Added extras to the net, instead of cleats to tie off the net top and bottom suggest using heavy-duty staples, which are easily bought, from hardware stores. Cleats have a habit of breaking under tension and wear. Whereas the staples are safe, easily hammered in and take the tension easily.

Also where the bottom of the net is attached to the post place two staples preferable on the outside of the posts,to help lower the net one for men’s height and one for women’s, also to create tension along the bottom of the net.

Antennas. Rather than the £30 for professional antennas, why not buy two bamboo canes from the local garden shop, plus two rolls of electricians tape in red and white and create your own antenna. These can be easily left in place and if vandalised can easily and cheaply be replaced.

Also on your net post you can mark the men and women’s height as a reference for players who want to check the net height.

Depending on the location of your site you may want to cover with a tarp. We initially did but found it was better for the sand to be regularly cleaned by the rain and it dried out faster than if it was covered, as rain was absorbed by the tarp but remained under cover because it couldn’t be dried.

The court in the photos is within a play/park area and has a wooden fence, which keep dogs away but not cats. To have the rain run through the sand was deemed better.

The court is sheltered from most prevailing winds by the trees, so we haven’t needed to create a wind barrier. Suggested ideas would be the erection of posts, rather like masts used on boats, with sails that can be put up depending on the wind direction. We also have put into the trees fishing nets, which stops the majority of balls from going to far afield. A 4-6 ft high fence around the area would be ideal to stop balls from going to far or if needed tennis fencing.