With up to 17.9 million players, tennis is a popular game. These numbers represent a 1% increase in participation, according to research by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA).
Besides the fun and excitement the game provides, it is an excellent way to lose weight. An average woman can lose up to 169 calories in a 30-minute match while a man can lose around 208 calories.
But to take advantage of all the fun and health benefits a tennis game brings, you need a court that has all the right accessories. One vital accessory is a tennis court divider.
What is a Tennis Court Divider
A common question among most fans of the game is 'what is a tennis court divider?' A tennis court divider is a net installed between adjacent tennis courts. It carries out two main functions, containing the ball within the court and providing security.
The court divider is often made from netting. The size of the mesh is usually small enough to prevent a ball from going through, but big enough to allow light to pass through.
Why Do You Need A Tennis Court Divider
Now that you know what a tennis court divider is, let's look at its importance.
The need for a tennis court divider should not be underestimated. They are the difference between a peaceful game and one filled with annoying interruptions.
These nets act as fencing. They prevent the ball from straying outside the playing area. Stray balls could interrupt the game in nearby courts or hurt bystanders and those sitting on the courtside tennis benches. In the same way, it prevents the ball from other courts from coming into your court.
What You Need to Know About Installing a Tennis Court Divider Netting
For a regular court, you will need a netting of 10' or 12' high divider net. It should have a length of 120'. You can divide it into sections of 40' and 80' or 60' and 60', depending on your preference.
For support, you can use a cable, a high-tension wire, a turnbuckle, or track system.
Do not anchor the bottom of the netting to the surface; it will create a rebound effect. To have your net positioned correctly towards the floor, you can use a lead rope to weight the hem.. It will enhance the net's function in preventing balls from passing between courts.
Tennis court dividers can work well both indoors and outdoors. However, when using it outside, avoid fixing it on fence posts. Use proper support structure to keep your net in place.
You need to ensure that the tennis court divider is installed properly. The support structure should have adequate capacity to handle the pressure applied to the supporting cable.
When carrying out maintenance and replacing equipment, pay attention to the bottom part of the tennis court divider. It touches the floor most of the time, which causes it to wear out fast compared to other regions. Use a detachable lower skirt and replace it as the need arises.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tennis Court Dividers
Understanding what is a tennis court divider and its installation is not enough, how do you choose the right equipment?
Pay attention to the size of the mesh. You don't want it to be too small. A small mesh will make the play area dark and obstruct the fans' view. A tennis ball is about 6.5 cm, and so the wire mesh should be approximately 4.5cm to 5cm.
The bottom skirt will be most the most exposed to wear and tear. Find a detachable skirt that is made of sturdy material. Removability of the skirt means you only need to replace the bottom part during maintenance.
To conclude, if the question 'what is a tennis court divider?' has been running through your mind, you have the answer. It is fencing that keeps the ball within the court and prevents balls from other courts from interrupting your game.
It is essential that you properly install the tennis court divider. Ensure that the mesh is not too big or too small. It should be made from rust-free material, and a detachable skirt is preferable.