimbledon is the main event - the tournament everyone knows, loves, and clears their diary for. But there are plenty of fantastic tournaments leading into it.
Here are the key ones to keep an eye on:
Queen’s Club
One of the great traditional warm-up events. It’s stylish, fast, and always gives us a good feel for who is timing the grass well.
Halle
A huge event on the men’s tour and a favourite for many top players preparing for Wimbledon.
Berlin, Nottingham, Eastbourne and Bad Homburg
Brilliant events on the women’s grass court calendar, with plenty of big names and often some fantastic British interest.
Eastbourne
A proper British summer tennis event. It has that pre-Wimbledon feeling and is always worth watching.
Wimbledon
The big one. The Championships. Strawberries and cream. White clothing. Centre Court. And two weeks of the best players in the world trying to master the most traditional surface in tennis.
For club players, watching grass court tennis is genuinely useful. Pay attention to how often the top players use slice, how quickly they move forwards, and how compact they are on return. There’s so much you can take into your own game.
Equipment: What Should You Change For Grass?
You don’t need to completely reinvent your tennis bag for grass court season, but there are a few smart adjustments worth thinking about.
Shoes Matter - A Lot
The biggest equipment change is your shoes.
Grass can be slippery, especially early in the day or when there’s a bit of moisture around. Proper grass court shoes give you better grip without damaging the court.
Look for a grass-specific outsole with small pimples or studs. Avoid aggressive clay soles, and definitely don’t just assume your everyday hard court shoes will do the job.
Good movement on grass starts from the ground up.
Should You Change Your Racket?
For most club players, you don’t need to change your racket just because you’re playing on grass.
What you may want to think about is your string setup.
Because the ball stays lower and points are often shorter, control becomes really important. Some players like a slightly lower tension to allow them to create a bit more power on the ball, while others prefer keeping tension firm so they can block, punch and slice with precision.
Our advice? Don’t make drastic changes before an important match. If you want to experiment, do it in practice first.
The best “equipment change” for grass is usually not a new racket. It’s better footwork, better preparation, and a clearer tactical plan.
Balls, Grips And The Little Things
Grass court tennis can feel quick, so make sure your grip is fresh and secure. If it’s hot, humid, or your hands get sweaty, change your overgrip more often.
It’s also worth warming up properly. Grass demands quick reactions and sharp changes of direction, so give yourself time to get your feet, calves and hips ready before you play.
Active Away’s Grass Court Tennis Offering
At Active Away, we absolutely love grass court tennis.
It’s traditional, it’s tactical, and it fits perfectly with what we’re all about - helping players improve, enjoy their tennis, and experience brilliant venues with expert coaching.
Our grass court tennis events give players the chance to work on the key areas that really matter on this surface: doubles movement, net play, returns, serving patterns, slice, positioning and decision-making.
A great example is our grass court clinic at St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club - one of the most prestigious tennis settings in the country. It’s a chance to play on world-class grass courts, receive expert coaching, and experience tennis in a setting that feels properly special.
We also have our grass court tennis break at The Lensbury - a fantastic riverside venue in London, combining premium coaching, excellent grass courts, a social weekend format, and that relaxed Active Away atmosphere. Across the weekend, players can enjoy a mix of coaching, doubles play, tactical sessions and time to enjoy the club’s facilities.
And because so much of grass court tennis rewards smart doubles play, it links perfectly with the Active Away coaching philosophy. We want players to understand the game, not just hit more balls. That means better positioning, better partnerships, better patterns, and more confidence when it really matters.
Whether you’re preparing for a grass court tournament, looking to sharpen your doubles, or simply want to enjoy one of the best experiences in British tennis, our grass court events are a fantastic way to make the most of the summer season.
Final Thoughts
The grass court season doesn’t last long - and that’s part of the magic.
It comes around quickly, it asks different questions, and it rewards players who are brave, sharp and willing to adapt.
So this summer, don’t just watch the grass court season. Learn from it.
Shorten the swing. Stay low. Use the slice. Move forwards. Get the right shoes. And most importantly, enjoy it.
Because there really is nothing quite like tennis on grass.