The Science Behind Optimal Court Surface Traction
There isn’t a linear relationship between the roughness of a playing surface and the COT.
A better understanding of court traction is vital to protecting players from injury and ensuring the best mobility on a court surfacing material. A good grip makes for a better tennis, racquetball, or pickleball game. Knowing the science behind court surface traction is important in understanding how best to enhance playing ability.
Friction, traction, and everything in between
Friction exists between any two surfaces. When a force is applied, friction provides resistance. As such, the most energy expends when starting and stopping a motion. Friction exists in a delicate balance in sports. Too much can hamper movement, while too little can cause slipping and injury.
While traction is often regarded as friction, in truth, the two are different but related concepts. Traction is the grip between two surfaces, which can be affected by court roughness and friction between the player and the surface.
Traction is the ratio of horizontal traction force and a normal force called the coefficient of traction (COT). This ratio is also affected by friction, e.g., the resistance between footwear and court. Traction is how long an object (like a sports shoe) can keep its grip before slipping.
Playing surfaces
Traditional means of court surfacing, like asphalt, concrete, and clay, are slowly giving way to newer technologies designed to enhance traction and give players the freedom of mobility. Court surfaces now use a variety of surfacing in tandem. Tennis courts using polymeric and acrylic surfaces with large and small sand particle mixes are popular.
Various aspects of these courts all have a unique relation to traction.
Surface roughness
There isn’t a linear relationship between the roughness of a playing surface and the COT. A rough court surface may mean lower adhesive friction owing to less surface contact, but some friction factors may play a role in the traction of a court surface.
Surface stiffness
Stiffness of a surface can mean less absorption of impact, leading to added pressure on the joints and an increased risk of injury. They are also very unforgiving of falls. Softer surfaces, or ones backed by cushioning, negate this by giving players more bounce. Polymeric surfaces give more easily with movement, aiding traction by dissipating energy and shifting with the motion.
The inadequacy of older testing
Player movements contain a lot more force than previously thought. Older testing methods for traction have relied on model foot tests without shoes. The average test force of 12 Newtons falls far below the observed dynamic forces of athletes in motion. While further tests are needed, this could go a long way towards shaping how we think of court surfaces.
Get the best playing surface
With renewed attention to court surfaces, talking to professionals before choosing one is ideal. A court builder will be able to recommend the best court material for a sport and should be aware of the most recent developments within the industry. A court surface is a big investment; getting the best advice will save players from injury and ensure they stay at the top of their game.
CourtMaster Sports specializes in construction, renovation, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. Palm Springs - (760) 548-3545 Las Vegas - (702) 825-8818
