Tennis is a sport that has many fans around the world. Its popularity is such that major tennis tournaments are attended by a good handful of spectators and television viewers each year. The surface on which it is played is called a “court” because of the sport’s English origins. The design of a tennis court must meet specific standards and criteria.
The tennis court
A tennis court is a surface on which the game is played. The dimensions of the playing area must be at least 23.77 m long and 8.23 m wide. The court surface must be shaped to allow the ball to bounce well. It should also be tight and comfortable enough for the players to move around easily. The playing area can be made of different materials, each with its properties.
Turf surfaces
The grass is the best surface for playing tennis. In fact, it is the most popular type of court. Grass has the particularity of making the game faster and more fluid. However, it requires maintenance, such as mowing and water drainage, to make it less slippery and more playable. However, a more effective alternative can be considered: synthetic turf. The advantage of this type of grass is that it does not require any treatment; it is also more resistant than natural grass.
Needle-punched carpeting
Needle-punched carpet is a surface used to cover courts with a porous concrete or resin foundation. This type of surface provides players with a better grip and allows for a good quality of play. It must be watered from time to time to maintain the foundation underneath.
Synthetic resin surfaces
Synthetic resin is the main surface for tennis courts. It provides a perfectly flat and regular playing surface, is favorable to rebounds, and guarantees a particular comfort of play. Waterproof, it can be used regardless of the weather. Resin courts can be customized in several colors according to the owner’s needs.
Maintenance of the playground
With time and climatic factors, as well as wear and tear, the court can be subject to degradation. It is, therefore, imperative to maintain it to ensure its durability and good condition. Each type of surface requires specific treatment. If you cannot do the maintenance work yourself, you can call on agencies that specialize in tennis court design. The technicians working for these companies will be able to put their know-how into practice to maintain the condition of the court.
Other tennis-related facilities
The playing area is not the only element of a tennis court. Various structures are needed to make the court suitable for play.
The net
The net is part of the playing area. It is located right in the middle of the court and serves to delimit the court and separate the players. The net is also part of the rules of the game; when serving, if the ball touches the net, it will be returned, and the player who touched it will lose a point.
The referee’s chair
The referee is the guarantor of the good progress of a game. He or she makes sure that each game follows the rules and regulations and is responsible for checking every action that takes place during a match. A referee is placed on a high chair at the center line during a tennis match. This location allows the referee to have a better view of the entire court and to focus on the game.
The Bench
As tennis is a demanding sport, it is important for players to take breaks between sets. Benches are designed for this purpose. In addition to being a place to rest, they can be used by players to store their belongings.
The windbreak
The windbreak is a protective barrier designed to protect the interior of the court. Strong winds can affect playing conditions. The installation of such a structure allows us to limit the disturbances.
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