Purpose

Gravesham Tennis Club has invested significantly in five new artificial clay courts to provide members with a high-quality, all-season surface that replicates the slide, ball response and playing characteristics of natural clay. These courts do not behave like hard courts or traditional astro surfaces — their performance and durability depend on a carefully maintained top layer of loose infill that protects the carpet fibres beneath. This infill must remain evenly spread across the court at all times, sitting slightly above the surface fibres to allow safe sliding, consistent bounce and effective drainage.

When the infill becomes uneven, compacted or displaced, the carpet layer becomes exposed, which can cause rapid and permanent damage. Playing on exposed carpet is unsafe, reduces play quality, negatively affects drainage, and significantly shortens the life of the courts.

While the club provides ongoing maintenance, the courts rely on daily care from players. Looking after the courts is not optional — it is essential. The small amount of time taken after each session protects both the surface and the playing experience for all members.

Brushing the Courts

At the end of every session — matches, practice, coaching blocks or social play — players must allow approximately five minutes to brush the court. The purpose is to redistribute the loose infill so that it remains level, mobile and covers the entire playing surface to an approximate depth of 2mm (about the thickness of a 2p coin).

All brushing must include the full court area, including behind baselines, tramlines, corners and surrounding run-offs. The correct method is to brush in a elliptical or inward spiral motion. Straight line or side-to-side brushing should be avoided as it pushes infill toward the fences, leaving low spots in key areas and creating unsafe conditions over time. This technique draws infill back into the main playing zones where it is needed most.

Elliptical Technique

Start at one net post and drag the mat across the court along the line of the net, then head down the side of the court outside the tramlines towards the fence, turn in at approximately 3 drag brush widths and parallel to the fence, before turning back up towards the net before turning back in after two drag brush widths. Repeat until finishing by the court fence. Repeat the same action at the other end of the court.

Spiral Technique

Start at one net post and drag the mat across the court along the line of the net, then head down the side of the court outside the tramlines towards the fence, cross the back of the court along the fence and continue walking in an inward spiral motion until you are in the middle of that side of the court. Repeat the same action at the other end of the court.

Once brushing is complete, players must check the surface visually. If any carpet fibres are visible, the infill is too low and further brushing is required. If exposed areas remain, the club should be informed so infill levels can be restored.

Line sweeping is optional after play, but players may use the line brush before a session if lines need clearing. The line sweeper is not a substitute for court brushing.

IMPORTANT: It is important to note that courts must not be brushed if the surface is wet, clumping, frosty, frozen, or thawing. Dragging under these conditions can smear or compact the infill and damage the surface. If brushing begins to create lumps rather than smooth the surface, players should stop and leave the court unbrushed, reporting conditions to the club.

Winter guidelines are strictly safety-led. Light frost is acceptable if the court is not slippery.

Frozen infill must not be brushed. Snow may be carefully cleared by hand if necessary, without dragging infill off the court. Courts must not be used or brushed when icy or in the process of thawing.

Using the Courts Responsibily

Protecting the courts goes beyond brushing. The following standards must be followed by all players:

1. Only recognised tennis footwear may be worn — no boots, trainers with aggressive tread, or shoes that retain clay or grit.
2. Do not drag bags, benches, or equipment across the court. These must always be carried, never pulled.
3. Do not place chairs, bags or personal items on court surface.
4. Chewing gum is strictly prohibited on court and within the court surrounds.
5. No food or glass on court. Drinks must be spill-safe and removed after play.
6. Leave court clean and clear. Do not leave litter, tape, overgrips, ball cans, bottle caps or personal items behind.
7. Wipe your shoes on the mats when leaving the court to reduce infill loss and keep clubhouse areas clear of clay transfer.

These small actions collectively protect the surface, prevent contamination, and reduce unnecessary infill loss from footwear and belongings.

Leaving The Courts

When play and brushing are complete, all equipment must be returned properly:

1. Drag brushes and mats must be hung back on their hooks and not left on the ground.
2. Brushes must never be left bristle-side down, as this bends and damages them.
3. Equipment must be stored fully off the court surface to avoid trapping infill or damaging fibres.

Players are also asked to take responsibility for the general condition of the space. Any litter or stray balls should be removed, and any visible issues — including exposed carpet, low infill, standing water, damage, or contamination — must be reported to the club.

Members are encouraged to look out for one another in this shared responsibility. If you notice a court being left unbrushed, a polite reminder helps maintain standards for everyone.

To Sum Up

Our clay courts are designed to deliver excellent performance and long life, but only when cared for correctly. By brushing properly after play, following footwear and equipment guidelines, avoiding damaging behaviours, and leaving courts clean, safe and ready for the next players, members actively protect the club’s investment and ensure the best possible playing experience for all.

The principle is simple:

Leave the court as you would like to find it.

With consistent care, these courts will remain a defining part of Gravesham Tennis Club for many years to come.