Guide to tennis nets: To start things simply, there are two types of nets, those that go from post to post, and those that don't. Nets which do go all the way from post to post are designed for net posts with an internal winder. Nets which don't go all the way from post to post (usually 300mm short each side) are designed for posts with an external winder.
Once you have decided which net type will suit your net posts, you then need to decide what length you'd like your net to drop. If you want a net which goes all the way to the ground, you need a 3 foot drop and if you want one which allows you to roll the balls under the net to your opposition, leaving a clearance, you need a 2'6" drop. The 2'6" drop is the more popular option as the 3' drop is less practical (although more professional) and it's also a bit more expensive.
This
is an example of a net which does not go from post to post and suits a net
post with an external winder. You can also see how it doesn't reach the ground
as it has a 2'6" drop, allowing you to roll the ball under the net
to your opponent.
Similarly, this net does not go all the way to the ground, having only a
2'6" drop. The difference is though that this net goes from post
to post providing a neat finish. This net is only
suitable for net posts utilising an internal winder.
Lastly we have a professional net which extends post to post and also has a full 3 foot drop. You can see that it would be impossible
to roll the ball under the net to your opponent. You either need to hit the ball over the net or employ ball boys!!!