TENNIS COURT

[edit] Dimensions

The dimensions of a tennis court, in metres. (See imperial version).

Tennis is played on a rectangular flat surface, usually of grass, clay, concrete (hard court) or a
synthetic suspended court. The court is 78 feet (23.78 m) long, and its width is 27 feet (8.23 m)
for singles matches and 36 feet (10.98 m) for doubles matches.[1] Additional clear space around
the court is needed in order for players to reach overrun balls for a total of 60 feet (18.3 m) wide
and 120 feet (36.7 m) long. A net is stretched across the full width of the court, parallel with the
baselines, dividing it into two equal ends. The net is 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) high at the posts,
and 3 feet (920 mm) high in the center.[2]

[edit] Types of tennis courts

See also: Tennis#Surface

There are four main types of courts depending on the materials used for the court surface: clay
courts, hard courts, grass courts and indoor courts (carpet, rubber or wood). Each playing
surface has its own characteristics which affect the playing style of the game.

Of the Grand Slam tournaments, the U.S. Open and Australian Open use hardcourts (though
both used grass courts in the past, and the U.S. Open also used red clay courts from 1975
through 1977), the French Open is played on clay (though it too was played on grass before
1928), and Wimbledon is played on grass.

[edit] Clay courts

Main article: Clay court

Clay courts are made of crushed shale, stone or brick. The red clay is slower than the green,
Har-Tru, "North-American" clay. The French Open uses clay courts, unlike the other three
Grand Slam tournaments of each year.

Clay courts slow down the ball and produce a high bounce[citation needed] when compared to grass
courts or hard courts. This is because clay courts have more grab and when the ball lands there
is more friction pushing against the ball's horizontal path, therefore slowing it and creating a
higher bounce. [3]For this reason, the clay court takes away some advantage of big serves, which
makes it hard for serve-based players to dominate on the surface.

Although clay courts are more traditional[citation needed] and cheaper to construct than other types of
tennis courts, the maintenance costs of a clay surface are higher than those of hard courts.
Clay courts need to be rolled to preserve flatness. The clay's water content must be balanced;
green courts generally require the courts to be sloped[citation needed] to allow water run-off.

Clay courts are more common in Europe and South America than in North America and tend to
heavily favor baseline players like Rafael Nadal.
 TENNIS COURT

1.0 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.

2.0 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).

4.0 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.

5.0 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.

6.0 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.

7.0 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.

8.0 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 players.

9.0 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.

10.0 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.

*Do not specify aluminum nails if base course contains slag or cinder materials
Track Builders Association