If you’ve played an outdoor match with the late-afternoon sun square in your eyes, you know how much court direction can matter. For most outdoor tennis courts, the best general layout is with the long axis running roughly north to south. That puts the rising and setting sun more often to the side of the court rather than directly down its length.
It’s a useful rule, not a guarantee of perfect conditions. Latitude, season, playing hours, nearby buildings and trees all affect where the sun lands. A good site plan considers those local details before settling on an exact angle.
Why north–south is the usual recommendation
A tennis court’s orientation refers to the direction its long axis runs: from one baseline to the other. On a north–south court, one baseline is at the north end and the other at the south end. Players face generally north or south when serving and rallying from the back of the court.
The sun travels across the sky from east to west. If the court runs east–west, players looking down the court can face toward the low morning sun at one end or the low evening sun at the other. That glare can make it hard to track a serve, judge a lob or see the ball against the sky. With a north–south layout, the low sun is more likely to come from the side, where it is usually less disruptive.
North–south does not mean the sun can never get in a player’s eyes. In the northern hemisphere, the sun sits farther south in the sky for much of the year, and early or late in the day it may shine toward the player at the south end. In the southern hemisphere, the seasonal pattern reverses. Players also change ends during a match, so conditions can affect both sides as the sun moves.
How precise should the alignment be?
A court does not need to point at precisely zero degrees to be practical. The aim is to keep the long axis close to the north–south line, with the allowable deviation depending on the site, local guidance and available land. Small differences may have little effect; a pronounced east–west slant can bring the low sun back into the line of play during common match hours.
When checking a proposed site, distinguish true north from magnetic north. A phone compass or handheld compass generally points toward magnetic north, which can differ from true north by a location-specific amount. For a rough early assessment, a compass is useful. For a new build, use a surveyor or qualified court designer to confirm the orientation against a site plan and local requirements.
It also helps to assess the court at the hours people will actually play. A public court used mainly after work may have different glare concerns from a school court used in the morning. Visit the site around those times in more than one season if possible, or use a sun-path tool with the site’s location and date.
Comparing common court orientations
| Long-axis direction | Typical sun effect | Practical assessment |
|---|---|---|
| North–south | Low morning and evening sun is generally more side-on. | Usually the best starting point for outdoor courts. |
| East–west | Players may look toward low sun at one end in the morning or evening. | Often less comfortable for regular daytime play, especially near sunrise or sunset. |
| Diagonal or constrained site | Glare depends on the exact angle, season and playing schedule. | May be a sensible compromise when land, slope or existing structures limit options. |
Other site factors can change the answer
Buildings and trees: A tall building, fence or line of trees can cast long shadows across a court, particularly in winter when the sun is low. Those shadows may be more distracting than a modest deviation from north–south. Check not only where the sun shines, but also where shadows fall during likely playing hours.
Wind: Orientation does not solve every weather problem. Local wind direction, neighboring structures and the way a court is sheltered can affect play. A row of courts may need to fit the land or preserve clear space for fencing and access. Avoid assuming that the same axis will be ideal for every site.
Drainage and grade: The finished surface must meet the project’s drainage and construction requirements. If the best solar alignment conflicts with a substantial slope, drainage route or safe access, a designer may recommend a carefully chosen compromise. Orientation should be considered alongside grading, not in isolation.
Lighting and shadows: For courts used after dark, plan the lighting layout to provide even coverage without excessive glare for players or neighbors. Nearby light poles, trees and structures should be reviewed as part of the overall site design.
Choosing a court at an existing facility
If you are booking rather than building, you may not have a perfect north–south option. Check the direction of the court with a map or compass, then think about when you will play. On an east–west court, a morning booking and an evening booking can feel quite different; the player at the sun-facing end may have the tougher view. A shaded court can be more comfortable, but look for shade that stays outside the playing area and does not create a distracting band across the surface.
During a match, players change ends at prescribed intervals, which helps share changing conditions over time. It cannot remove glare at a critical point. If a serve disappears into the sun, take extra care with positioning and use a higher margin on the return rather than trying to force a risky shot. For casual play, shifting the booking by an hour can sometimes improve visibility more than switching to a slightly better-aligned court.
A practical orientation checklist
- Identify the court’s long axis and compare it with true north, not just magnetic north.
- Check the sun’s position at the facility’s busiest playing times, including morning and evening.
- Consider seasonal changes and the height of nearby buildings, fences and trees.
- Review wind exposure, slope, drainage, access and lighting with the court layout.
- If a perfect north–south line is not possible, choose the best overall site fit rather than forcing an alignment that creates other problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a tennis court always run north–south?
North–south is the usual recommendation for outdoor courts because it generally reduces direct low-sun glare along the playing axis. Local terrain, buildings, drainage and typical playing hours can justify a different angle.
Which end of a north–south court gets more sun?
It depends on the season, latitude and time of day. In the northern hemisphere, the south end can be more exposed when the sun is low in the southern sky; in the southern hemisphere, the seasonal pattern is reversed. The sun’s position changes throughout the day.
Is an east–west court unusable?
No. Many players use east–west courts without difficulty, particularly when playing around midday or when buildings and trees soften the glare. The main concern is low sun shining down the court during morning or evening sessions.
How can I check a court’s orientation?
Use a site plan, map or compass to estimate the long-axis direction. For a new court, ask a qualified surveyor or court designer to verify the alignment and assess the sun path at the times the court will be used.
Final Thoughts
For a new outdoor court, aim to run the baselines roughly north–south so the rising and setting sun is less likely to shine straight down the court. Then test that general rule against the actual site: sunlight, shadows, wind, slope and playing schedules all matter. The best orientation is the one that makes the court comfortable and practical in the conditions its players will face most often.
