Court Equipment Resource Center

The Professional Technical Library for Tennis & Pickleball Facility Management

Welcome to our technical repository. This guide is designed to help facility managers, contractors, and homeowners ensure their courts meet regulation standards while maximizing the lifespan of their investment.

1. Tennis Nets

Technical Overview: A regulation tennis net is a 42-foot wide barrier made of braided polyethylene or polyester, featuring a tapered body to prevent ground abrasion. It must maintain a height of 42 inches at the posts and 36 inches at the center strap.

Technical Must-Knows

  • Braided vs. Twisted: Always prioritize braided netting. Braided construction absorbs more energy, causing the ball to drop closer to the net rather than rebounding off it.
  • The Tapering Rule: High-quality nets are “tapered” (36″ center to 42″ sides) to reduce material rubbing against the court surface, preventing bottom-tape failure.
  • Headband Material: Use Vinyl for clay courts (mildew resistant) and Polyester for hard courts (maximum durability).

Resources: Tennis Net Buying Guide | Tennis Nets 101

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2. Tennis Net Posts

Technical Overview: Tennis net posts are structural supports installed 42 feet apart (center-to-center), typically constructed from heavy-duty galvanized steel with internal tensioning systems.

Technical Must-Knows

  • Steel Gauge Hierarchy: 10-gauge posts are approximately 28% thicker than the standard 12-gauge, offering superior rigidity against net tension.
  • Internal Protection: Superior posts feature zinc coating (galvanization) on both the inside and outside to prevent internal rust caused by condensation.
  • Winder Metallurgy: Stainless steel winders are mandatory for longevity to resist oxidation and gear stripping.

Resources: Guide to Net Posts | How to Install Net Posts

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3. Pickleball Net Systems (Permanent)

Technical Overview: Official pickleball nets measure 22 feet in width with a mesh size of 7/8 inch. Regulation height is 36 inches at the sidelines and exactly 34 inches at the center.

Technical Must-Knows

  • The 34-Inch Center Rule: Unlike tennis, the pickleball net must drop to exactly 34″ in the center for consistent ball trajectory.
  • Footer Specifications: Permanent posts require a concrete footer 18″ in diameter at the top and 30″ at the base, extending 6″ below the frost line.
  • Sleeve Utility: Always install ground sleeves rather than direct-burying posts to allow for winter removal.

Resources: Pickleball Net Dimensions | Permanent vs. Portable PB Nets

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4. Portable Pickleball Nets

Technical Overview: Heavy-duty portable pickleball nets utilize powder-coated steel frames and locking wheels to provide stability comparable to permanent fixtures while allowing for multi-use court flexibility.

Technical Must-Knows

  • Steel vs. Aluminum: Steel is scientifically superior for portables; the added density prevents “wobble” and wind-tipping.
  • Tension Integrity: High-quality portables must have a dedicated tensioning mechanism to prevent net sag.

Resources: Why Steel is Superior | Investing in Your Game

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5. Windscreens

Technical Overview: Tennis court windscreens are custom-measured fabrics designed to manage airflow and improve ball visibility. Professional setups use zip ties as “mechanical fuses” to protect fence integrity.

Technical Must-Knows

  • The 60-Foot Rule: Never install a single panel longer than 60 linear feet to avoid excessive weight and wind load risk.
  • The Measurement Deduction: Always subtract 4-6 inches from total fence length to allow for taut tensioning hardware.
  • Breakaway Rule: Use polypropylene zip ties. In severe storms, ties will snap, saving the fence from collapsing under wind pressure.

Resources: How to Measure Windscreens | How to Install Windscreens

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6. Crack Repair & Surface Maintenance

Technical Overview: Asphalt court maintenance involve sealing fatigue cracks with acrylic or elastomeric fillers to prevent water infiltration and base erosion.

Technical Must-Knows

  • The 50°F & Rising Rule: Acrylic repair products must be applied when the temperature is 50°F and rising, and must not freeze for 96 hours post-application.
  • Material Selection: Use High-Solids Acrylic for structural cracks and Elastomeric fillers for expansion joints.

Resources: Guide to Crack Repair | Asphalt Court Maintenance

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7. Court Benches & Amenities

Technical Overview: Professional court amenities include UV-resistant benches and integrated organization systems (Tidi-Courts) designed to improve player safety and organization.

Technical Must-Knows

  • Material Longevity: Prioritize high-density plastics or aluminum over wood to eliminate rotting and maintenance.
  • Tidi-Court Systems: These attach directly to net posts to provide trash receptacles and storage, keeping the court surface free of tripping hazards.

Resources: FAQ’s – Supplies & Accessories

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8. Pickleball Net Posts

Technical Overview: Official pickleball net posts are structural supports installed 22 feet apart (center-to-center). They are engineered to support a net height of 36 inches at the sidelines and must withstand significant tension to maintain the required 34-inch center height.

Technical Must-Knows

  • Post Dimensions & Gauge: Standard professional posts are 2-7/8″ round or 3″ square. Utilizing 8-gauge or 11-gauge steel ensures the posts will not lean under the high tension required for a taught pickleball net.
  • The 34-Inch Center Rule: High-quality posts feature internal gear winding mechanisms. This allows for the precise tensioning needed to drop the net to exactly 34″ at the center strap, which is critical for regulation ball clearance.
  • Ground Sleeve Necessity: Never direct-bury pickleball posts. Using galvanized steel ground sleeves allows for easy removal during the off-season or when the court needs to be resurfaced, preventing “post-seizure.”

Resources: Pickleball Post Buying Guide | Installation Specifications

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Expert Technical Q&A

Professional insights for facility durability and regulation compliance.

Q: What is the correct height for a tennis net?
Answer: A tennis net must be 42 inches high at the posts and 36 inches high at the center. The 6-inch drop is a regulation requirement that creates the tactical difference between down-the-line and cross-court shots.
Q: Why should I use zip ties instead of S-hooks for windscreens?
Answer: Zip ties act as a “mechanical fuse.” Rigid metal S-hooks turn a screen into a sail that can pull a fence down in high winds; zip ties will snap under extreme pressure, preserving the fence structure.
Q: At what temperature can I repair tennis court cracks?
Answer: Acrylic crack fillers must be applied at 50°F and rising. If the material freezes within 96 hours of application, the water in the uncured acrylic will expand and break the bond, causing the repair to fail.
Q: Should I concrete my net posts directly into the ground?
Answer: No. Always install ground sleeves first. This allows for post removal during winter to prevent weathering and makes replacement easy without excavating the concrete foundation.

Need specific technical advice for your facility? Contact our expert support team.