How to Choose Windscreens

Windscreens are a functional and aesthetic addition to your tennis courts. They provide a dark backdrop against which players can see and react to the ball movement better. They serve to break up gusting winds and allow consistent, even air flow. Windscreens minimize annoying distractions from nearby swimming pools, parking lots, highways, and players on adjacent courts. They give courts a professional appearance and increase playing pleasure by providing a consistent background and color.

With today's various windscreen materials, the decision regarding which one to use should be based primarily on budget and aesthetic considerations rather than on wind reduction because all windscreens work well to break gusting winds. The basic question that needs to be answered is, within a given budget, how dense a windscreen can be installed without risking fence damage from strong winds. Nine-foot windscreens are recommended for nearly all courts and should have anti-billow tabs as well as 6" x 12" openings placed 5' to 10' apart. Six-foot windscreens generally do not look as attractive as nor reduce wind as well as nine-foot windscreens and should only be used if the facilities are located near the water with very strong winds, which would destroy fences with 9' windscreens attached

If aesthetics are the primary consideration, choose either the Royale-Screen , made of vinyl-coated polyester, or the nine-foot high Pro Screen . They both look great on the court and add to your playing pleasure. The Pro Screen offers a particularly attractive and distinctive look with it's 5' high vinyl center (for maximum ball visibility and wind control) and 2' high PVC top and bottom (for optimal airflow). In the midrange is the PVC windscreen, which offers high mildew and sun-resistance at an excellent price.

If the budget is the primary consideration, then the polypropylene windscreens are an excellent choice for controlling wind while providing consistent airflow. For the smallest of budgets, the Mastershade Plus provides the best value.

How to Measure for Windscreens


Drawings are illustrative only and Ritzman Tennis accepts no responsibility for their use.

Main Fences

Measure the distance between stretcher bars and subtract four inches. These four inches allow for use of the fastening devices and to give a good fit. For Ease of handling, try to keep an individual curtain under 60' long.

Doors and Transoms

Measure the size of chain link between stretcher bars inside transom and door. That is the size you will need to order.

For more information about measuring for windscreens call us 888 485 3362, we'll be happy to assist you.

If your within our area (southwest florida) we'll be happy to come to your court/club and measure.

How to Install Windscreens

  1. Nine foot windscreens are hung from the top of the chain link fence. The usual fence height is 10 feet, which allows for one foot of air space at the bottom. Six foot windscreens, if used, are placed in the center of the chain link fence, or two feet from the top.
  2. Hang the windscreen so that the seams and hems are toward the fence, leaving the smooth side facing the court.
  3. All grommets must be used to secure the windscreens to the fence. First fasten one vertical edge at the desired height to the fence using regular (50 lb. breaking strength) Ty-Raps. Next fasten top and remaining side of windscreen to the fence with regular Ty-Raps, keeping the top straight by following the chain link pattern. Then fasten the bottom with Snap Hooks or heavy-duty (120 lb. breaking strength) Ty-Raps.
  4. When anti-billowing center tape is used, fasten it after top and bottom are attached using regular, 50 lb. breaking strength Ty-Raps through each grommet.
  5. When high winds are expected, cut Ty-Raps from top, sides and center tape. Then roll windscreen down to the bottom of the fence where the Snap Hooks or heavy-duty Ty-Raps are attached and tie it up to help prevent wind damage.

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