With the short Fall season, the chances of playing outdoor Tennis are dwindling fast. As you enjoy your few final weeks, you might be considering taking your game indoors to keep your skill up and be prepared for next Spring season. With that, there are a few differences to consider between indoor and outdoor Tennis that we will explore today to prepare you for a successful off-season!
Consistency
One of the biggest factors in Indoor vs. Outdoor Tennis is the consistency. When playing outdoors there are many factors that can affect your game. You may lose the ball in the sun when serving, a strong wind can carry a hit further than expected, or a hot day may fatigue your body and make you change up your style. When playing indoors, the climate and conditions are controlled so, while there may be different factors that affect your game, the overall feel will be more consistent and predictable.
Pace / Style of Play
Many players agree, although there is some debate, that indoor Tennis results in a faster more aggressive game. The main reason for this is the consistency explained previously. As players can predict the bounces and movement of the ball more, they are able to pick up half-volleys, hit bigger first serves and generally be readier for the bounces. This changes the style of the game making players react faster and come up with big hits to stun their opponents. While the fundamentals will never change, the indoor game will challenge different aspects of your skill.
Perception
Another difference that players may have to get used to moving indoors is perception. When playing on outdoor courts, while you generally will have a cage around, it is still mostly open. The courts feel more spacious and being able to see the wide-open sky above changes the perception of the court. Moving inside, you now factor in walls and a ceiling, and depending on the number of courts in the space it can make the game feel more intimate. Players may need to adjust the way they look at the ball and calculate the speed / bounce of a hit as you may not have the same markers to judge from.
Whether playing indoors or out, give the sport some LOVE and enjoy!
