How to Choose the Right Color Schemes for Your Tennis Court

Category : Uncategorized

You’ve finally decided to build a tennis court on your property—congratulations! This is definitely a worthwhile investment. Now it’s time to start thinking about what color scheme best suits you.

Of course, the specific color scheme you pick for your tennis court won’t necessarily change playing conditions. Meaning, there aren’t particular colors that will magically make you hit harder in matches or enhance your footwork. Either you like super bright colors, or you prefer more traditional tennis court colors. There are pros and cons to both, but the choice is entirely up to you. However, it’s important to make fully conscious choices when aiming for the desired color scheme. Here’s what you should know before choosing the right color scheme for your tennis court.

Common Tennis Court Colors

Before selecting a color scheme, it’s helpful to know standard tennis court colors so you can make informed decisions about what’s ideal for your court. Four traditional and popular tennis court colors are:

  • Green
  • Summer-green
  • Red
  • Blue

These colors are usually combined in twos: one color for the play area and another for the outer boundaries. Materials added on top of the paint, like resin-based sealers, make colors rich and vibrant.

Consider Environmental Factors

Environmental factors—specifically weather and light—can affect how colors are perceived. It’s critical to examine the surrounding environment in which you plan to lay your tennis court. The sun can create a robust glaring effect on lighter colors, making it more difficult for players to see the ball. Lighter colors also get dirtier faster, so you may need to maintain and clean it regularly if you plan on constructing a community tennis court. Conversely, darker colors tend to attract and absorb heat. If you don’t mind breaking a serious sweat, then certainly don’t hesitate to use darker colors.

Choose Colors That Will Give Your Court a Wow Factor

Choosing strategic color schemes for your tennis court may be cost-efficient. This is especially true if you’re building a court in the community or at your business. Brighter colors are known to stick out and grasp attention better than duller colors. Therefore, if you want your court to attract others, use enticing colors. On the other hand, if your tennis court will be surfaced at your own home, you can pick a color scheme that matches your preferences. For instance, perhaps you have a favorite sports team and want to use their colors as inspiration for your tennis court design.

Copy the Pros

You know what they say: “Do it like the pros.” While choosing a color scheme with a “wow factor” may be more relevant to your investment, it’s also essential to consider typical colors used by pro tennis leagues, facilities, and tournaments like the U.S. Open. Different variations of blue, from dark blues to light blues, are the primary colors applied to professional tennis courts. Using shades of blue has less to do with aesthetics and more to do with visibility, as it’s easier to see a vivid yellow ball against darker colors than it is against lighter ones.

Custom Tennis Courts Built by Experienced Orlando Contractors

If you’re looking to construct a custom tennis court, Varsity Courts Inc. is Orlando’s favorite choice. Allow our insured and licensed contractors to build the tennis court you’ve been waiting for. With your preferences and budget in mind, our team will work tirelessly with you to bring your custom tennis court vision to life. We utilize durable, high-quality, and environmentally friendly materials, which not only help keep your court looking fresh but also make your court last.

Here at Varsity Sports Inc., we are honored to serve as members of the American Sports Builder Association. Since 1977, we’ve helped residential and commercial clients in the Central Florida area add charm to their properties with high-performance sports courts. Whether you’re in the market for a single-use or multifunctional court, our team will surface your court from the ground up and to your exact specifications. Request a consultation with our exceptional team to learn more about our services by calling 407-602-6168 or completing our contact form!


3 Considerations Before Deciding to Build a Backyard Court

Category : Uncategorized

Do you want to add value to your backyard? Are you looking for ways to motivate your family and friends to spend time together? Consider enhancing your backyard space with a sports court! This is a brilliant way to help you stay active all year round, practice anytime you need, and create lasting memories with your family—all from the comfort of your own home.

Investing in a backyard sports court can be one of the best decisions you make for yourself and your family. One general rule when making smart financial decisions is to thoroughly prepare and research your options. Take time to ensure this investment is the right fit for you. Here are three critical considerations to think about before deciding to build your backyard court.

What Types of Sports Do You Play?

It’s safe to assume that if you’re considering building a backyard sports court that you’re active. It may be the case that you play a sport or played one in the past, or have children or others living in your home who play sports. Whichever the case, you’ll need a court that meets the demands of the particular sport or sports you or your family plays. Think about the future as well: Do you see your children or yourself playing different sports eventually? How old are your children now? These are essential questions to ask yourself because as your children grow, they may develop other interests and hobbies. Being proactive may help save you a lot of money in the long run.

The two most common courts people choose to build in their backyards are basketball and tennis courts. These are fairly smaller in footprint and can be used interchangeably. Plus, it’s easy to make some adjustments like adding lines or installing a net to utilize the court for other sports like volleyball, pickleball, and shuffleboard.

Do You Have Enough Space to Build a Backyard Court?

Installing a sports court in your backyard will inevitably change the structure of your backyard. Not only do you need space to fit your court, but you’ll also want to make sure you leave yourself a good amount of space between your property and the court. This way, the court isn’t crammed too close to your home.

No matter the type of court, you’ll need a relatively flat surface to build on, preferably away from large tree roots to prevent cracking. But don’t stress over thinking you can’t fit a backyard court on your land! You don’t necessarily need to build a full court; you can install a half court and get just as much out of it.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Backyard Court?

Prior to commencing construction on your backyard court, be sure to check if a permit is required. Not all towns and municipalities are the same, and specific regulations and requirements depend on the size and type of construction that will occur. You may need to get approval for larger construction projects and fill out an application from the county you reside in. The county may request a description of the project and its dimensions, a price estimation, contractor company information, and other personal information.

It’s vital to start early when requesting a permit, as it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. An experienced court construction contractor will know how to best navigate the process and help get your court installation project started as soon as possible.

Build a Backyard Court from the Ground up with Varsity Courts

What better way to bring fun to your backyard than with your very own private court? Whether you want a basketball, tennis, or pickleball court, Varsity Courts, Inc. has got you covered. Perhaps you’re looking to transform an existing court or want to build a multi-functional court on your property. With our versatile designs, you can create just about anything you want!

Varsity Courts is proud to be a member of the American Sports Builders Association for the last 30 years. We have successfully serviced the Orlando community since 1977, and we look forward to providing you with our best services. Entrust our locally owned and operated court construction company with building your dream court. Contact our team to learn more about our services by calling 407-830-8906 or completing our contact form!


Basketball Rims Removed in Orlando Community Parks

Category : Uncategorized

A community basketball court—how important is it? Before the pandemic, that question may have been difficult to answer for some, but now, it’s simple. Most of us never truly realize how much something means to us, our families, or our neighborhoods until we no longer have it. This is the case for communities all over the United States, including Orlando, Florida.

In response to COVID-19, public officials in rural cities like NYC, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Chicago have decided to shut down community parks—removing basketball rims, stopping recreational sports, and mandating social distancing measures. While these actions are understandable, no one likes it when something they love is stripped away from them. For basketball players, a community without basketball courts is like a garden without fruits or vegetables.

Why Community Parks Matter

Dismantling basketball rims and shutting down parks may not seem like a big deal for some, but it can be life-changing for those that thrive at their local community park. Take a minute to think about what a life without community parks and basketball courts would look like.

Some kids would never be able to discover their passion for sports, whereas others may have never met their childhood friends. Adults and seniors may never get the chance to meet people in the community and stay active. Pets wouldn’t be able to run around in the grass and enjoy the fresh air. Let’s break these down further to discover the significance of community parks.

Community Health and Wellness

Community parks do more than just give people something fun to do. They help people get off the couch and soak up vitamin D, exercise, and connect to the outside world. Closing community courts and parks may be counterproductive to the progress our society has made towards promoting health and wellness.

Indeed, the link between whole-body health and the outdoors goes beyond the benefits to one’s physical health. Community parks cater to mental wellbeing, especially during a pandemic, where uncertainty and fearfulness leave communities feeling powerless. Parks give people a place to go to explore, think, and reflect. Even just seeing others run around, smile, and laugh can boost your mental health. With hundreds of thousands of employees working from home and children learning online, not being able to get outside can cause people to be even more isolated and stressed.

Community Involvement

Parks not only encourage health and wellness but also inspire community involvement. There’s no denying that most people are glued to their phones and the digital world, resulting in kids, adults, and seniors missing out on life’s most valuable possession—relationships. Whether it’s for community events, local recreational sports, or a pick-up basketball game, community parks can turn those who were once strangers into the best of friends.

The relationships people make in a park is what forms a community. Families, friends, and neighbors can bond, share ideas and insights, and possibly learn something new. Community involvement can bring about positive change, keeping people focused on what’s important.

A Place for All

Community parks are one place where everyone is welcome, no matter their age or ability. They help others recognize and honor diversity and inclusion, fostering a community environment of trust and respect. It’s a place where people can feel safe, whether they’re going to walk, have a picnic, ride a bike, or play a game. When people come together, they’re more inclined to have a stronger sense of community and feel a part of something that’s bigger than themselves.

Build Your Own Basketball Court with Varsity Courts

If you can’t enjoy your local community park, have you thought about adding a basketball court to your home, business, or community center? Don’t put your hoop dreams on hold—get started on building a stunning basketball or multifunctional court that everyone near your property will appreciate. Let Varsity Courts Inc. check out your existing space so we can work our magic and put together a game plan that’ll consider all your needs.

At Varsity Courts, we’ve served the Orlando area for over 30 years. Whether your need to resurface, repair, or build a court from scratch, trust us to get it done—we’re confident we won’t let you down. We’re highly regarded by our past clients and are proud members of the American Sports Builder Association. There’s no other team that you’ll want designing your durable recreational surface than us. Contact our team to find out more about our services by calling 407-830-8906 or completing our contact form today!


Improving Your Posture Could Help Your Tennis Moves

Category : Uncategorized

Technical skills are arguably the most significant aspect of tennis. Mastering the right technique can reduce the chance of injury, give your strokes more power, and make you a difficult opponent to beat on the tennis court. While many techniques can improve your moves, it comes down to the fundamentals and what works best for you.

For some, it’s how they grip the racquet or their footwork. Others may need to work on their endurance or hand–eye coordination. One technique that’s often overlooked is maintaining a good posture, which is one of the most effective and simplest ways to quickly enhance your skillset. So, how do you nail a good tennis posture, and why is it important?

Tips for Improving Your Tennis Posture

Your posture, also known as your tennis stance, sets the foundation for how you pass, serve, and optimize your technique. Inevitably, everyone will have a different tennis stance, but there are some important considerations for positioning your body. It all comes down to finding your ready position. A proper ready position helps ensure that you are light on the toes, flexible, and ready to move around the court to return the serve. Here’s a breakdown of how to get into your ready position:

  • Have a strong grip on the racquet
  • Place your arms slightly to the front of your body
  • Place your feet shoulder-width apart
  • Keep your knees bent
  • Keep your upper body straight so you don’t bend forward at the waist
  • Keep your head up and eyes forward
  • Distribute your weight on the balls of your feet

Another important consideration is to keep your body loose and relaxed. Being too tense can lock up your body and cause you to lean forward too early, meaning you won’t hit the ball at the right contact point—the sweet spot.

Why Maintaining a Proper Tennis Posture Is Important

No matter your skill level or experience, a proper tennis posture can strengthen your performance. The bottom line is that if your stance doesn’t enable agility and balance, then it’s not a good stance. Regardless of your grip or how much training you do, incorrect posture will rob you of your maximum potential. A proper tennis posture will not only reduce errors but also help regulate these three important components:

  • Stability: Allows for better agility as you’re in motion. When your body is stable, you’ll be more flexible and execute strokes smoothly.
  • Speed: Quickness can improve your ability to change directions, giving you an advantage on the court. Speed also refers to the movement of the racket, so the faster you can get from point A to point B, the better chance you have at gaining a point.
  • Control: When you have more control over your racquet, you can position the ball where you want it.

In addition, stability, speed, and control are essential for balance and power. Getting into a ready position will guarantee you optimal court coverage, allowing you to get to the ball faster and execute shots better. Start perfecting your ready position, and who knows—you may be one step closer to becoming the next Serena Williams.

Design the Tennis Court You’ve Been Waiting for With Varsity Courts

Skip the wait and design your very own tennis court with Varsity Courts Inc. in Orlando, Florida. Having a private tennis court will allow you to polish up your tennis moves, and you’ll be able to play any time you want. Plus, it’ll add major bonus points to your property. If you love the game and have space, why wait?

Varsity Courts Inc. is just a call away. Our exceptional customer service team will listen to any special considerations you may have and create a detailed proposal outlining everything you’ll need to know about your tennis court installation. Constructing a high-quality tennis court is a job for a specialized and experienced team. Reach Varsity Courts today by calling 407-830-8906 or completing our contact form.


top outdoor basketball court surfaces

What Are the Top Outdoor Basketball Court Surfaces?

Category : Uncategorized

Customized outdoor basketball courts can enhance any park, facility, business, or home. Not only are outdoor courts cost-effective, but playing outdoors also allows people to escape from the chaos of life and recharge in some fresh air. An outdoor basketball court is a place where people can stay active, and more importantly, it’s a place where laughter is welcome. The memories and friendships built on a court will last a lifetime.  

Are you considering building an outdoor basketball court and have no clue where to start? Remember this: If you’re going to invest in an outdoor basketball court, you must make sure you choose a suitable outdoor surface—one that will last through multiple uses. Here are qualities to look for in a basketball court surface and the types of surfaces you may consider when building the basketball courts of your dreams! 

How to Choose an Outdoor Basketball Court Surface

An outdoor basketball court requires different qualities than an indoor one, mostly because it must be able to function through changing weather. While indoor basketball courts are air-conditioned, outdoor courts in Florida are up against rain, heat, and wind. That’s why when you’re choosing an outdoor basketball court surface, you want to make sure it has the following qualities: 

 

  • Longevity: The best outdoor courts last a long time by using surfaces that are durable and easy to maintain. An outdoor court surface must be heavy-duty and weather-resistant. Also, it needs to be able to withstand high foot traffic throughout the year. 
  • Traction: Outdoor courts need to be built with optimal traction. Traction helps prevent falls, which reduces the number of injuries. This is another reason why you’ll want to invest in a court that requires minimal maintenance so you can easily preserve traction. 
  • Perforations: Perforated outdoor surfaces are a must. They act as a ventilation and drainage system that absorbs humidity, rain, moisture, and debris. 
  • Installation: Everything from court surfacing to hoops must be effectively and efficiently installed. Hire reputable basketball court contractors that specialize in outdoor court surfacing to protect you from problems that can arise in the future when you have a poorly designed and installed court. 

Types of Outdoor Basketball Court Surfaces to Consider

Concrete is the most popular type of outdoor basketball court base. This is because it’s strong and provides long-term results and usage. However, many courts are built using asphalt pads and compacted stone. While base materials are crucial for a sturdy court foundation, the surfacing is what enhances performance. There are some other types of outdoor basketball court surfaces to consider, such as: 

Modular Tiles  

Tiles are a less-expensive surfacing route. Installation is easy, and they’re low-maintenance. Tiles are pieced together to fit a surface area and quickly add sturdiness and grip to floors. In addition, modular tiles can be taken apart and stored, giving you the flexibility to change things up as needed. However, modular tiled courts aren’t as aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking as other surfaces. 

Acrylic Resins 

An acrylic coating acts as a fiberglass mesh that maintains quality court appearance, promotes good traction, and protects underlying court bases from weather degradation. It is a highly viscous substance that seals during application. Mix it with the color of your choice, and you’ll have a beautiful, shiny, and protected coating. 

Modular Surfacing

Modular surfacing using products like Latex-ite provides superior court performance. Latex-ite seals and coats courts, using a solid acrylic latex that is made with special minerals and acrylic resins. It is a high-pigmentation concentrate that produces vivid coloring that will last throughout multiple uses. 

When choosing a surface, you want to pick one that preserves your court’s paint job, reducing the risk of chipping or warping. Modular surfacing using Latex-ite is typically the one that will give you the best results with a long-lasting smooth finish. High-quality surfacing can make a huge difference in the quality and longevity of your court. 

Best Outdoor Basketball Court Surfacing in Orlando, FL

Varsity Courts Inc. offers outdoor basketball court surfacing for your specific needs and budget in mind. Our custom basketball courts provide a safe, high-caliber surface that delivers a great experience every time you step onto the court. Built with only the most durable materials and customized to your preferences, Varsity Courts ensures that your outdoor basketball court will be like no other. 

The experienced contractors of Varsity Courts will take care of every step of the surfacing process while keeping you informed through the entire process. When you choose us to construct your basketball court, our relationship won’t just be a one-off. We’ll be here to make certain your property is simply the best. Contact our team to learn more about our services by calling 407-830-8906 or completing our contact form


why pickleball is a popular outdoor sport in florida

Why Pickleball Is a Popular Outdoor Sport in Florida

Category : Uncategorized

Pickleball is one of the most popular and fastest-growing sports in America, combining tennis, table tennis, and badminton into one legendary sport. Pickleball originated in Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1969, created by a couple of kids who were looking for something exciting to do. Now, it’s a game played by nearly 3 million people. 

Pickleball can be played between two people in a singles match or four people in a doubles match. Generally, pickleball courts are outside and are the size of a traditional badminton court with a lower net. The game is played using an oversized paddle and a ball similar to a Wiffle ball. Here are some of the reasons people love to play in Florida. 

Pickleball: A Sport for Everyone!

Anyone can play pickleball—it’s relatively easy to pick up and doesn’t require Olympic athleticism to master. To play, all you need is a couple of paddles and a ball, and because tennis courts and other municipal courts can be quickly altered in size, pickleball is affordable and accessible to all. From children to adults, pickleball is the perfect game to stimulate your mind while keeping you active.

The athletic skills you develop playing pickleball can enhance your hand–eye coordination and are transferable to other sports, like baseball, basketball, and tennis. The game is growing so fast that it’s now being played as an intramural collegiate sport, and smaller leagues are popping up in communities all throughout the U.S.

A Sport Centered Around Fun and Friendships 

One of the main reasons why pickleball is a popular outdoor sport in Florida is because it’s a social sport. While the game can be competitive, most people enjoy playing because it gives them a chance to meet new people. Games are about 15 minutes long, and the small court size allows people to communicate while playing. Most people prefer playing doubles, meaning less running and strain. Let’s say you play about five games—you’re in and out in a little over an hour, and you may have made five new friends.  

Pickleball gives adults an opportunity to stay active and destress. For children, learning to play pickleball can be the foundation of building important life skills like making friends and finding a passion. Also, different generations can take a stab at playing together, which makes pickleball special. In other sports, it’s risky to play full-on with a child or senior due to the risk of injury. With pickleball, there’s not much you’ll have to worry about.  

A Unique Sport with a Bit of Everything 

In a world where everyone is accustomed to football, basketball, and baseball, pickleball gives things a little twist. Pickleball stands out from other sports because of its unique rules, starting with how score is kept. Generally, scoring goes up to 11 points. However, some matches are higher in points because the winning team must be at least 2 points ahead of their opponent. The receiving team can’t score points until it’s their turn to serve, as points are only tracked from the serving team. Your team serves until there’s a fault. 

The serving team must shout the score before each serve, and when you serve, you must do it underhand. The sport moves fast, especially when playing doubles. After every serve, you and your teammate must switch sides. Therefore, if you’re on the serving team, each of you takes turns serving the ball. Since the Wiffle ball has a different spin than traditional balls, you always have to be on your toes, ready to go! 

Order a Custom Pickleball Court in Orlando Today

If you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind pickleball court, Varsity Courts Inc. is Orlando’s top choice. Let our licensed and insured contractors design the pickleball court of your dreams based on your preferences and budget. We use only the best materials to ensure your court stays in good condition and maintains a quality appearance.  

Here at Varsity Sports Inc., we take pride as members of the American Sports Builder Association. Since 1977, we’ve constructed, resurfaced, and repaired courts all through Central Florida. Whether you’re looking to produce a multi-sport court or single-use court for your facility, there’s no place better for the job than Varsity Courts. Reach out to our team to learn more about our services by calling 407-602-6168 or completing our contact form


Top 5 Reasons to Install an Outdoor Basketball Court in Florida

Category : Uncategorized

Investing in outdoor sports play, like a basketball court, is not as uncommon as you may think. In fact, a basketball court can be a reasonable investment, and is within reach for most homeowners with available space. For basketball enthusiasts looking to have a private court, or for athletic facilities seeking to offer basketball to members, the first step is to contact a trusted expert in sports court construction and installation.

Most court installations range from $10,000 – $35,000 on average for half and full court installations. For more customized options, costs can be much higher depending on the specifics of the construction. Here are top 5 value-adds for installing an outdoor basketball court today. 

Add Property Value to Your Home with a Basketball Court

Selling a home in Florida can be a challenge due to the competitive real estate market. Additionally, homebuyers in the Orlando area have increasingly higher expectations on turn-key properties that have everything on their checklist.  An option is to increase the value of your home with add-ons like a basketball court. Making the upfront investment in a basketball court now can be well worth your future sale price. By using a local expert, you can also decide on the customization and create a long-lasting experience your family can enjoy for years before you decide to sell your home.

Invest in the Health and Safety of Your Family

Due to illnesses like COVID-19, many gyms may have restricted hours or may close for months at a time. Local gyms are struggling to stay in compliance and sports teams continue to have a difficult time coming together. Now is the time to install an outdoor basketball court for avid and recreational players to continue their practice and for families to have safer exercise options. When it comes to the health and safety of our family, there is no price tag to create an at-home experience for health and wellness goals. 

Develop Those Professional Basketball Skills

There is never enough time in the day, so with a court installed at home, you can save yourself a trip to the gym or other facility. Adding 20-30 minutes into your schedule allows you to refine those basketball skills over a longer period of time. If it’s for you or your rising basketball star, having a court at home encourages that extra practice time. The other benefit is when the courts are crowded or players are hogging court time. Having a court to yourself gives you the space and freedom to practice and play on your own schedule.

Personal and Versatile Gym Use

An outdoor basketball court can double up as an outdoor gym facility. Using the court for workout band exercises to increase strength training or going after full suicides to increase overall conditioning is a great way to increase its use and get more exercise throughout the week. Creating HIIT (high intensity interval training) drills are great on a basketball court. You can move from jumping rope to agility training to cardio all on a perfectly flat workout space; however, avoid bringing full gym equipment on your court to keep it in great shape!

Decrease Stress with A Private Basketball Court

After a long day of work or other mind-tiring tasks, sometimes you need to get a little fresh air and have time to yourself in the privacy of your own home. Having your own basketball court allows you the freedom to not jump in the car to get exercise. Instead you walk out to your court and have some one-on-one time or maybe invite your pals to have a short game to relieve the stress of life. On the flip side, you can also relieve stress by sending your kids out for hours! There’s nothing better than having your kids active and safe at home.

If you’re considering installing a half or full basketball court, reach out to our local professionals who can help you assess size and costs. You are only steps away from having one of the best investments for you, your family, and your home.

Choose Varsity Courts for Professional Basketball Court Installation

Locally-owned and operated for over three decades, Varsity Courts Inc. has been in the business of basketball court construction since we built our first courts in 1977.

We are proud members of the American Sports Builders Association and have been in good standing for over 30 years.

We can always be reached at 407-602-6168 to discuss how we can best service your needs. Complete our contact form for a free consultation!


Why is My Tennis Court Developing Cracks Under the Net?

Category : Uncategorized

Cracks in your asphalt or concrete tennis court are expected because of natural wear and tear and aging. The damage can be accelerated without proper care and maintenance. Cracking can occur anywhere around the court, but when there is sudden cracking underneath the tennis net without any other signs elsewhere, this becomes more of a technical and foundational issue.

Cracking underneath the net can occur for a couple different reasons.

  1. There is a problem with the footing where the posts are set
  2. The net cable for the net creates excessive stress

Let’s explore the two scenarios and how to move forward with these types of crack repairs.

There’s a Problem with the Footing

Footings of the tennis net are the foundation for your posts built underground where the nets are secured. A properly designed footing will have a wider base to help resist upward movement and flat sides to provide maximum ground support under tension. For hard courts, footings should have a round top to prevent cracking at the surface.

If there are early and premature signs of cracking near your net, this would be the first investigation. If you address the problem early on, you can have a professional come out to fill in the cracks and recommend additional repairs or recommendations to maintain the quality of your court. Feel free to contact Varsity Courts for further questions.

The Net Cable is Creating Too Much Stress

In a corresponding problem with the footing and net posts, the cable that pulls the net taut may be the cause for the cracking. The tension on net cables is recommended to be between 400 and 450 lbs. Older products with an external winch are subject to individuals cranking the net too tight, causing an effect over time where posts will lean or the footing becomes loose because of the excessive pressure and force.

When a net cable is too tight and not addressed over time, tennis play can be affected because of how the ball hits the net and drops, making it different from other standard nets. A net that is too tight may also be the root cause for the cracking. If caught early, the footing and net can be reinstalled and the cracks repaired with less overhead cost than resurfacing the entire court or a large section of it. 

Best Recommended Tennis Court Crack Repair in Orlando

Depending on the size and severity of the cracking there are a few options to having your tennis court back to pristine condition. If the cracks appear to be minimal and you are comfortable doing it yourself, there are several crack repair systems on the market to assist you. The most reliable option to repair these cracks is to call a local professional in the Orlando area. With the repair, a Varsity Court professional can also assess any additional damage to footings, posts and the net itself. The final option for more severe cracking is to consider a full resurface. Again, it’s best to inquire about the best recommendation to save everyone time and money.

Locally owned and operated for over three decades, Varsity Courts Inc. has been in the business of tennis court and construction and repair since we built our first courts in 1977. We are proud members of the American Sports Builders Association and have been in good standing for over 30 years.

Call us any time at 407-602-6168 to discuss how we can best service your tennis court. Visit our contact page for further options.


Can I Play Pickleball on My Tennis Court?

Category : Uncategorized

Since pickleball started picking up across racquet playing communities, we thought it would be worth outlining how you can get more usage out of your tennis court. Pickleball first got started in the late 60s and became an official amateur sport through the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (U.S.A.P.A.) in 1984. 

In the 2019 Pickleball Participant Report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, there are more than 3.3. million players in the United States, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. 

In short, yes! your tennis court can be used for pickleball. For those thinking about how to get started, here’s a quick download to become more familiar with laying down courts and how to best transform a tennis court to pickleball.

How Often Will You Be Playing Pickleball?

If you plan on playing pickleball every once a while, a temporary solution for courts is putting down court tape in or around the tennis court. Purchasing basic court tape is semi-temporary and easy to pick up, after use, without harming the surface of the court. Basic orange tape is worthwhile for that 1-2x use over a weekend with friends.

If you plan on playing quite regularly, you could go for an outdoor cloth tape that has a stronger adhesive to withhold harsher weather conditions and sustain over longer periods of time. 

There are a few options available with stronger court tape, but the key recommendation is to test the tape on a small square of the tennis court surface. The worst scenario is laying down tape that ruins the surface of your tennis court! 

The final option is having lines painted on to a court or multiple courts for more permanent use. For many tennis facilities, schools or parks, this is a great option because players get more usage out of the courts, and you’re not stuck dealing with applying and reapplying tape. If you’re interested in having lines professionally painted on your courts, contact our team.

How Many Pickleball Courts Can I Have on a Tennis Court?

If you plan to use one court for multiple pickleball courts, the most you can get is up to four, but it’s a very tight squeeze. Here’s an image from USAPA diagramming 4 pickleball courts on one tennis court. The court, itself, wouldn’t be able to accommodate fencing because it’s such a tight space, but sometimes it’s a great temporary fix if you plan to build out a dedicated pickleball court. 

According to the USAPA, two pickleball courts can fit easily on one tennis court. Two courts would work well for higher usage and even tournament play at facilities or other well-known sports complexes. A standard tennis court pad is 60’x120′, and the minimum recommended size for a pickleball court is 30’x60′. If you create end lines for the pickleball court about 8 feet from the tennis net on either side, you’ll see from this image that you can fit two courts nicely inside one tennis court.

The most desirable layout would be one pickleball court inside a tennis court. With one court, you can lower the tennis net to the standard regulation height of 34 inches for a pickleball net. 

What If I Want to Convert My Court to All Pickleball Courts?

If you’re considering new construction to transform a tennis court into multiple pickleball courts, be sure to reach out to local court construction professionals like Varsity Courts for a free consultation. With one tennis court, you can comfortably fit four full pickleball courts or two courts with a lot of extra room.

Locally owned and operated for over three decades, Varsity Courts Inc. has been in the business of tennis court and basketball court construction since we built our first courts in 1977.

We are proud members of the American Sports Builders Association and have been in good standing for over 30 years.

We can always be reached at 407-602-6168 to discuss how we can best service your needs. Visit our contact page for further options.


How Often Should I Resurface My Tennis Court?

Category : Uncategorized

As you look onto your private tennis or outdoor racquetball court, you start to see the wear and tear of days and hours spent in the weather elements and total usage. The question may start to emerge about when and how often should you be resurfacing your court(s). There’s also the possibility it’s just been years since you last stepped foot on the court, but it’s looking like you need to give it a little love and care. We receive this question all the time, and Varsity Courts is here to help you out.

We’ll walk through initial signs, regular maintenance, and first steps to having your tennis court resurfaced. You should be certain that local experts like Varsity Courts understand the standards and conditions for the Orlando area. As you’re considering a construction partnership, speak with the team to get a full understanding of their process.

Ensure a Longer Lifetime for your Tennis Court

Let’s start with regular maintenance of your court before we discuss resurfacing. Tennis Industry Magazine recently released a construction maintenance guide to help tennis court owners maintain a pristine and high quality surface during play.

For the majority of courts made of asphalt with a special acrylic-lined sealant, regular pre-season maintenance includes power washing, filling cracks, and fixing other small repairs. 

Daily maintenance ensures debris and spot stains are cleared away everyday. If there are heavy rains, you will need to make sure excess water is completely cleared from your court. This will help keep your court in good condition for a longer period of time.

What is the Condition of the Tennis Court?

The most common reason to resurface an asphalt tennis court is cracking of the surface. Cracking is typically caused by a natural occurrence of shrinkage from weather and oxidizing over time. While you can fill these cracks little by little, you’ll eventually have a freckled court that becomes an eye sore and playing hazard.

With any type of cracking, you will want to seek a professional consultation before deciding on basic filling repair. In some cases, cracking is due to structural damage that penetrates the court or settlement cracks from poor drainage. You’ll want to be sure this is examined properly to avoid heavy costs.

Basic Color Surfacing vs Acrylic Resurfacing with Color

If you want to keep your tennis court looking sharp, but don’t use it often, color surfacing may be a good option. Basic color surfacing adds a layer of paint to courts that get minimal use and have no cracking on them. This is ideal for courts with fading colors. This is a less expensive option in the short term, and works best used for courts that don’t get much playing time. When seeking an estimate for resurfacing, find out if this option could be right for you.

For many of our facilities and court owners, there is a higher level of usage and regular maintenance happening that requires the solid investment of resurfacing.  Acrylic resurfacing re-textures older courts or courts in poor condition, and ensures the proper application rate of color coatings. Since tennis court coatings are applied with a soft rubber squeegee, the colored surface coatings tend to “wipe off” when the surface is old, smooth and polished. 

How Often Should I Resurface and What’s the First Step?

Determining how often you should resurface starts with the previous conversations above. However, the professional standard recommends having your tennis or outdoor racquetball court resurfaced every 4 to 8 years. With a consultation from a local expert, you can determine cost estimates and the right decision for your facility or private court. If you feel the time is now, reach out to our team at Varsity Courts for a free consultation. 

Turn to Varsity Courts for Quality Resurfacing in Orlando

Locally owned and operated for over three decades, Varsity Courts Inc. has been in the business of tennis court and basketball court construction since we built our first courts in 1977.

We are proud members of the American Sports Builders Association and have been in good standing for over 30 years.

We can always be reached at 407-602-6168 to discuss how we can best service your needs. Visit our contact page for further options.


CONTACT INFORMATION

Varsity Courts Inc.
1970 Corporate Square, Unit A
Longwood, FL 32750
Phone: 407-830-8906
Toll Free: 1-800-330-8906
Fax: 407-830-7267