When you’re building a custom game court, one of the most important—and most often overlooked—decisions you’ll make is how to handle the net system.
Whether your family plays everything from pickleball to volleyball, or you’re creating a dedicated tennis court, the right net setup makes a huge difference in playability, maintenance, and long-term flexibility. At Sport Court of Austin, we’ve installed every type of net system out there. We’ve seen what works (and what causes frustration later).
Here’s a breakdown of the most common net systems we install, their pros and cons, and which setup might be the best fit for your court.
Net Adjustment System
The most versatile choice for multi-use courts
The net adjustment system is the go-to for homeowners or schools that want the ability to play a variety of sports—tennis, pickleball, badminton, and volleyball—all using the same pair of posts. It includes four height settings and a winch for tensioning.
Pros:
- Extremely versatile for multiple sports
- Four height settings: tennis/pickleball, badminton, women’s/recreational volleyball, and men’s/competitive volleyball
- Cost-effective option for multi-sport use
- Easy to store or take down when not in use
Cons:
- Net stretches across the full width of the court, which can make switching sides during play awkward
- Doesn’t support “around the post” shots in pickleball (ATP shots) for more competitive players
- Precise net height can vary slightly depending on how the system is installed
- In public settings, the winch can be tampered with or damaged, and the net may go missing
Recommended for: Residential courts where players enjoy multiple sports or families with young athletes who are still figuring out what they love. Also great for backyard courts that need flexibility without a major investment.
Fixed Pickleball or Tennis Posts
The best option for dedicated courts
If your court is designed solely for pickleball or tennis, a fixed post system offers the cleanest and most regulation-friendly setup. These are permanently installed into the concrete slab with net anchors and offer excellent tensioning for serious players.
Pros:
- Ideal for dedicated-use courts
- Regulation net height and court spacing
- Extremely durable and tamper-resistant
- Preferred option for public parks and facilities
Cons:
- Not easily removed or adapted for other sports
- Does not accommodate volleyball or badminton
- Can interrupt the layout if you’re trying to use the same space for basketball or other non-net games
Recommended for: Public courts or residential builds where the primary use is tennis or pickleball—especially if regulation height and consistency matter.
Roll-Away Pickleball Net
A flexible option for part-time pickleball courts
Roll-away nets offer a lot of freedom. You can wheel them on and off the court when needed, making them perfect for courts that are primarily used for basketball or general play, but still want a regulation-height pickleball option.
Pros:
- Can be easily moved or stored when not in use
- Allows for “around the post” shots in pickleball
- No permanent installation required
Cons:
- Less stable than fixed systems unless upgraded to a heavier-duty model (like the Dominator Pro-Max)
- Not adjustable for other net sports like badminton or volleyball
- Takes up space when not in use
- Not ideal for unsecured public settings—can be stolen or tampered with
Recommended for: Residential or restricted-access public courts that primarily play basketball or multi-sport, but want the option to play real pickleball with true net tension and positioning.
Combined Net Adjustment System + Roll-Away Net
Maximum versatility with regulation-level play
This hybrid setup offers the best of both worlds. Use the adjustment system for badminton and volleyball, then roll in the freestanding pickleball net for ATP-capable, regulation-height pickleball matches.
Why it works:
- Keeps your court ready for multi-sport flexibility
- Solves the main limitation of the Net Adjustment System for serious pickleball players
- Gives you a true PB setup and options for other sports
Recommended for: Residential courts where families want a full mix of sports without compromising pickleball quality. Great for households with competitive players in more than one game.
Your net system is one of the key choices that defines how you’ll use your court. Whether you’re building a space for kids to grow into new sports or creating a high-performance setup for training, the right net configuration will make every game smoother and more enjoyable.
And if you’re not sure which setup makes the most sense? That’s what we’re here for. With nearly five decades of experience building courts across Texas, we’ll help you plan for now—and for what’s next.
