Once you’ve decided to use that empty patch of land in your backyard for a tennis court, and the kids have finished celebrating, it’s time to get down to the practical realities. A home tennis court is a great addition, giving you and your family a chance to improve your skills and have fun while doing it. You can be sure that your neighbors and family will find all kinds of reason to visit as well. To get the maximum benefit and fun from your new tennis court, it’s important to choose the right features, from the playing surface that’s best for your style to Douglas tennis equipment like nets and balls.
Why it makes sense to get a home tennis court
Tennis is way more than just a game, it’s a lifestyle. Some would even say, a philosophy. In any case, it’s a game that requires peak physical fitness, thought, and concentration. It’s also one of the healthiest sports, and just half an hour of a casual game can burn up to 169 calories for a woman, and 208 calories for a man.
The total number of tennis players across the country in growing, according to the Tennis Industry Association (TIA). A 1% increase in the number of players brings the total to around 17.9 million. The sport’s growing popularity means that publicly accessible facilities, including clubs, are in high demand. Enthusiasts may decide to eventually get their own home courts, with all the advantages of being able to get a game at any time. When you’re ready to get started, Douglas tennis equipment can provide almost everything you need for your home tennis court.
Choosing a playing surface
Once you’ve made the big decision to set up a home tennis court, you’ll face a number of decisions about orientation, materials, and extras. Accessories like tennis ball hoppers, racket carts, court markers, and courtside seating will all add to the the overall functionality of your home court. Most people find all they need in Douglas tennis equipment.
Perhaps the most important choice you face will also be one of the first, about what type of playing surface to pick for your home tennis court. The type of playing surface affects your game, as well as the impact of the game on your body. Traditionally, clay courts were the most common surface, but now there are a number of man made and artificial playing surfaces as well.
- Grass is another popular surface for home tennis courts, but takes a lot of maintenance. Heavy rains can put a grass court out of commission until the surface dries, limiting your playing time. While grass is a natural surface that is gentler on your knees, it can be slippery and even dangerous to play on unless it is completely dry. Grass courts favor strong servers and powerful players over defensive players, since returns are harder on this surface.
- Hard courts use artificial materials with features like cushioned coatings, textiles, rubberized shock pads, and polymer coatings. The ball moves faster than on clay but slower than grass, which means that it doesn’t favor any particular style of play.
- Clay courts were formerly made of crushed bricks, but now other materials like crushed shale and stone are also used. Clay courts favor a defensive game, since balls bounce slower and higher. Like grass courts, clay tends to hold rainwater, which can be a disadvantage. As a natural material, however, it is easier on the knees and joints than harder artificial surfaces.
Once you’ve decided which type of surface is best for your game, you can go on to get the other supplies you need for a tennis court. Most people find that Douglas tennis equipment can supply all that they need to set up their home tennis courts. Then it’s time to look forward to a fun and healthy summer.