Center strap issues.

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
I have recently noticed that tennis straps, especially new ones, are "loosening" overnight, letting the net height creep up.

I recently played at my indoor club (NO PICKLEBALL) and the Court One strap (Div 1 women's team plays matches and practice there) was literally at 38"!
Twice before on this same court it was at least 36 1/2 or 37" (Singles sticks are used for the matches only and are not left up, but removed immediately after play)

A couple of public courts I have played on were 1 - 1 1/2 " too high (pickleballers come and use these courts, pull the strap to the side to get it down to "their" height, and just leave it that way, so that may account for some of this)

newish staps being slick and allowing creep? Vandals? Gremlins?

Anybody else notice this?
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
bambooman - quite possible, but a loose net cord can make a difference of 2 or 3 points per match, especially in doubles, where the shots tend to be significantly closer to the net cord.

A smartly hit ball smacking a loose net cord will react quite differently from the same shot hitting a taunt net cord. Also can turn "let, first serves" into "let, second serves" or even double faults.

dak95_00 - you are 100% right, but I figure tourneys and league matches will have tauter net cords, so why not practice on as close to match conditions as possible.
 

Bambooman

Legend
bambooman - quite possible, but a loose net cord can make a difference of 2 or 3 points per match, especially in doubles, where the shots tend to be significantly closer to the net cord.

A smartly hit ball smacking a loose net cord will react quite differently from the same shot hitting a taunt net cord. Also can turn "let, first serves" into "let, second serves" or even double faults.

dak95_00 - you are 100% right, but I figure tourneys and league matches will have tauter net cords, so why not practice on as close to match conditions as possible.
Still, it's the same for both sides. I don't think people are planning how a net cord will make the ball move.
 

Mongolmike

Hall of Fame
This has come up in other threads.... if you play enough, and pay attention, it is pretty easy to notice if the net looks high. Why not play at the correct height?
I carry a small tape measure and some zip ties in my bag. During warmup or as soon as someone questions the height, I do a quick measure/adjust if needed. Takes a minute.
Can easily make the difference between an ace or a let.

The zip ties are used in case the strap or clips are broken or worn.
 

BenC

Hall of Fame
bambooman - quite possible, but a loose net cord can make a difference of 2 or 3 points per match, especially in doubles, where the shots tend to be significantly closer to the net cord.

A smartly hit ball smacking a loose net cord will react quite differently from the same shot hitting a taunt net cord. Also can turn "let, first serves" into "let, second serves" or even double faults.

dak95_00 - you are 100% right, but I figure tourneys and league matches will have tauter net cords, so why not practice on as close to match conditions as possible.

Interestingly, a commentator at a recent tournament said the nets were looser than at a previous one leading to more net cords. I think net regulations specify the dimensions but don't say anything about how tight the net itself is.
 

struggle

Legend
Interestingly, a commentator at a recent tournament said the nets were looser than at a previous one leading to more net cords. I think net regulations specify the dimensions but don't say anything about how tight the net itself is.

Nets at Wimbledon are notoriously looser than other majors. Wooden posts anchored in soft ground….
 
Last edited:

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
Where is Fingers Fortesque when we need him?!

God Rest You, Bud Collins



PS - I am applying for a million dollar grant from the USTA to go to all the majors and 1000 level events; test and catalog all net cord tensions and the results of the net cord strikes. /s/
I wish!
 

am1899

Legend
IME happens a lot more now because more people are messing with the net height. (Wasn’t nearly such a thing before giggle ball caught on).
 

AceyMan

Professional
I use singles sticks every time & they have a mark at 36" to set the distance from the sideline which happens to be the height at the center strap.

I also carry a new center strap in my bag and replace it if it needs it. (The cost is about the same as a pair of wristbands, so, why not?)

/Acey
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
I use singles sticks every time & they have a mark at 36" to set the distance from the sideline which happens to be the height at the center strap.

I also carry a new center strap in my bag and replace it if it needs it. (The cost is about the same as a pair of wristbands, so, why not?)

/Acey
Don't play singles, but I keep a spare center strap in the car as well...
 

ichaseballs

Hall of Fame
this is why i carry in my bag...
a net check (for height), and a spare center strap (just remember to take it home)
 
Clueless vandals take center straps at my local city park courts. After replacing them once, I ran a dozen stitches with needle and thread through them to deter theft—that prevented slippage as well. Don’t know what use aside from a tennis court they could have, but they haven’t walked away since.
Nylon center straps can stretch a bit if wet, but recover their length when dry again.
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
Recently noticed that the more silky nylon center straps really loosen up between matches. BEWARE! Check net height before every match! (checked one last week after warmup, it was 38" ! )
 

vokazu

Legend
My old net strap was tightened by Velcro, and that was awful. I bought a new one from Tourna and it has double buckles tightening system with saw teeth shaped stoppers and it is much stronger and better.

71tDGmS-PyL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.jpg
 
Last edited:
Top