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Welcome to the ATC Do-It-Yourself Section

How To :

Install Tennis Nets
Choose Windscreens
Measure Windscreens
Install Windscreens
Install Tennis Net Posts

How To Install Tennis Nets:

Install pipe anchor, making sure the anchor is installed flush with the surface and that the pin is parallel to the net line to avoid twisting the center strap.
Begin installing your net by connecting the loop end of the net cable to the post cable hook/cleat on the dead end post. If you are installing your net onto an internal wind post, you may have to cut the entire loop and any excess cable from the other end of the net cable--as well as remove the vinyl coating near where the cable will be attached to the winder depending on which internal wind post you are installing. Pull this end of the cable over the top of the winder post, lining up the cable with the winder mechanism. Feed cable into internal wind post mechanism and begin winding until the net is a little over 3' above the court surface at the center.
If you are installing your net onto an external wind post, connect one loop end of the net cable to the post cable hook/cleat on the dead end post. Take the other cable loop and hook it onto he pin on the crank assembly and begin winding. Continue to crank the post so that the net is a little over 3' above the surface at the center.
Fit dowels/side stakes if available into net side pockets.
Install lacing cord at each end by making a 2" knotted loop on one end of the lacing cord. Run the other end through both grommets in the headband and around the post, through the 2" loop and back around the post in the opposite direction. (See diagram) Continue wrapping the cord around the post, through the lacing bars if available, and through the grommets on the side band, applying equal pressure as you wrap. Tie off the cord at the bottom of the post. Repeat for other post. Finally, install the center strap and adjust it to maintain a net height of 36" at center.

When you're finished the net should be fully extended so that it completely fills the space between the two net posts. The net height at the center of the net should be 3' and at the post end 3'-6" above ground. If a Doubles net is used for Singles play, the net should be supported to a height of 3' by using Singles Sticks, which are placed 3' on center outside the Singles court on each side.
During the off season or when winterizing, either remove the net or at least loosen the net cable and center strap. It is best to remove net posts, too, and plug the sleeves with sleeve covers to prevent moisture and dirt from falling in.

How To Choose Windscreens:

Windscreens are a functional and aesthetic addition to your tennis courts.
They provide a dark backdrop against which players can see and react to ball movement better.
They serve to break up gusting winds and allow consisted, even air flow.
Windscreens minimize annoying distractions from nearby swimming pools, parking lots, highways and players on adjacent courts.
They give courts a professional appearance and increase playing pleasure by providing a consistent background and color.
With today's various windscreen materials, the decision regarding which one to use should be based primarily on budget and aesthetic considerations rather than on wind reduction because all windscreens work well to break up gusting winds.
The basic question that needs to be answered is, within a given budget, how dense a windscreen can be installed without risking fence damage from strong winds.
Nine foot windscreens are recommended for nearly all courts and should have anti billow tabs as well as 6" x 12" openings placed 5' to 10' apart.
Six-foot windscreens generally do not look as attractive as nor reduce wind as well as nine foot windscreens and should only be used if the facilities are located near the water with very strong winds, which would destroy fences with 9' windscreens attached.

How To Measure Your Windscreens

Main Fences: Measure the distance between stretcher bars and subtract four inches.
These four inches allow for use of the fastening devices and to give a good fit.
For ease of handling, try to keep an individual curtain under 60' feet long.
Doors and Transoms: Measure the size of chain link between stretcher bars inside transom and door.
That is the size you'll need to order.

How To Install Your Windscreens

Nine foot windscreens are hung from the top of the chain link fence. The usual fence height is 10 feet, which allows for one foot of air space at the bottom. Six foot windscreens, if used are placed in the center of the chain link fence, or two feet from the top.
Hang the windscreens so that the seams and hems are toward the fence, leaving the smooth side facing the court.
All grommets must be used to secure the windscreens to the fence. First fasten one vertical edge at the desired height to the fence using regular (50 lb. breaking strength) Ty-raps. Next fasten top and remaining side of windscreen to the fence with regular Ty-raps, keeping the top straight by following the chain link pattern. Then, fasten the bottom with heavy duty breaking strength Ty-raps.
When anti-billowing center tape is used, fasten it after top and bottom are attached using regular breaking strength Ty-raps through each grommet.
When high winds are expected, cut Ty-raps from top, sides and center tape. Then roll windscreen down to the bottom of the fence where the heavy duty Ty-raps are attached and tie it up to help prevent wind damage.

How To Install Your Net Posts

When installing posts, make sure they will rest no higher than 1" above the net cord, at a height of about 3 ft. 6 in. above the court surface. The footings should be a minimum of 3 ft. 6 in. below surface or to the frost depth of your area. (See Net Post Footing diagram)
Place footings so that the center line of the posts will be 3' outside the court on each side.
The center lines of posts should be positioned 42' apart for Doubles court and 33' apart for Singles court. Post sleeves are recommended because they allow easy removal of the posts for resurfacing, maintenance, post repair/replacement, and alternate uses of the court.
During the off season or when winterizing, it is best to remove the net posts and plug the sleeves with sleeve covers to prevent moisture and dirt from falling in.