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What Are the Best Tips for Backyard Tennis?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Backyard tennis often requires a tennis court, and a tennis enthusiast may want to consider building one, if he has the room. Before building a tennis court, the backyard layout and plans for proper drainage should be considered first. Typically, a grass tennis court is the easiest to maintain, but a backyard tennis court can also be constructed from concrete, clay, or synthetic materials. All obstructions should be cleared away from above the court, and lights can be installed for night play. A person's neighbors should also be consulted, however, before tennis matches are played in his yard.

One thing that is usually necessary for backyard tennis is a tennis court. One should first survey his property before deciding to build a tennis court. For the best results, the ground should be even and level. A French drain can be installed at the lowest corner the court, if pooling water is a problem.

Backyard tennis requires a tennis enthusiast who wants to build a court in his back yard.
Backyard tennis requires a tennis enthusiast who wants to build a court in his back yard.

Besides level ground, space is also a necessity when constructing a backyard tennis court. A standard doubles tennis court is typically 78 feet (24 meters) long and 36 feet (11 meters) wide. If there is not enough room for a court of this size, a singles court can be made, which is only 27 feet (8 meters) wide. Mini tennis courts can also be constructed.

A grass tennis court is usually the easiest surface to maintain.
A grass tennis court is usually the easiest surface to maintain.

A grass tennis court is typically the most feasible option for a backyard tennis court. To do this, the top of the soil should be turned, and a roller can be used to roll over the ground to compact it and make it more level. Grass seed can then be planted on top of the earth. After the grass has grown, lines for the court can be added using spray paint. This paint will typically need to be reapplied, however, each time the grass is mowed.

Obstructions such as tree branches should be removed at backyard tennis courts.
Obstructions such as tree branches should be removed at backyard tennis courts.

A hard tennis court can also be constructed for backyard tennis, although these are a bit more difficult to make. Concrete and clay are two common materials that can be used to construct a hard court. Synthetic materials, like artificial turf or vinyl, can also be used to cover the court to cushion the ground.

Any obstructions around a backyard tennis court can interfere with a tennis game. These should be removed before playing. Long tree branches, for instance, should be trimmed back, so they do not hang directly over the tennis court.

A backyard tennis court can provide a place for players to practice.
A backyard tennis court can provide a place for players to practice.

Although lights will usually not be necessary for every backyard tennis match, they are usually a good idea for night matches. These can be mounted onto existing structures, such as garages or houses. They can also be mounted on tall metal poles or trees.

Consideration for neighbors is important for players who use backyard tennis frequently. The constant sound of a ball hitting a racket or a ball machine can seriously annoy some neighbors. Consulting with your neighbors will often help you avoid any confrontations in the future.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

Some of the loneliest sites I have ever seen are abandoned backyard tennis courts. I had a friend in high school. Her parents built a backyard tennis court for her and her sister. The court was seldom used. My friend played at the public courts because that was was a popular gathering and socializing spot for us teenagers.

My advice to anyone planning to build a home court is be sure you're going to get your money's worth out of it. When my friend's parents tried to sell their house, the tennis court made the property more difficult to sell because most people are not looking for a backyard court.

Sporkasia
Backyard tennis courts made of grass are easier to build, but the major disadvantage of a grass court is that if the court is used often, then maintaining the grass is virtually impossible.

What you end up with is a court with patches of grass and areas of dirt where the players spend more time. The baseline is commonly worn clean of grass, and there is usually a dirt path leading to the net.

From my point of view, clay courts work best in a backyard. They are less intrusive than the hard surface courts. I'm sure there are many people who disagree with me on this point, but I prefer the clay surface for a home court.

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    • Backyard tennis requires a tennis enthusiast who wants to build a court in his back yard.
      By: .shock
      Backyard tennis requires a tennis enthusiast who wants to build a court in his back yard.
    • A grass tennis court is usually the easiest surface to maintain.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A grass tennis court is usually the easiest surface to maintain.
    • Obstructions such as tree branches should be removed at backyard tennis courts.
      By: Maxisport
      Obstructions such as tree branches should be removed at backyard tennis courts.
    • A backyard tennis court can provide a place for players to practice.
      By: Andrey Kiselev
      A backyard tennis court can provide a place for players to practice.