Court Accessories That Will Transform Your Game

All the must-have accessories for your new backyard court

court accessories

Transforming your court into a sports destination requires more than just the court itself. The right accessories can enhance your experience, offering additional court functionality, comfort, and style. From basketball hoops and tennis nets to shaded seating and storage solutions, key court accessories can take your neighborhood or backyard court to the next level. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing court or design a new one, exploring the wide array of accessories available can help you create an outdoor sports area tailored to your needs and preferences.

In this article, we’ll explore a few essential court accessories that we’ve found to boost performance and enjoyment for our clients. We’ll cover lighting solutions to brighten up your night games, windscreens for privacy and wind control, and seating options to keep friends and family comfy. Plus, we’ll dive into advanced training aids that’ll help you sharpen your skills.

Court Lighting Solutions

Lighting System Types

Court lighting has come a long way, with LED lights now taking center stage. Unlike older HID lights, LEDs offer several advantages. They last longer, use less power, and provide bright, clear lighting. LEDs also have no UV emissions, making them easier on the eyes. For those looking to upgrade their court, LED lighting is a smart choice.

Lighting Installation

Installing court lighting involves several steps:

  1. Prepare the hardware and set it in concrete
  2. Lay the foundation if needed
  3. Install connection bolts
  4. Mount lighting fixtures on poles
  5. Test the lights and set up smart controls

Pole height is crucial for proper illumination. For tennis and basketball courts, a 22.8ft pole works well . Larger sports fields might need poles up to 70 feet tall. The mounting method matters too. Knuckle mounting and slip fit over the pole are popular options. Be sure your concrete is properly constructed for this purpose.

Lighting Benefits

Good lighting transforms the game experience. It allows for night play, enhancing visibility and safety. Proper illumination helps players perform better and reduces mistakes. For optimal brightness, aim for about 10 footcandles or 87,000 lumens for a full court. This level ensures even lighting across the playing area.

Some advanced features to consider include:

  • Adjustable light intensity and color temperature
  • Remote control options for brightness and timers
  • Instant-on capability with no warm-up time
  • High-frequency drivers for flicker-free light

These features can significantly improve the playing experience and make court management easier.

Wind and Privacy Screens

Screen Types

Windscreens come in various types to suit different needs. Open mesh screens have an opacity of 70-75%, allowing more airflow. They’re lighter and more economical, making them ideal for areas with moderate wind. Closed mesh screens, on the other hand, offer 90-95% opacity, providing more privacy but potentially adding stress to fences in high-wind areas.

For material options, vinyl-coated polyester (VCP) screens are highly durable and weather-resistant, making them perfect for tennis courts and baseball fields. Polypropylene screens are lighter and more affordable, often used in city parks and municipalities.

Screen Installation

To install windscreens properly:

  1. Hang the screen on the court side of the fence when possible.
  2. For 9′ screens, leave about 1′ off the ground; for 6′ screens, leave no more than 2′.
  3. Use light-duty ties (50 lb.) along the perimeter and polypropylene rope through center grommets.
  4. Attach at every grommet to distribute wind load evenly.

For high-wind areas, consider installing air vents. These can be half-moon or rectangular-shaped, placed every 8 to 12 feet to reduce stress on the screen and fence.

Screen Advantages

Windscreens offer numerous benefits:

  1. They break up gusting winds and allow even airflow, improving playing conditions.
  2. Dark-colored screens provide a consistent background, enhancing ball visibility.
  3. They offer privacy, blocking distractions from nearby buildings or roads.
  4. Windscreens can reduce harsh sunlight and glare, making the court more comfortable.
  5. They add a professional look to any court and can be customized with logos for branding.

By choosing the right type and installing it correctly, windscreens can significantly enhance the playing experience and protect your court.

Seating and Shade Options

Benches

Players need comfortable seating during breaks, and the right benches can make a big difference. For tennis courts, benches with backs are ideal, allowing players to relax between sets. These often come in classic slatted designs, available in colors like dark green or blue to match court esthetics. For team spirit, custom logo benches can feature mascots or school names.

In contrast, dugouts typically use backless benches to maximize space, as players can lean against the back wall. Portable options offer flexibility, allowing benches to be moved between different sports venues as needed. Materials vary, including thermoplastic, aluminum, and wood, all designed for durability and safety with rounded edges.

Umpire Chairs

For those expecting professional levels of play on their tennis court, umpire chairs are crucial. Positioned at the center of the court behind a net post, these chairs give officials a clear view of all the action. Standard umpire chairs stand at 6’4″ (193 cm) tall with a seat height of 5′ (1.52 m). They often come equipped with writing boards, PC canopies, and microphone holders.

These chairs are built to withstand outdoor conditions and feature wheels for easy movement without damaging the court surface. Umpires need this elevated vantage point to make accurate calls, especially for close calls that can decide games.

Spectator Seating

For spectators, benches and bleachers benefit greatly from shade canopies, enhancing the viewing experience. Cantilever shade structures are popular for bleacher coverage, with options like the Arch Cantilever adding a touch of stadium-like flair.

Shade structures not only provide comfort but also protection. They can block up to 97% of UV rays, safeguarding spectators from sun damage. Courtside canopies, umbrellas, or even a pergola can provide the perfect retreat from the rays. These structures can significantly reduce ambient temperatures, making outdoor viewing manageable, no matter how long your game lasts

If your court is designed for a variety of sports, you’ll want seating and shade solutions that can adapt. Modular benches, adjustable canopies, and portable umbrellas give you the flexibility to accommodate basketball, tennis, pickleball, and more.

Advanced Training Aids

Ball Machines

Ball machines are essential tools for players looking to improve their skills. These devices offer control, peace of mind, and enjoyment on the court. They’re suitable for coaches, court owners, and individual players alike. Many reputable companies like Ace Attack, Lobster, and Playmate offer a wide range of ball machines to fit various needs.

When choosing a ball machine, it’s important to consider features that match your specific requirements. It’s advisable to consult with experienced sales staff to compare prices and features before making a purchase.

Practice Targets

Practice targets are crucial for enhancing accuracy and marksmanship. Paper shooting targets are particularly useful as they allow players to easily track progress over time and inspect groupings with greater clarity.

For beginners or those feeling rusty, targets with larger bullseyes and helpful reminders can aid in adjusting grip mechanics and trigger pull. As skills improve, targets with multiple bullseyes or smaller center points offer greater challenges.

To maximize the benefits of practice targets:

  1. Set a weekly schedule for range visits
  2. Switch up target types and firearms used
  3. Focus on enjoying the experience to reduce overthinking and self-doubt

Skill Development Tools

Various tools are available to enhance specific skills:

  1. Multi-Colored Cones: These versatile tools improve agility, speed, and coordination across different sports
  2. Court Vision: This basketball-specific tool enhances court awareness and decision-making skills
  3. Anti-Grip Weighted Gloves: These gloves are designed to improve ball-handling skills and hand strength
  4. Lightweight Control Basketball: This innovative ball helps players improve their handling and overall control
  5. D-Man: A portable defensive mannequin that serves as an ideal practice partner for basketball players
  6. Reactive Catch: This tool enhances athletes’ reaction time and quick decision-making abilities

These advanced training aids cater to various aspects of skill development, helping athletes improve their performance across different sports.

Conclusion

The right accessories can truly elevate the outdoor court experience, whether you’re playing basketball, tennis, pickleball, or any other sport.

By investing in high-quality equipment and customizing your court with the perfect accessories, you can transform your backyard into a premier sports destination.

From shading solutions to storage systems, the options are endless for enhancing comfort, functionality, and style. With the expertise of a company like Colorado Dream Courts, you can design a court that meets and exceeds your expectations, turning your backyard into the ultimate sports area.

Colorado Dream Courts has been the premier provider of exceptional commercial and residential court solutions in Colorado for over 15 years.

Our surfaces, crafted by the longest-running manufacturer of court tile in the United States, boast a 15-year warranty and are designed to withstand the rigors of Colorado’s climate, delivering a true ball response and staying up to 50% cooler than traditional materials.

Beyond courts, our team at Colorado Dream Courts specializes in custom sportscape solutions, including cost-effective landscaping, entertaining areas, outdoor kitchens, and more.

If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into a one-of-a-kind oasis for sports, fitness, and family entertainment, there’s no better partner than Colorado Dream Courts.