A Guide to the Different Parts of a Tennis Court

Welcome to MitGlobal Dubai Sports! In this article, we will be discussing the various parts and components that make up a typical tennis court. From the court layout and dimensions, to the different lines and markings found on the court, we will be explaining everything you need to know in order to understand the structure of a tennis court.

We will also be exploring the different equipment used to play the game, such as the net, racquets, and balls. Additionally, we will discuss the features that help to ensure the fairness and safety of tennis players, such as the out of bounds rule, the boundary lines, and the hazardous area.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a detailed understanding of the different parts and structures found within a tennis court. So, let’s get started and take a closer look!

Net And Posts

The net and posts are essential elements in a tennis court. They divide the eastern and western sides and separate the service and receiving courts. The net consists of an 18-foot long central divider, supported on either end by two posts, with two 8-foot long side pieces attached to the posts.

The height of the net must be 3 feet 6 inches at the posts and 3 feet in the center. As for the posts, they must be 36 inches tall and remain stationary during a match.

The net stays taut when a ball strikes against it, but is flexible enough to let the ball pass through. This is why a tennis court has both of these elements. Without them, the ball would fly off court, thus defeating the purpose of playing the game.

In order to provide a quality playing experience, authorities recommend regularly checking the tightness of the net, as well as cleaning debris from the court that could interfere with the rotations of the net and posts.

Having a net and posts that are in good condition is paramount for a successful game. This guide helps you understand how to properly maintain them in order to stay safe, have fun, and experience the full enjoyment that tennis has to offer.

The Service Lines

The service lines on a tennis court are important marks which lie parallel to the net. The service lines are located 21-feet from the net and create the service box. The service lines are also sometimes referred to as the “sideline.” This marks the end of the court and is used to determine if a serve is in or out.

The service box is made up of the two service lines and the back line, or the baseline. The centre of the service box is marked by a hash line or a center line. Any serve that goes over either the service line or the line at the back of the court is considered an out and any line that passes in between the sidelines and over the net is considered an in. It is important to note that it doesn’t matter if the ball touches the service line directly, as long as it is off the court, you do not get a serve.

Court Surfaces

A tennis court is usually a surface of either hard, clay, or grass material. A traditional hard court is a flat, rectangular surface made of acrylic or coated asphalt with a paint layer of acrylic or rubberized color. It is the type of court used in most tournaments and is available in both public and private clubs. Clay courts are made of finely crushed stone, brick, and/or shale. They are softer than hard courts and generally slower, offering players more time to react. Grass courts are some of the oldest courts still in use and offer players a completely different game experience than hard or clay surfaces. The surface of the grass is typically more uneven and can slow down the ball more than a hard court.

No matter what the surface of the court is, all tennis courts have the same basic design and layout. The court is 38-78 feet long and 78-108 feet wide. The surface is divided into two equal sides by the center line and the end lines. All of these are marked with white or yellow lines, depending on the type of court. The traditional back line for clay and grass courts is about 60 feet from the net. Hard court back lines are normally 21-feet from the net. To round out the court, the net is raised up to the standard height of 3 feet in the center with the length of the net tapered outwards.

Other Accessories

In addition to the basic tennis court layout and surface, there are several common pieces of equipment which can be found on many tennis courts. Among these are ball machines, scoreboards, and windscreens.

Ball machines are used to help players practice their shots by shooting out balls for them to hit. They can be set to the desired speed and spin, and are a great way to practice without having a partner.

Scoreboards are an important part of competitive tennis. These scoreboards display the score to the players, and can be adjusted to be seen from all angles.

Windscreens are an important accessory which can provide protection from wind and sun. They are usually made of mesh fabric and are very easy to install.

Other accessories which may be found on tennis courts are benches, lights, and ball baskets. Benches are often placed around the court for players and spectators to sit on. Lighting is also important for competitive play in the evening, and ball baskets are used to store and organize balls for the match.