Abstract: A tensioning and support system for a sports net assembly includes two standards spaced a predetermined distance apart and a net suspended between the standards with a net rope extending along its upper edge. A number of guy ropes support each standard. At one end of the assembly, the net rope can slide relative to the standard, but includes a sliding locking mechanism for adjustably fixing the position of the standard relative to the net rope. The desired degree of tension is first placed on the top net rope. The guy rope is temporarily attached to the top net rope to maintain tension on the net rope while the sliding locking mechanism is moved along the top rope to fix the position of the standard relative to the net rope. Finally, the guy rope is detached from the top net rope and secured to the standard to complete installation.

Abstract: A tensioning and support system for a sports net assembly uses a compound pulley arrangement attached to one of the vertical supports to simultaneously adjust the tension placed on both the upper and lower net cables. In one embodiment, each support has a standard extending upward from the ground, an upper elongated member, and a clamp for adjustably securing the upper elongated member to the upper portion of the standard to allow height adjustment of the net. A scale mounted between the upper end of the standard and the elongated member at approximately eye-height permits accurate measurement of the height of the net. Optionally, a clam cleat or other one-way cleat can be used to secure the free end of the pull cord extending from the pulley after the desired tension has been applied to the net cables.

Abstract: A recreational net is formed with a plurality of loops extending along the lateral edges of the net by securing each end of a number of the horizontal strands of the net to itself at a predetermined distance from the end of the strand. The net is secured to two posts by extending each post through the loops along one of the lateral edges of the net.