Glass courts

Published: 02 Aug 2006 - 04:30 by poetrylark

Updated: 26 Sep 2008 - 08:59

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What are the benefits and negatives, of glass squash courts ?

The benefits are that they can set up a glass court anywhere and it is a good spectacle for TV.

The negatives may include a loss of a lot of traditional squash skills that go with playing on brick and plaster courts.

The glass courts seem to not have the same traction as old style courts. By that I mean that the ball does not seem to come off glass walls as it does with plastered walls.

It may skid a little on the glass walls, and lack the rebound quality associated with older style courts.

As well, they seem to use a ball which bounces more like a tennis ball than a squash ball, and consequently, it tends to bounce higher when it should be ending its bounce, which allows a player to get to balls that he might not have got to on an older court.

The end result seems to be that players tend to stay in the back court mostly, and they rarely hit balls into the side walls. Consequently the game loses a lot of its traditional skills.

It becomes a bit like table tennis , where players hit the ball to each other in the back courts, and wait for their opponent to make mistakes, rather than than going for winning attacking shots.

Players tend to stand a meter behind the T and only occassionally go to the front of the court.

Years ago when Geoff Hunt and Ken Hiscoe were playing, they would often be in the front court seeking to volley most balls. getting a ball past them was quite an achievment at times.

Volleying balls in the front court, puts great pressure on an opponent of course, as he has to be up close to the front of the court, to stay in the game.

For many years in Melbourne at the old Albert Park Courts, the number one court was the exhibition court. It was surrounded by seating for up to 500 people, and the walls were cut down to the red line.

If the ball went over the red line at the top of the walls, then it was in the spectators area.

There was a real sense of intimacy . You were so close to the players, that you felt caught up in the drama on court.

Sadly this great historic exhibition court and adjoining courts were demolished a few years ago - for no sensible reason.

But some truly memorable games were played there.

I think this style of brick exhibition court is best for national and international games.

Others might have differing opinions, which I would like to hear.

Jim

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From rippa rit - 02 Aug 2006 - 10:24

All surfaces do change the characteristics of the ball slightly - they have too.
Even the composition of the walls (brick/besser blocks/cement) and the paint used make a slight difference, not to mention the walls with patched up bits!
I guess it is the same for everyone, and the one who can adapt, or not get distracted, to the differences wins out.
The rougher type surface definitely holds the ball back as opposed to a smooth or slippery surface, (the ball comes off the side wall quicker) mostly noticeable on the boasts.
In fact when the courts are damp during heavy rainy periods especially, the condensation does change the conditions, and players have had to change their games, and withdraw their front court game, because of the inconsistent way the ball deflects from the side wall.

Just a thought, about the top matches which are recorded, there seems to be a lot of straight driving, and the boast does not seem to play such a big part in the tactics as it used to, and these days most of those are played with glass walls. Could be a coincidence?

From ddraver - 17 Jun 2006 - 09:13

you wouldn't have though it would make a major difference would you....but when they changed the species (the species!!!!!) of the grass on the tennis courts at wimbledon...all the players said they noticed the difference!!!!!

so it probably makes a bit of difference..also what difference would a white coloured ball make???

i know i'm being a bit facetious here but..................?

From Viper - 09 Jan 2006 - 07:34 - Updated: 09 Jan 2006 - 07:36

Having watched the recent Aust open on a full glass court, they sound different but the ball seems to move similar to a traditional court to me.

I can't say I agree with the notion that the players play a different game on them though.

I saw lots of vollying and front court play this week in Melb, in fact most winners were with front court drop shots.

They do rally down the walls a lot but I think that is more about the incredible standard of players these days, there is so few opportunities for winners (because they can get just about anything back) that a player has to work his opponent out of position before they attempt a winner of any sort.

Another thing to remember is pro courts are very hot with the lighting and any ball is going to be very bouncy, certainly Melb was.

Are you observations based on the recent Australian open ?

As for the old courts being knocked down. squash is really in the duldrums and as such anything that makes the game more attractive is a plus, bright, airy, modern glass backs are a must.

I cannot stand playing in the stinky old enclosed dumps that are still commonly found, very depressing atmosphere.

The courts at MSAC are fantastic.