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A Beginner’s Guide to Sports Nets

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A Beginner’s Guide to Sports Nets

In fast-paced sports like football, rugby, cricket, lacrosse, and hockey where balls fly across the field at high speeds, bystanders and surrounding property run the risk of damage. Getting hit with a high-speed ball can cause injuries to people, shatter car windscreens and building windows, and land players in trouble. Nets can help lower these risks.


Nets are a versatile solution that can be used in many different sports applications to improve game experience and protect people and property. They can be used to protect privacy, create practice enclosures, and protect people and property. Find out how you can use nets to fulfill your sports needs.


Ball Stop Nets


Simply put, ball stop nets stop balls. They are installed around the periphery of sports fields to contain balls. Sports that benefit from these nets include:


  • Golf
  • Football
  • Cricket
  • Tennis
  • Hockey
  • Rugby
  • Lacrosse

Nets are commonly installed in:


  • Sports clubs
  • Public parks
  • Educational institutions around sports fields
  • Homes and private properties

Ball stop nets are made according to the balls they need to stop. Nets need to have the appropriate mesh size for the balls they have to stop. They are also custom made so that they are the perfect size for the area they must cover. The table below explains the right net for each sport.



Sport

Mesh Size

Badminton

18mm - 20mm

Golf

20mm

Cricket

20mm - 30mm

Hockey

20mm - 30mm

Tennis, Baseball

45mm

Football, Rugby, Basketball, Volleyball

100mm

Lacrosse

40mm - 45mm

These nets can also be combined with privacy nets, to provide an element of privacy to the area being protected.


Practice Enclosures


Practice enclosures or practice cages are often used in sports clubs. They allow athletes to practice in dedicated training areas that keep out distractions and contain balls. Whether it's a cricketer perfecting their swing or a tennis player fine-tuning their footwork, practice enclosures allow for focused repetition by taking away worries about balls or equipment flying off and causing harm to others or nearby structures.


Privacy Screens


Privacy is a valuable asset. Privacy screens shield athletes from the gaze of onlookers. They are beneficial for sports like gymnastics, swimming, and any other activity that requires privacy in the outdoors.


Privacy screens are especially useful around:

  • Swimming pools
  • Tennis courts
  • Gardens and yards
  • Outdoor sports events

Privacy nets are available in varying levels of shade, so you can choose how much visibility you want through the net.


Archery Nets


Archery practice sees arrows zooming through air at high speeds. A missed shot can hit a bystander and cause injury. That’s where archery nets come in. These nets are designed to capture arrows safely and without damaging them, improving protection on archery ranges. Practice archery without the fear of arrows going astray or posing a risk to others. Archery nets create safer and more enjoyable ranges for a better shooting experience.


Conclusion


Sports nets create safer, more enjoyable sports experiences for athletes and spectators. They can help protect people, property, and players on and near sports fields. Contact us today and discuss your net needs with our experts.

Further Reading

  • Aircraft Nets: From Aircraft to Airport

    Aircraft Nets: From Aircraft to Airport

    Nets are the hidden secret behind every part of a travel journey. You’ll find them under luggage conveyor belts, over cargo, in storage and stowage areas and behind every aircraft seat – and that’s only the start. At Nets4You, we’ve been supplying the aviation industry with custom aircraft netting solutions for nearly two decades. We’re privileged to work with an international customer base that includes some of the largest names in airlines. Keep reading to find out more about the top 4 types of aircraft nets we supply. 1. Cargo load control nets Cargo netting is the hero product used to cover and secure different payloads in commercial aviation, whether that’s in transit to an aircraft or to keep items from shifting during the flight. They’re also used extensively in military aviation – in fact, they’ve been used for military and commercial cargo ever since the first palletised aircraft took flight. Our cargo nets are often used in tandem with bungee cords for added security and peace of mind.  2. Netting to go under luggage conveyor belts  This is a popular use case that we’re seeing more of: airports are using mesh netting under luggage conveyor belts for fall protection to ensure that all of the luggage that goes on a belt reaches its final destination. As an added bonus, preventing falls also prevents the damage caused when luggage drops off the conveyor belt – good news for passengers and airlines alike. 3. Storage nets and stowage netsCargo nets are a secure and efficient solution to restraining cargo, overhead baggage, and equipment during flights. They are crucial to prevent cargo from shifting during takeoff, landing, and rough air conditions, ensuring aircraft safety and stability. Our storage and stowage nets are made from lightweight, high-tensile materials like nylon or polyester webbing, ensuring that no compromises are made on aircraft weight or functionality. They’re also adjustable for maximum flexibility and storage optimization. 4. Aircraft seat pocket nets  Aircraft seat pocket nets are widely used in personal and commercial aircrafts to hold light objects and small items, keeping them organised and contained during the flight.Nets can be supplied to fit onto existing frames or they can be independently mounted on a custom frame that we create. We utilise a wide range of materials and fabrics, including mesh, webbing, and elasticated frames. Seat pocket nets often include elastic or elasticated materials like bungee cords to fit a larger range of passenger items, adding comfort and easy access to their journey. Bungee cords can also be threaded around the periphery of the net to easily attach it to the seatback; fittings are often provided for a complete and secure system. How we find the right netting solution for each customer We like to work closely with our customers to understand their individual requirements and pain points. Once we have an understanding of their needs, we move into design and development, sharing samples and testing along the way.  By taking care at every step of the process and applying feedback, we are proud to provide top quality solutions that are uniquely fit for purpose. Nets you can trust to be fully compliant with industry regulations Aircraft nets must comply with a rigorous set of airline regulations and standards to ensure the highest levels of safety and performance.  Safety certifications are also critical for net approval and maintenance. All of our nets are manufactured to conform to flammability regulations. We supply relevant test certificates to meet airline industry standards such as: F2 12 second vertical burn test: CS 25.853(a) Amdt. 21 App.F Pt.l(a)(1)(ii) & (b)(4); and F3 15 second horizontal burn test: CS 25.853(a) Amdt. 21 App.F Pt.l(a)(1)(iv) & (b)(5). These stress tests assess the fire resistance of aircraft materials, especially those used in cabins and cargo compartments, to prevent rapid fire spread in case of an incident.  Additional tests can be carried out as needed, depending on the requirements for the project. Get your aircraft net quote today Want to get a quote or have a question for us? We’d love to hear from you – you can reach us via phone (+44 (0) 208 037 0230), WhatsApp (+44 (0) 788 252 6227), email, or the below form.


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  • Nets For Safer Air Travel

    Nets For Safer Air Travel

    Nets are a common sight in aviation operations. You can notice nets mounted on the back of aircraft seats, used on trolleys to transport cargo, and even fitted inside overhead luggage compartments. From transporting cargo in the airport to securing it on an aircraft, there are several ways to use nets throughout the process. Nets are used to protect passengers and aircraft crew in an aeroplane, secure cargo and luggage, and to safeguard passengers’ luggage on conveyor belts. They are also used to secure cargo and luggage on trolleys, and they help protect baggage handlers when loading and unloading goods.  Aircrafts also make frequent use of associated fittings, such as webbing straps to secure loads. Types of nets commonly used in the aviation sector include: Aircraft seat pocket nets Load control nets Webbing straps Conveyor belt nets Other storage and stowage nets Aircraft seat pocket nets Aircraft seat pocket nets are small storage nets mounted on the backseat of aircraft seats to store small items like bags and magazines during flight.  They keep items secure, and help prevent guests from leaving behind personal belongings. Load control nets Load control nets keep heavier loads secured. They are often used by ground crew in airports to transport cargo and luggage to and from aircrafts. On ground, they are used on transport vehicles, pallets, and trolleys. They are useful in helping keep ground crew and baggage handlers safe when dealing with heavy loads. A reliable choice for load control nets is webbing nets, also known as lashing nets. They can be used to secure loads in various applications, and help prevent loose baggage items from shifting during flight. They are durable and strong, making them ideal for use in aviation to control heavy cargo. They are popular for use in aircraft cargo hold areas in particular.  Webbing nets can be used alone or in combination with a cargo net for extra load protection or to contain smaller items. This helps keep both cargo and workers safe. Additionally, properly secured cargo prevents issues like baggage doors opening post-flight. Overhead luggage compartments also have load control nets fitted in them. They help keep carry-on luggage in place during flight. This keeps passengers and airline crew safer. Webbing Straps Webbing straps are a versatile and practical item that can be used to secure heavy loads onto transport vehicles. They can be used on their own or in conjunction with netting to create custom solutions for your needs. There are many different types of webbing available, each with its own unique properties. If you need to customise your webbing straps, you can add end fittings to them. These fittings can help you create a solution that’s perfect for your specific needs. Some examples of end fittings include: Anchor plates Cambuckles Metal hooks Ratchets Side release buckles. Conveyor belt nets Used under conveyor belts, these nets are meant to protect goods moved using conveyor belts. They help reduce damage to products, and are particularly useful for goods that may be more delicate. These nets are commonly used under baggage carousels at airports to protect luggage on them. Other storage and stowage nets Nets to secure small items during transportation or storage, preventing movement or damage. They are essential for keeping items organised, secure, and easy to access during flight. Storage and stowage nets are commonly used in overhead stowage bins to store carry-on items, and in aircraft dog boxes for storing flight-critical equipment (fire extinguishers, oxygen) and crew items. Aviation nets need to comply with certain legal requirements and have to be certified to the right standards. These include: F2 12 second vertical burn test: CS 25.853(a) Amdt. 21 App.F Pt.l(a)(1)(ii) & (b)(4) F3 15 second horizontal burn test: CS 25.853(a) Amdt. 21 App.F Pt.l(a)(1)(iv) & (b)(5) Nets help make aviation safer and more organised for all involved. Contact us today to discuss your project.


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  • Choosing the Right Sports Net

    Choosing the Right Sports Net

    Most sports benefit from using nets. Whether it’s to keep balls on the sports field, or to create practice areas for players, nets can fulfil many needs on sports grounds. But choosing the right net for your needs can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know to get a net that is the perfect fit. Net Types: A Spectrum of Options Sports nets are available in a diverse range of materials, mesh sizes, and styles, each tailored to suit specific sporting requirements. Let's delve into some common net types and their characteristics: Mesh Size: Balancing of Containment with Visibility Mesh size plays a critical role in determining the effectiveness of a net. For sports like soccer or volleyball, a larger mesh allows for better ball visibility and airflow, enabling players to track the ball's trajectory and make precise moves. Mesh sizes need to be suitable for the sport they are used for, e.g. using a large mesh for small balls like golf in a ball stop net is inadvisable, since it will be ineffective at containing the ball. The smaller openings prevent the balls from passing through, ensuring they remain within the playing area. Net Style: Adapting to the Need Net styles vary depending on the sport and the desired application. For instance, barrier nets are tall, open mesh nets meant to create a partition, whereas privacy nets are closed mesh nets that allow for ventilation without much visibility through the net.  Considerations Beyond Material and Style Apart from mesh size and style, several other factors influence net selection: Environmental conditions: Outdoor nets should be weather-resistant and UV-protected, able to withstand harsh weather conditions without compromising their integrity. Indoor nets can be less robust, as they are not exposed to the elements. Budget: Net prices vary depending on material, size, and style. It is essential to set a realistic budget before diving into options, ensuring the selected net aligns with financial constraints. Size: Nets need to be fitted to the space where they are installed. Nets that are too small don’t serve their purpose well, and nets that are too big don’t have the right tension and snag too much. That is why nets need to be made to size to ensure the right fit. Installation: The installation method used to install a net depends on the support structures present. Consider the area, the requirement, and the method of installation when getting a net to ensure a smooth experience. Conclusion Nets play an important role in making sports safer for everyone. Whether you are looking to protect guests at a golf course or setting up enclosures for focused practice, there is a net to serve your needs. Contact us today to discuss your net needs with our experts.


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