| 1.0 | Playing Lines |
| The outside dimensions of the playing lines should be as follows: Doubles 36′ x 78′ (10.97m x 23.77m) Singles 27′ x 78′ (8.23m x 23.77m)Metric equivalents for specific items such as tennis court playing lines, layouts and net heights must be converted as accurately as possible to conform to the rules of tennis. These are called hard conversions. In practice, however, other conversions are routinely adapted. For example, these Guidelines recommend a 24′ separation between courts in a common enclosure, which is converted by the formula to 7.315m. For ease of construction, that dimension might be rounded to 7.5m or 8m or even 7m (which, of course, is slightly less than the recommended dimension). In other words, the nearest appropriate metric dimension is chosen—appropriate in terms of feasibility of construction, design intention, etc. These are called soft conversions. In the case of materials, the equivalent standard dimension material may be substituted. All lines should be not less than 1″ (2.54 cm) nor 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 should 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 should be to the outer edge of the lines except the center line and the center mark which should be on the center line of the court. | |
| 2.0 | Tolerance |
| The lines should 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 should the playing lines or the line dimensions vary more than 1/4″ from the exact measurements, unless the court surface won’t allow (natural grass moves, artificial grass stretches, etc). | |
| 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′ (5.486m). | |
| 4.0 | Side Space |
| Not less than 12′ (3.658 m) is required from the side line to a fixed obstruction (i.e. sidestop, light pole, wall, etc.). Where courts are in battery and where netting is used between courts, the netting is considered to be a movable obstruction, in which case 9′ (2.743m) 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 10′ [3.048m].) This dimension does not restrict obstructions at the net line; for example, the net post of the adjacent court 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′ (3.658m). Where space permits, it is desirable to provide additional space between side lines to enhance play; 24′ (7.315m) is recommended. | |
| 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 21′ over the baseline and 35′ minimum, 38′ recommended over the net line. | |
| 7.0 | Fencing |
| The purpose of fencing around a tennis court is to keep most of the balls within the court during play. Chain link fencing is most commonly used for this purpose, but wooden fencing, walls, hedges and netting also are used. Fencing, or an acceptable alternative, is required across the back of the court (backstop) and along each sideline from the corner 20’–40′ up the sidelines (sidestop). The area up to 40′ on either side of the net can be left open or shorter fencing may be used. The backstops should be 10′ (or 3m) 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′ (2.438m) 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 the minimum distance of approximately 20′ (6.096m) from the backstop. The height of the sidestop in the remaining area, if used, may vary to suit local conditions. In no instance should the sidestop, where used, be less than 3′ (or 1m) 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′ (21.33m x 39.62m) should be provided. This allows a minimum clear playing area of 60′ x 120′ (18.28m x 36.57m) with an additional perimeter area for judges as well as a safe overrun area for the players. | |
| 9.0 | Net Posts |
| Net posts should be set 3′ (.91m) outside the side line, which is 42′ (12.802m) apart, center to center for doubles play, and 33′ (10.058m) apart, center to center for singles play. (Please refer to the diagram.) 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 should be exactly 42″ (1.067m) above the court surface. There should be no obstruction above the top of the net at any point, including at the post. | |
| 10.0 | Playing Lines |
| Playing lines should be painted on an asphalt or concrete court using line paint approved by the manufacturer of the coating material used on the court. For clay or fast dry courts, lines should be woven coated webbing, firmly held in place by rust-resistant nails. Use copper nails if the base course contains slag or cinders. Base lines should 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. |
Drawings:
Tennis Court Playing Line Layout Plan
Typical Single Court Layout Plans
Typical Stadium Court Layout Plans
Typical 2 Court Battery Layouts
Typical 3 Court Battery Layouts
See also Guidelines for:
2.A. Tennis Court Orientation
ASTM specifications are available from
American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
610-832-950
NOTICE: These Construction Guidelines are for use by architects, engineers, contractors, tennis court and running track owners. Parties not experienced in tennis court or running track construction are advised to consult a qualified contractor, consultant and/or design professional. Experienced contractors, consultants and/or design professionals can be identified through the U. S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association. Due to changing construction technology and techniques, only the most recent version of these Guidelines should be used. Variances in climate, soil conditions, topography and other factors may make these Guidelines unsuitable for certain projects.
Copyright © 1998 by U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association. All Rights Reserved.