Lighting systems are an integral element of a modern tennis facility. Traditionally, tennis courts have been illuminated with floodlights. However, floodlight style luminaries can be uncomfortable because the player is often looking directly into the fixture as he tries to watch the ball. Higher poles are required for floodlights' distribution, which also makes them difficult and expensive to service.

Today, more and more court contractors recognize the advantages of sharp, cut-off luminaries, with high intensity lamps, as the most effective light source for courts. The advantages of a sharp cut-off lighting system versus the traditional floodlighting systems include:

Precise light control
Minimum spillage
Reduced glare for players
Attractive aesthetics

Sharp cut-off lighting systems have a rectangular light fixture, an upsweep or straight arm, plus a 20-70 22 foot-high pole. These fixtures project light across the court, perpendicular to the players' normal line of sight, eliminating the direct glare as players watch the ball. Thus, placing the poles and fixtures on both sides of the court is critical to the system's effectiveness. The low mounting height allows for easier servicing and is aesthetically more pleasant to the eye.

For the best quality look for sharp cut-off luminaries constructed from aluminum and mounted on a steel or an aluminum pole with brackets. System components should be prefinished by the manufacturer for added durability. Polyester powder coating is generally accepted as the preferred method of protecting lighting equipment that will be exposed to the outdoor elements.

Manufacturers of powder coated tennis lighting systems offer equipment in a variety of colors, with black or green being the most popular. Nonetheless, for added aesthetics, lighting equipment can be coordinated with the fence, windscreen, court surface, or facility colors.

For optimum illumination, the 1000-watt metal halide lamp is the best lamp source for the sharp cut-off system. Metal halide gives the best combination of color output, electrical efficiency and lamp life. The 1000-watt version is the optimum choice because it offers a rated life of 12,000 hours, four times that of the 1500-watt metal halide lamp. Metal halide's color rendering properties ensure that a player, tennis ball, and surroundings retain a natural appearance at night. Other light sources, such as high pressure sodium or mercury vapor, tend to dull and distort certain colors.