Tennis

Tennis

Description

A Tennis match is a game of endurance, quick-wittedness and precise execution. It consists of a pre-determined number of sets, which in turn consists of games. Each game is made up of a sequence of points played with the same player serving. For the Singles competitions, all matches will be determined through the best of three tie-break sets. For the Doubles competitions, all matches will be determined by two tie-break sets and a match tie-break game (10 points) in place of a third set.

What has tennis got to do we measurements?

• Playing Lines: The outside dimensions of the playing lines shall be as follows:
  Doubles 36' x 78' (10.973 m x 23.774 m)Singles 27' x 78' (8.230 m x 23.774 m)
  All lines shall be not less than 1" (2.54 cm) or more than 2" (5 cm) in width, except the base line which may be up to 4' (10 cm) in width and the center line which shall be 2" (5 cm) in width.
  This allowable variation in line width results in non-uniformity and confusion and, therefore, the U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association recommends that all lines be 2" (5 cm) in width, except the base line which may be up to 4" (10 cm) in width.
  All measurements shall be to the outer edge of the lines except the center line and the center mark which shall be on the center line of the court.

• Tolerance : The lines shall be laid out and applied as close to the exact measurements as is possible within the limitations of the surface on which they are being applied. At no time shall the line dimensions vary more then one-quarter inch from the exact measurement. The type of surface and intended purpose of the court, i.e. recreation, club, tournament, etc., however, shall be the factors considered in determining the allowed tolerance.
  3.0 Back Space
  Tournament play requires a minimum 21' (6.401 m) from base line to fixed obstruction (i.e. backstop, wall, etc.). In non-tournament play, this distance may be reduced to 18' (5.486 m).

• Side Space : Not less than 12' (3.658 m) from side line to fixed obstruction (i.e. sidestop, light pole, wall, etc.).
  For indoor courts where netting is used between courts, the netting is considered to be a movable obstruction, in which case 9' (2.743 m) is considered a minimum between sideline and netting. Only where space limitations become a factor and the 12' (3.658 m) minimum cannot be provided may the side space from side line to a fixed obstruction be reduced to a minimum of 9-1/2' (2.896 m). This dimension does not restrict obstructions at the net line; for example, the net post of the adjacent courts or light standards.

• Clearance Between Courts: Where courts are constructed within the confines of a common enclosure, the distance between side lines should be not less than 12' (3.658 m). Where space permits, it is desirable to provide additional space between side lines to enhance play.

• Overhead Clearance: The space directly above the area within the playing lines should be free from any overhead obstructions for outside play, and should be not less than 20' (6.096 m) over the baseline and 35' (10.668 m) over the net line for indoor play

• Backstop/Sidestop: The backstops should be 10' (or 3 m) in height above the court surface for most normal installations. Where local conditions dictate additional security or ball retention, a higher backstop may be required. For residential courts, 8' (2.438 m) in height is adequate when the adjacent area is such that a ball going over the backstop or sidestop can be retrieved without personal hazard or hardship and without undue intrusion on adjoining property.
  The sidestops should be the same height as the backstops for a minimum distance of approximately 20' (6.096 m) from the backstop. The height of the sidestop in the remaining area, if used, may vary to suit local conditions. In no instance shall the sidestop, where used, be less than 3' (or 1 m) in height.
  Backstop and sidestop material, when manufactured to metric standards, varies slightly from the dimensions set forth above. The equivalent standard dimension material may be substituted and has been indicated above.

• Stadium - Tournament Court: For tournament play where judges are required, a clear area a minimum of 70' x 130' (21.336 m x 39.624 m) should be provided. This allows a minimum clear playing area of 60' x 120' (18.288 mx 36.576 m) with an additional perimeter area for judges as well as a safe overrun area for the player
  

• Net Posts: Net posts shall be set 3' (.914 m) outside the side line 33' (10.058 m) singles, 42' (12.802 m) doubles, center to center of posts. The top of the net at the inside face of the posts or supports when used to support a net for singles play on a doubles court shall be exactly 42" (1.067 m) above the court surface. There shall be no obstruction above the top of the net at any point, including at the post.

• Playing Lines: Playing lines shall be (specify one: woven webbing saturated with a white lead or aluminum paint, approved by the manufacturer of the woven webbing) firmly held in place by 10d (specify one: aluminum* or copper) nails. Base lines shall be not more than four inches (4") wide and playing lines not more than two inches (2") wide, accurately positioned in accordance with regulations of the United States Tennis Association.

Tennis Court Orientation

From a study of weather and playing conditions in our country it
has been determined that, in general, courts built south of the 38th degree
parallel, a line which runs approximately through Louisville, Kentucky, are
playable on a twelve month year-around basis. Courts north of the 38th degree
parallel are considered non-playable for approximately four to five winter
months of the year due to cold weather. Therefore, because of the summer sun
angle during standard time, at approximately 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., outdoor courts
north of the 38th degree parallel can be oriented directly true north-south.
This will allow good playing conditions during the summer months from mid to
late afternoon.

Outdoor courts built south of the 38th degree parallel,
however, are considered generally good for play all year around. By a careful
analysis of sun angles at both equinox times in mid-March and mid-September,
between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when it is assumed that most tennis is played, and
taking into account the fact that about 85% of the players are right-handed, it
has been determined that the most comfortable angle for court setting is 22
degrees south-east and north-west for the length of the court off true
north-south. This can even be increased to 30 degrees off north-south for courts
built in the extreme southern areas of the United States.

The first courts known to be oriented 22 degrees south-east and north-west were constructed in Houston about 35 years ago. Observation of these and other courts south of the 38th parallel at both equinox times show no shadow of the net on either side of the court between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., which indicates that each side of the court has equal sun angles, which is assumed to be the ideal outdoor playing condition with respect to sun glare affecting either side of the court more than the
other.

As the sun moves lower (south) in the winter months and higher (north)
in the mid-summer months, the sun glare angle will be slightly more on the
respective sides of the courts, but not enough to materially produce excessive
glare.

On the other hand, if an outdoor court were laid out exactly
north-south in the southern part of the United States, the intense glare from
the sun in the mid-winter months between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. would seriously
affect right-handed players on the north court by their having to look directly
into the suns rays as they face the south court, and would make playing
conditions extremely uncomfortable.

The final orientation of the tennis court is also affected by the cost of construction relative to the substantial slope of the land, zoning requirements and/or the owner's wishes. The need to orient a tennis court in a predominant east - west direction may exist in order to fulfill the construction criteria for the tennis facility, but it should be recognized that a predominant east-west orientation may substantially impair the
useability of the facility.

If the owner's desires are for evening or night play, orientation does not become an extremely important concern. Refer to the outdoor lighting section for further information.

Done by:

Lim Wei Jie