Practical Har-Tru checklist for playing in the Hamptons

Har-Tru courts reward good preparation and gentle habits. If you play tennis around the Hamptons, follow a few simple practices to keep rallies smooth, preserve surfaces and avoid surprises when you get to the court.

Start with footwear and apparel. Use clay-court shoes or tennis shoes with a herringbone sole for traction and to avoid gouging the surface; running shoes with aggressive studs or sharply lugged soles can damage Har-Tru. Dress in layers to handle coastal wind and sun shifts — mornings and evenings on the East End often feel colder than midday.

Match your equipment to the court. Choose standard-duty or extra-duty balls based on the age and condition of the surface — new Har-Tru can play a touch slower, so check with the pro shop when you arrive. Local pros commonly recommend slightly lower string tensions on softer outdoor clay surfaces for comfort and better feel; adjust dampeners and tension to suit how the court is playing that day.

Respect court etiquette and damage prevention. Remove sand from shoes before stepping off the court, avoid cleats, and do not drag chairs or heavy gear across the playing surface. Follow club directions on sweeping and watering routines. If you accidentally make a divot, inform staff immediately — many facilities schedule routine grooming and rolling, but quick reporting and small repairs help keep play safe for everyone.

Plan around seasonal conditions. Har-Tru requires careful moisture management: courts are often watered before play or overnight to reach optimal firmness and traction. After hard freezes or thaw cycles expect the surface to play slower and firmer until staff can roll and groom it. Staff will also delay play after heavy rain until conditions are safe; check with the club if weather is uncertain.

If you own a court, daily brushing, periodic rolling and monitoring drainage and perimeter growth are key to keeping Har-Tru playable. Annual top-dressing and line maintenance are typical long-term tasks and help prevent bigger repairs down the road. When in doubt, consult professional contractors or the technical maintenance guidance used by courts for recommended tools and schedules.

The takeaway? Protect the surface and your knees by matching shoes, balls and stringing to the court you’re playing on, clean sand off before you leave, and communicate with staff when maintenance issues arise. Our two cents? Play like you care about the next match — small habits keep Har-Tru rolling smoothly and make every set more enjoyable in the Hamptons.