Every spring, tennis enthusiasts are eager to get back to their courts.

And every spring, strong winds threaten to interfere with the game. 

Tennis windscreens are both functional and aesthetic, making them a crucial element for outdoor courts. 

Benefits of Tennis Windscreens

As the name implies, tennis windscreens help block the wind, allowing for consistent airflow. This makes it easier to control the ball during practice or a game. 

However, the benefits of windscreens don’t stop there. They also provide shade, which is often welcomed during hot summer months. In addition, windscreens provide a dark background. This allows players to better watch the ball, as it reduces glare and eliminates visual distractions outside of the court. 

Caring for Your Windscreen

Like the rest of your court, windscreens need maintenance in order to last longer. Maintenace throughout the year includes:

• At the end of your season, before winter hits, take your windscreens down and store panels in a safe, dry place. 
• As the weather warms up preseason, carefully install windscreens, checking for any damage and replacing panels as necessary.  
• Throughout the season, check to ensure windscreens are properly fastened. 
• Check regularly for tears or damage to panels.
• Wash windscreens down as needed. 

Selecting a Windscreen for Your Court

There are numerous types of windscreens to fit your budget, needs, and court size. In addition, there are different shades, colors, heights, and even customization options. To get started, there are four basic decisions to make: 

1. Open Mesh vs. Closed Mesh. Open mesh windscreens provide 70%-80% visual and wind block. Closed mesh windscreens provide 90%-100% visual and wind block, creating more privacy. 
2. Custom Cut vs. Cut-to-Size. Custom cut windscreens are manufactured to fit your fence exactly. Once you provide dimensions, they are made to order, creating a professional appearance for your court. Cut-to-size windscreens are sold in rolls, which you roll out and cut with a utility knife or razor. These are less expensive than custom-cut windscreens.
3. Material. Cut-to-size windscreens are made from polyethylene, with different shade factors to choose from. Custom cut windscreens can be made from polypropylene, vinyl-coasted polyester, or heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester. 
4. Color. The most popular color options for tennis windscreens are black and dark green, though other colors may be available. You can also choose to add a logo to your windscreen if ordering custom. 

Outdoor courts often benefit from tennis windscreens, especially in windy areas. For more information on windscreens, and whether or not you need one for your court, contact us.