The construction of tennis courts has become rampant with the growing interest in sporting activities.
Different organizations are embracing different surface textures which will help provide the right mobility and agility to players during a tournament. The surface texture of tennis courts plays a huge role in the effect of the game.
With the growing availability of tennis court contractors, individuals and businesses alike can now have professional courts erected in their premises, and get the best services. The construction of tennis courts seek to consider the following characteristics:
- Tennis court dimensions
Over the years, the dimensions of tennis courts have remained the same. The average court is rectangular with a length of 78ft and 27ft for a single court, or 36ft for a double The court also comprises baselines and sidelines. The service lines which should have a distance of 21ft aim in dividing the court into two halves, which in turn guide the players on where to play from.
- Tennis court surfaces
The surfaces of the courts play a vital role in how the game will progress. There are four main tennis court surfaces, carpet, clay, hard, and grass court surfaces.
The clay-court surface is normally for outdoor used and is characterized by its orange color. The loose surface on clay courts enables easy movement, but the impact of the tennis ball on the court slows down the game making it last longer.
Grass courts are another surface, with artificial grass being the commonly used. The games in these courts are faster and with mobility being easier for players.
Carpet courts are designed for indoor use and increase the risk of injury due to their rigid surface. Tournaments are rarely played on these courts.
The hard court is the most common tennis court with both indoor and outdoor construction. The smooth surface makes it easier for the ball to bounce evenly, however, the risk of injury and wear and tear is heightened.
- Planning and construction
The location of the tennis court construction is important. The area should be relatively large to fit the standard dimensions. The building materials should also be the standard lava stones, drainage materials, gravel, tennis nets, and lines and net posts. These materials are vital in constructing the five layers which make up the tennis court; the building ground, filter layer, base course, dynamic layer, and the top layer.
- Tennis court accessories
After the construction of the court, the tennis court can be equipped with several accessories that can be useful for use in the court. For instance, benches for the players, an umpire court, a scoreboard, a line sweeper, and a divider net.
Trends in tennis court construction
There are several trends in tennis court installation that have revolutionized the industry and changed the traditional tennis court layout to incorporate new and modern designs. These designs are in line with the growing technological advancements and boast a modern court with the functionality and components of sturdy traditional courts.
Below are some emerging trends of tennis courts adopted by contractors:
- Court lighting
With the competitive sports and recreational industry, the need for tennis courts to be well lit is vital. Regular tournaments require adequate time for preparation, and the participants are therefore expected to train until nighttime. Therefore, having the right lighting will ensure that there is proper visibility and all the area in the tennis court and illuminated well. By installing adequate lights either LED or lanterns to light up the entire area, a tournament can commence at any given time of the day.
- Attractive spaces
Tennis courts do not have to be dull. The old concepts of bare courts which did not have appeal and luster have since paved away for attractive and elegant spaces. These spaces have been changed to incorporate the modern masonry designs that incorporate the use of stone edges that are planted with flowers or shaped attractively. The use of colors has also changed the courts making them more attractive and increasing visibility to the players.
- Multicourt construction
Tennis courts are now being made not only with the sole function of tennis but also to incorporate other sports such as basketball or volleyball. This tremendously improves the functionality and purpose of the court, where the tennis net is movable to include different sports at different times.
- Digital configuration
The age of modern technology has seen the inclusion of interactive features which enable the team involved in construction able to configure and come up with desired designs before the complete construction of the court. For instance, choosing the right landscape and accessories that match the general aesthetic is possible.
- Natural aspects
Modern tennis courts are embracing natural aspects and incorporating the inclusion of trees, hedges, and flower beds around the court to make it attractive and integrate style with the general landscaping of the area. The use of natural stones and pathways has made the courts embrace environmental conservation, increasing ventilation and providing shade to the onlookers.
- Recreational tennis spaces
The tennis spaces are moving away from being secluded in one corner of the area, and are now being incorporated into other recreational spaces to have onlookers engage in other activities while enjoying the ongoing tournaments. For instance, tennis courts are being installed next to swimming pools, lounge areas, and locations with tremendous views.
Tennis court maintenance
A properly constructed tennis court needs regular maintenance to ensure that it remains in perfect condition. The care given to a tennis court is dependent on its surface material. For instance, clay courts require regular watering to prevent complete dryness which can affect the quality of the game.
All tennis courts surfaces except the grass court, require frequent sweeping with the tennis net to create an even balance and wipe out the constant footprints that are prevalent after every match. Ensuring that the area is swept or well leveled after every match is important in ensuring that there are no obstacles that affect the quality of the game and injure the players.
