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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE GOOD TENNIS POSTS?
2022-10-03
You don't need a lot of equipment to play tennis. For the player, the most important thing is the racket. On the other hand, on the court, the net and the posts that divide it into two halves play a key role. What should be the characteristics of good tennis posts? Why is their selection so important? Check it out!
TENNIS - SIMPLE RULES AND GREAT EXCITEMENT
Tennis is a sport with roots dating back to the 14th century. However, it began to take its modern shape several hundred years later. Initially, tennis was played with wooden rackets and only on a grass court. The first tournament was held at the famous Wimbledon, and soon after, the US Open, French Open and Australian Open were established, which still generate great excitement and attract a multi-million dollar audience from all over the world.
Tennis is considered an elite and prestigious sport. In fact, it can be practiced by anyone. The rules of the game are not complicated. It involves putting a ball over the net with a racket, into the opponent's half. A stroke is considered correct, as long as the player punches the ball to the other side before it bounces twice, without touching any other part of the court except the net, and the ball may not go out. The exchange continues until one of the players fails to make the correct bounce. Then the other one scores a point. Matches at the highest level are sometimes fierce and very spectacular, which contributes to the popularity of the sport.
WHAT DOES A TENNIS COURT LOOK LIKE?
The dimensions of the tennis court are strictly defined. It is rectangular in shape, measuring 23.77 meters long by 8.23 meters wide (for single play). The doubles and mixed doubles court is 10.97 meters wide. The playing field is delineated by lines 2.5 cm to 5 cm wide (except for the main lines, which can be up to 10 cm wide).
There is always a net suspended in the middle of the court, which must be properly tensioned. Its top edge should be at a height of 91.5 cm in the center of the court. However, at the posts (which are 91.5 cm from the side lines of the court), its regulatory height is 106 cm. The net is hung on a steel rope or string and attached to the posts, and its top edge must be covered with a white tape 5 cm to 6.5 cm wide on each side.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF TENNIS POSTS?
The net is attached to posts with a diameter of no more than 15 cm. However, the top edge of the post must not be higher than 2.5 cm above the net line. All this enforces a certain design of posts. They are very important, because they are responsible for the correct suspension and tensioning of the net. This is their most important function. However, good tennis posts must also meet several other conditions.
GOOD TENNIS POSTS - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Good tennis posts must meet several conditions. The key ones are:
• they are made in accordance with tennis regulations - which specify, among other things, the maximum diameter and height of the posts;
• high-quality tensioning mechanism - allowing the net to be securely and permanently placed at the regulation height;
• robustness of the materials used and workmanship - good tennis posts must be resistant to mechanical damage and high forces;
• weather resistance - so you can use the posts on any court;
• solid attachment to the ground - it is necessary to use a reliable anchoring system or base to ensure the stability of the posts and, consequently, the net.
Lack of stability or robustness completely disqualifies the posts from use - regardless of whether they are intended for professional or amateur use. The ball in tennis is often hit with great force and accelerates to tremendous speeds. It's not uncommon to hit a net or post, so their high durability is essential. Well-made posts affect the comfort and smoothness of the game, as well as its safety - which is why they are irreplaceable.
HOW TO CHOOSE TENNIS POSTS?
Tennis posts can be round or square in cross-section. They are made of various materials, but aluminium is the most commonly used. It is a very strong, rigid, yet lightweight metal that excels even in professional tennis. Its use allows the use of posts with a smaller diameter and weight, so it is a recommended choice.
Special attention should also be paid to tension. Usually a screw mechanism is used, and a crank is used to tighten the net. The proper manufacture and fit of all the components is particularly important, because only the correct operation of the tension will allow you to mount the tennis net at the correct height.
When choosing tennis posts, you should also take into account the conditions and place of play. The most commonly sold posts are designed to be fixed to the ground in special sleeves. However, it is also possible to purchase portable poles, which allow playing or training anywhere with a suitable surface. They have weighted bases to ensure the stability of the entire structure.