The net is an important part of a tennis court. It divides the court into two and challenges you to hit the ball above the net. When I was a beginner, my only goal on the tennis court was to hit the ball above the net.

Having the correct height is key for a tennis net. Imagine practicing for hours on a court that had the wrong net height and then playing a competitive match on a court with the correct net height? Your shots will consistently miss the mark because you practiced with the net at the wrong height.

Who sets the rules for tennis nets?

The specifications of the net are set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

What are tennis nets made of?

Tennis nets usually are made of Polyvinylchloride (PVC) or Polyvinylethylene (PVE).

What is the height of a tennis net?

The tennis net has a height of 42 inches (107 cm) at the posts (ends) and a height of 36 inches (91.4 cm) at the center.

A metal cable or cord at the top – connects the net to the side posts, which have a height of 42 inches (107 cm). The metal cable or cord is covered with a white band.

The net is connected at the center (bottom) with a white strap. At the center, the height of the net is 36 inches (91.4 cm). The strap should not be wider than 2 inches (5 cm).

As you can tell, the height of the net is not uniform between the side posts. Near the side posts, it’s 42 inches (107 cm) but it is only 36 inches (91.4 cm) at the center.

Special rules for nets in doubles courts

There are special net rules for doubles courts. Doubles courts are wider than the singles court because it includes the doubles alley on either side. Singles court is 324 inches (823 cm) wide and the doubles court is 432 inches (1097 cm) wide.

The center of the net posts should be 3 ft (91.4cm) outside the doubles court on either side. The net used in doubles must be supported by two single sticks – at the height of 42 inches (107 cm). The centers of each stick must tbe 36 inches outside the singles court on either side. The sticks and the net posts should not be larger than 3 inches and 6 inches respectively and must not be more than 1 inch over the top of the net cord.

Crosscourt shots vs Down-the-line shots

Since the height of the net is lower at the center, it is easier to hit the ball down the center. In other words, your crosscourt shots are easier to hit than down-the-line shots.

Ball machines can help you take your tennis game to the next level. You don’t have to wait for a coach or a partner to hit the court.

But ball machines are expensive and not everyone needs a new machine or can afford one. Ball machines are very durable and can last for many years. Picking up a used ball machine is a good choice for most people.

How to buy a used ball machine

Buy Local

Craiglist, Facebook Market Place, Nextdoor, Offerup are good places to buy locally. This allows you to check out the machines before you buy. All of these websites allow you set e-mail alerts for specific keywords.

Buying locally allows you to haggle for a better price. Local sellers don’t have too many buyers and are more likely to lower their prices compared to stores.

Watch out for scammers on these sites. Never send any money electronically without getting the ball machine.

eBay

eBay is a good place to buy used items. It’s no different for used ball machines. Before you buy, look at the buyer’s rating to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable buyer.

Note that eBay charges fees to the seller that could be up to 10% of the sales price. Even though it is the seller who pays the fees, expect that to be passed on to you.

Amazon

Many people are not aware that you can buy used items at Amazon. Amazon shows the new product on top but if you scroll down, you can see used items. Amazon gives you the quality of the used product and the return policy.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers have demo machines that they have to get rid of. You can save 20 to 25% by buying used machines directly from them. Here’s the link to buy used ball machines at Sportstutor.

How to get the best deal on used ball machines

Buy from private sellers (and haggle)

Private sellers are usually willing to negotiate prices. Unlike manufacturers, these sellers are not professionals and don’t have a good understanding of the market for ball machines.  You use that to your advantage by doing your own research on the prices of used ball machines.

Be patient

The best deals don’t come every day. Set an e-mail alert on your favorite local shopping portal and be patient. Within a few weeks, you will get an idea of the price and availability of used ball machines in your local area.

Buy local

Ball machines are bulky and are costly to ship. Buying local allows you to save on shipping costs.

Brand is not that important

Do your research and pick up a ball machine that has good durability. Don’t be too tied to a brand. This will give you options as you shop around for the best deal.

Test the ball machine

Throw in a few balls and test out the machine to make sure that it is fully functional. You don’t want any surprises down the road.