How Tall Is a Tennis Net? Official Height and Dimensions
A tennis net is 91.4 cm (3 feet) tall at the centre and 107 cm (3 feet 6 inches) tall at the posts on each side. These measurements are set by the ITF Rules of Tennis and apply to all sanctioned play.
A tennis net measures 91.4 cm (3 feet) at the centre and 107 cm (3.5 feet) at the posts on either side. The net sags slightly between the posts, and a centre strap holds it to the precise 91.4 cm centre height. These dimensions are fixed by the ITF Rules of Tennis.
Official Tennis Net Dimensions
| Measurement | Height |
|---|---|
| Net height at centre | 91.4 cm (3 ft / 0.914 m) |
| Net height at posts | 107 cm (3 ft 6 in / 1.07 m) |
| Net posts position | 0.914 m outside the singles sideline |
| Net width (singles court) | 10.06 m (33 ft) |
| Net width (doubles court) | 12.8 m (42 ft) |
Why the Net Is Lower in the Middle
The net is purposely designed to be lower at the centre than at the posts. This slight sag creates a natural zone that influences tactical play — hitting down the middle of the court clears the net with more margin, while hitting crosscourt at acute angles requires the ball to pass over a higher section of the net near the posts. This geometric reality shapes everything from serve placement to crosscourt passing shot decisions.
The Centre Strap
A white centre strap, fastened to the ground directly below the net’s midpoint, holds the net at exactly 91.4 cm. Without the strap, the weight of the net cable would cause the centre to sag lower than the required height. The strap is required under ITF rules and must be white.
Singles Sticks
When a doubles court and net are used for a singles match, “singles sticks” may be placed 0.914 m outside each singles sideline. These props hold the net up to 107 cm at the correct position for singles play, preventing the net from sagging too low between the posts and the singles sideline. In practice, most modern courts have dedicated singles posts, but singles sticks remain the official solution where only doubles posts exist.
Net Construction Requirements
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mesh opening | Small enough that a ball cannot pass through |
| Top band | White tape, 5–6.35 cm (2–2.5 in) wide |
| Centre strap | White, maximum 5 cm (2 in) wide |
| Net cable / cord | Maximum 0.8 cm (1/3 in) diameter |
Does Net Height Affect Strategy?
Yes, significantly. Because the centre is 15.6 cm lower than the posts, players who hit through the middle of the court have a larger margin of error. This is why:
- Down-the-middle serves are statistically safer for first serves
- Passing shots are often aimed at the lowest part of the net
- Volleys at the net posts are among the most difficult shots in tennis
Understanding net height and geometry is a core part of tactical tennis instruction at all levels.
Quick summary: A tennis net is 91.4 cm (3 ft) tall at the centre and 107 cm (3 ft 6 in) at the posts. A centre strap holds the net to the precise centre height. The net’s lower centre point is a deliberate design that shapes the geometry of every shot in the game.
Frequently asked questions
How high is a tennis net at the centre?+
The net at the centre of a tennis court must be exactly 91.4 cm (3 feet / 0.914 m) tall. A centre strap pulls the net down to this measurement.
How high is a tennis net at the posts?+
At the posts on each side of the court, the net stands 107 cm (3 feet 6 inches / 1.07 m) tall.
Is the net height the same for singles and doubles?+
The net height is the same. However, for singles play a 'singles stick' can be used to prop up the net to 107 cm at the singles sidelines when a doubles net is being used.