Tennis Court Nets & Winders

Discover the different types of tennis court nets available from Tennis Warehouse Australia, designed for both internal and external winder mechanisms and learn about the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect tennis net for your school, club, or home court. Tennis Warehouse Australia also stock Portable Tennis Nets for use at home or the park.

Internal vs. External Winder Mechanisms

Tennis court nets can be categorised into two types based on their winder mechanism: internal and external. The winder mechanism is a component of the net post, responsible for adjusting the tension of the net.

External Winder Mechanism

External winders are typically used for situations where tennis nets need frequent removal. The net connects to the winder with a loop in the net's cable, making it easy to detach. Tennis court nets designed for external winders measure approximately 12.2m in width, allowing space for the external winder mechanism.

Internal Winder Mechanism

Internal winders are ideal for home courts and scenarios where the net will remain in place for extended periods. Offering a neat finish, internal winders are integrated into the net post and require a slightly more complex cable installation. Nets designed for internal winders measure approximately 12.75m in width, fitting neatly between posts spaced 12.8m apart (center to center).

If you're unsure about your net post type, send us a photo of the post with the winder, and we'll help you identify it.

Net Drop Length

When choosing a tennis net, consider the drop length you prefer. A 3' drop reaches the ground, while a 2'6" drop leaves clearance for rolling balls under the net. In Australia, the 2'6" drop is more popular due to its practicality and affordability.

Comparing Tennis Net Qualities

Tennis net qualities can vary significantly. Remember that you generally get what you pay for. A high-quality net should have:

• A 50mm polyester webbing net tape with four rows of stitching and UV resistance for a neat finish and lasting durability.
• Hand-knotted black mesh with a minimum thickness of 2.5mm (ideally 3mm or more for increased durability).
• Double thickness for the top six rows, as this is where most balls impact the net.
• A cord diameter of approximately 3mm between the posts.
• Black PVC side bands with ample eyelets for neat attachment to the post.
• Fiberglass dowels (sticks) inserted into the sides to maintain a straight finish.

Scroll down for example photos and descriptions of different net types and posts to help you make an informed decision.

Examples of different nets:

External Winder - 2'6" drop: You can see that the external winder mechanism threads through the net post and the net hooks onto it. The net does not go neatly from post to post to allow room for this mechanism. You can also see the 2'6" drop allows room under the net for balls to be rolled to the opponent.

Internal Winder - 2'6" drop: This net neatly finishes right up against the post because the winding mechanism is internal. You can also see that the drop is only 2'6" allowing balls to be rolled under the net to the opponent.

Internal Winder - 3' drop: This internal winder net finishes neatly at the post and also drops the full 3'. Note, a high quality 3' drop net will be "tapered" meaning the height (drop) is 1.07m at the net posts and only 0.91m at the centre of the net, to allow for the bow in the net tape (the centre of the net is the lowest point). This tapering will provide a nice even finish across the base of the net where it meets the court.