Correct tennis net post spacing keeps the net straight, leaves room outside the court, and helps the net sit at the right height. For a standard doubles court, the posts go 3 feet (0.914 m) beyond the doubles sidelines on each side.
That measurement matters whether you are installing a permanent net or checking a public court. Singles uses a different support point: two singles sticks hold the net 3 feet outside the singles sidelines. Here’s how the measurements fit together and how to check them on court.
Standard Tennis Net Post Spacing
A regulation doubles court is 36 feet wide. With the net posts placed 3 feet beyond each doubles sideline, the distance between post centers is 42 feet (12.80 m).
| Measurement | Standard size | What it describes |
|---|---|---|
| Doubles court width | 36 ft (10.97 m) | Distance between the doubles sidelines |
| Post position | 3 ft (0.914 m) beyond each doubles sideline | Where the net posts sit for doubles |
| Post-center spacing | 42 ft (12.80 m) | Distance between the two post centers |
| Singles stick position | 3 ft (0.914 m) beyond each singles sideline | Where the net is supported for singles |
As a practical rule, measure from the doubles sideline outward to the post’s center. For a permanent installation, check the court or equipment instructions too, since the post design and its specified measuring point can affect the exact layout.
Why Singles Uses Sticks Instead of the Doubles Posts
A singles court is 27 feet wide, while a doubles court is 36 feet wide. The standard posts are positioned for doubles, so they sit too far out to support the net at the correct height for singles play. Singles sticks solve this by raising the net at points 3 feet outside the singles sidelines.
Place one stick on each side of the court. The sticks should be no more than 3.5 feet (1.07 m) high, and the net should be 3 feet (0.914 m) high at the sticks. The standard net height at the center is also 3 feet. When changing from doubles to singles, the net is supported at the sticks rather than directly at the posts.
How to Measure Post Spacing on a Court
- Find the doubles sidelines. These are the outer sidelines, which mark the full 36-foot width of the doubles court.
- Measure outward 3 feet on both sides. Mark the intended post positions beyond the sidelines.
- Check the distance between the marks. It should be 42 feet from post center to post center.
- Set the posts square to the court. The net should run straight across the court, parallel to the baselines.
- Check the net height. Measure at the center and at the support points; a correctly spaced net still needs to be adjusted to the proper height.
On an existing court, a tape measure can quickly reveal a post that has shifted or been installed too close to the doubles sideline. If the court is being built, it is worth marking both post centers before pouring concrete or setting sleeves. A small error is much harder to fix after the posts are anchored.
Common Net Post Spacing Mistakes
- Measuring from the singles sideline for doubles posts. Doubles posts are positioned relative to the doubles sidelines. Singles sticks are positioned relative to the singles sidelines.
- Confusing the net length with post spacing. The court is 36 feet wide between doubles sidelines, but post centers are 42 feet apart because the posts sit outside the court.
- Placing singles sticks at the doubles sidelines. For singles, the sticks belong 3 feet outside the singles sidelines. That puts them inside the doubles playing area.
- Assuming correct spacing fixes a sagging net. Net tension and height need attention as well. A net that droops in the middle can make serves, volleys, and close calls harder to judge.
Good spacing also gives players room to move near the net without making the posts part of the playing area. In doubles, that matters when a player chases a wide volley or reaches for a ball near the sideline. The post should support the net without crowding the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are tennis net posts?
On a standard doubles court, the posts are 42 feet apart from center to center. That is the 36-foot court width plus 3 feet outside each doubles sideline.
How far is each post from the doubles sideline?
Each post is placed 3 feet (0.914 m) beyond the doubles sideline. For an installation, confirm the measuring point required by the post or court specifications.
Where do singles sticks go?
Singles sticks go 3 feet beyond the singles sidelines, one on each side. They support the net at a height of 3 feet for singles play.
Are the net posts and singles sticks the same height?
They may be similar in height, but they do different jobs and sit in different places. Neither should exceed 3.5 feet (1.07 m), and singles sticks support the net at the correct point for singles.
Final Thoughts
For doubles, place the net posts 3 feet outside the doubles sidelines, giving a standard 42-foot center-to-center span. For singles, use sticks 3 feet outside the singles sidelines. Keep those reference lines straight, then check the net height and tension so the court plays as it should.
