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Guide Specifications for the General Requirements and Conditions
Revised 1988
Tennis Court Orientation
Section I.D.
From a study of weather and playing conditions in our country it has been determined that, in
general, courts built south of the 38th degree parallel, a line which runs approximately through
Louisville, Kentucky, are playable on a twelve month year-around basis. Courts north of the 38th
degree parallel are considered non-playable for approximately four to five winter months of the
year due to cold weather. Therefore, because of the summer sun angle during standard time, at
approximately 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., outdoor courts north of the 38th degree parallel can be oriented
directly true north-south. This will allow good playing conditions during the summer months from
mid to late afternoon.
Outdoor courts built south of the 38th degree parallel, however, are considered generally good
for play all year around. By a careful analysis of sun angles at both equinox times in mid-March
and mid-September, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when it is assumed that most tennis is played, and
taking into account the fact that about 85% of the players are right-handed, it has been determined
that the most comfortable angle for court setting is 22° south-east and north-west for the length of
the court off true north-south. This can even be increased to 30° off north-south for courts built
in the extreme southern areas of the United States.
The first courts known to be oriented 22° south-east and north-west were constructed in Houston
about 35 years ago. Observation of these and other courts south of the 38th parallel at both equinox
times show no shadow of the net on either side of the court between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., which indicates
that each side of the court has equal sun angles, which is assumed to be the ideal outdoor playing
condition with respect to sun glare affecting either side of the court more than the other.
As the sun moves lower (south) in the winter months and higher (north) in the mid-summer months, the
sun glare angle will be slightly more on the respective sides of the courts, but not enough to
materially produce excessive glare.
On the other hand, if an outdoor court were laid out exactly north-south in the southern part of the
United States, the intense glare from the sun in the mid-winter months between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
would seriously affect right-handed players on the north court by their having to look directly into
the suns rays as they face the south court, and would make playing conditions extremely uncomfortable.
The final orientation of the tennis court is also affected by the cost of construction relative to the
substantial slope of the land, zoning requirements and/or the owner's wishes. The need to orient a tennis
court in a predominant east - west direction may exist in order to fulfill the construction criteria for
the tennis facility, but it should be recognized that a predominant east-west orientation may substantially
impair the usability of the facility.
If the owner's desires are for evening or night play, orientation does not become an extremely important
concern. Refer to the outdoor lighting section for further information.
This court orientation has been officially approved by the
United States Tennis Association and the
U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association.
Suggested Orientation Diagram for Courts South of 42° North Latitude
No Scale
Specification Guides Available
Industry-wide standards for construction of various classes and types of tennis courts and tracks have
been adopted by the
U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association
and incorporated into official construction guide specifications. To obtain a copy contact:
U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association
1004 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(804) 971-2860
For other information or help, consult any member of the
U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association.
NOTICE:
These proposed specifications are merely guides for use by architects, engineers, contractors and
potential tennis court and track owners. Parties not experienced in tennis court and track construction are
advised to consult a qualified contractor and/or design professional. Experienced contractors can be
identified through the certification programs of the
United States Tennis Court and Track Builders Association.
The U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association, its members and employees do not warrant the
specifications as proper under all conditions.
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