The outdoor tennis season in Prague typically begins in the second half of April (provided there is no frost) and ends at the end of October. In between and around winter, matches are played indoors. Here is what to do when switching between these modes.
Antuka: what you need to know
Most outdoor courts in Praha are made of antuka. Antuka is a slower surface; the ball bounces higher and has more friction, players with topspin and patience win. Matches last longer and rallies drag on. If you come from an indoor hard court, your first week will be slower and the game may feel frustrating.
Halls: what is changing
Most Prague halls have a surface hard (sports rubber moulding) or koberecThe ball is faster, bounces lower. Aggressive play and short rallies win. Service speed increases by around 10–15 km/h.
- Boty: Indoor tennis shoes (different sole pattern, not classic clay court soles). Incorrect sole = risk of ankle sprain during rapid lateral movements.
- Stringing: In the hall, you can increase the tension by 2 lbs for a quicker check.
- Míče: In most halls, lower-pressure balls with a longer lifespan are used. The rebound is lower, plan accordingly.
When to switch
Praha typicky:
- October: Gradual transition to indoor halls. In colder mornings, the asphalt hardens and the ball behaves differently.
- November: March: Only the hall is available. Outside, realistically no one plays except for dedicated enthusiasts with their own heating in a cabin.
- Duben: Those who wish to open the outdoor season can do so. Real playability from mid-April.
Hybrid complexes
Some Prague sites have covered and outdoor courts; in winter they simply heat the tensioned tarpaulin over the antuka surface, which remains antuka. This is the best option if you want year-round consistency.
- SK Žižkov Prague - overpressure bubbles in winter.
- TK Sparta Praha - combination of indoor halls and positive pressure.
- I. ČLTK Prague, Štvanice - several inner courtyards with hard surfaces all year round.
Price difference
An hour on an outdoor court typically costs 200-400 Kč, while indoor courts range from 400-800 Kč. The indoor season is therefore twice as expensive, if you book regularly, a seasonal membership offered by most clubs is worth it.
Current availability of indoor and outdoor units: volnykurt.cz.
Hledáš volný kurt? Aktuální dostupnost na volnykurt.cz.