Equipment needed:
2 tape measures (12 metres or longer)
6 small sticks (or can use 6 net antennae)
Spade or shovel.
Court lines
Method:
First measure the distance between the 2 net posts. Take the total minus 8 metres and then divide by 2. This equals the amount of space on each side of the court from the post to the side line. With the tape running post to post under the net, put an antennae into the sand on this number directly under the net and then on the other side 8 metres plus this number.
Example if the total distance is 9.88 metres then 9.88 - 8 = 1.88 / 2 = .94 so put the first antennae at 94 cm from the post and the 2nd antennae at 8.94m from the same post. These 2 antennas are now what you measure the 4 corners from.
Hopefully you have tape measures with a loop on the end that you can fit over the antennae–otherwise you need someone to hold the tapes for you. To find the 4 corners you need to have the 1st tape measure coming along the side of the court at 8 metres and the 2nd tape coming diagonally across the court at 11.31 metres. Hold the 2 tapes together at those 2 points and pull them tight and put an antennae or stick in the sand right on that point. This will be the outside corner of your lines. Repeat this for all 4 corners.
Now it's time to dig the anchors in to hold the lines. Have someone hold the corner piece of the line right on the antennae or marker stick so it can’t move. Pull the anchor out on a 45 degree angle until the bungy is fully extended and mark the sand. This is where you dig a hole for the anchor–also dig the sand on an angle down from the corner to the hole so the bungy is in a direct line from the corner to the anchor. Dig the anchor hole at least 30cm deep, 40cm is better. Using a spade or shovel makes this quick and easy. Put the anchor flat in the hole ensuring the bungy is fully extended and the corner piece of the line hasn't moved from the measured spot. Put sand on top and punch/trample it down to ensure a firm hold on the anchor. If the holes are deep, the bungy is tight and the sand trampled well on top then your lines should not move for at least the extent of your tournament and hopefully much longer! Repeat for all 4 corners. If any side has slack or is too short then adjust the line length before digging that corner in. Remember the lines will have a certain amount of stretch in them so you want to pull as tight as you can when putting the lines in.
Tips:
The lines will also stretch if they are wet so always measure on dry lines. (if your whole tournament is played in the rain you may need to check and adjust your lines!).
Usually new lines will also stretch after first use too so again check each day of the tournament and adjust as necessary.
Use cloth duct tape for any excess webbing to keep it neat and tidy and so as not to have loose webbing the ball could touch outside the play area.
To check your court is square the diagonal measurement of the full court from the outside corners of the lines should be 17.89 metres
