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A correctly executed installation provides a consistent visual background for players to track ball flight while shielding the court from wind-blown debris. However, the technical execution of how to install tennis court windscreens determines the lifespan of both the fabric and the fence line. Consequently, we recommend a two-person team for any installation to ensure the material remains taut and level throughout the process.

Hardware Selection: The “Mechanical Fuse” Concept

Before beginning how to install tennis court windscreens, you must select the correct fasteners. We recommend Polypropylene Tie Wraps (Zip Ties) as the industry standard. Unlike permanent metal “S” hooks, plastic ties act as a mechanical fuse; during extreme gale-force winds, the ties will snap first, allowing the windscreen to fall away and preventing the wind from pulling down your fence posts.

Step 1: Preparation and Internal Layout

To start the process of how to install tennis court windscreens, lay the screen out on the ground on the inside of the court. Windscreens must always be hung on the player-side of the fence. Ensure the hems (the folded edges) face toward the fence and away from the players. Before hanging, verify your dimensions. If you need assistance with sizing, refer to our guide on how to measure for tennis court windscreens.

Step 2: Determining Height and Centering

Most tennis fences are 10 or 12 feet high, while pickleball fences may be shorter. You must determine the vertical placement before fastening:

• 9-Foot Screens: Usually installed 6 inches from the top rail on a 10′ high fence.
• 6-Foot Screens: Generally centered on a 10-foot fence, leaving 2 feet of open chain link at the top and bottom.

Step 3: The Picket Counting Method

The secret to how to install tennis court windscreens without wrinkles is a perfectly straight top line. Use the “picket counting” method: count the number of diamonds (pickets) down from the top rail of the fence and stay on that exact diamond as you move across. Attach a fastener through every grommet along the top edge, ensuring the material is snug but not over-stretched.

Step 4: Tensioning the Bottom and Sides

Once the top is secure, move to the bottom. Professionals start in the middle and work toward the ends. By tensioning from the center outward, you “push” any potential wrinkles or waves to the edges. Pull the material firmly downward and outward as you secure the bottom grommets. Finally, fasten the vertical sides to the tension bars and snip the excess “tails” off your zip ties for a clean finish.

Step 5: The Center Anti-Billow Lip

For 9-foot or taller screens, utilize the center reinforcement lip or middle row of grommets. This must be laced to the middle rail of the fence. This prevents the screen from “billowing” like a sail in the wind, which significantly reduces the stress on the top grommets and protects the fence from lateral wind loads, consistent with USTA facility safety guidelines.

Selection Guide for Your Facility

Choosing the right material is as important as the installation itself. According to industry standards from the American Sports Builders Association, material weight and wind-pass percentages are the two biggest factors in fence longevity.