Tennis Court Lighting: Flood Light or Spot Light — How to Choose the Right One

When building or upgrading a tennis court, lighting is one of the most critical investments you’ll make. The big question every facility owner faces is simple:
Should you use flood lights or spot lights?

Choosing the right fixture type directly affects visibility, comfort, energy efficiency, and the overall playing experience.

At UHS, we’ve spent over two decades perfecting lighting systems for professional and recreational tennis courts. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between flood lights and spot lights, and help you decide which option best fits your project.

Flood Light vs. Spot Light — What’s the Difference?

Although both fixtures illuminate the court, they do so in different ways:

• Flood lights project a wide beam of light (usually 60°–120°) that covers large areas evenly.

• Spot lights produce a narrow, focused beam (15°–45°) aimed at a specific zone with higher brightness.

In short:

Flood lights cover more area. Spot lights offer more control.

Understanding this difference is key when comparing tennis court lighting: flood light or spot light options.

Why the Choice Matters

Lighting does more than make the court visible. It shapes the game itself.

The right system ensures:

• Even brightness across the entire court

• No glare or visual discomfort for players

• Adequate visibility for high-speed rallies

• Energy efficiency and cost control

The wrong system, on the other hand, can lead to dark corners, glare, or inconsistent lighting that disrupts play.

The Case for Flood Lights

✅ Advantages

• Wide coverage: Flood lights illuminate the entire court with fewer fixtures.

• Uniform brightness: Ideal for recreational or community courts.

• Simplified installation: Easier aiming and setup.

• Energy-efficient options: UHS LED flood lights deliver high lumen output with low power consumption.

⚠️ Disadvantages

• Light spill: Wide beams can cause unwanted illumination beyond the court.

• Lower precision: Harder to focus on specific zones.

• Higher wattage: More power may be needed to reach professional brightness levels.

Flood lights are the go-to choice for outdoor, multi-court, and recreational settings where cost and simplicity are top priorities.

The Case for Spot Lights

✅ Advantages

• Precision control: Direct the beam exactly where needed — on the baseline, net, or center court.

• Higher intensity: Concentrated light means better visibility and faster ball tracking.

• Reduced light pollution: Focused beams minimize spill and neighbor disturbance.

• Better for competitive play: Ideal for indoor courts and tournaments.

⚠️ Disadvantages

• More fixtures required: To achieve full coverage, especially outdoors.

• Complex design: Proper aiming and overlap require professional planning.

• Higher upfront cost: But this is offset by performance and energy savings over time.

For indoor or professional-level tennis, UHS spot lights offer unbeatable control and clarity.

When to Use Flood Lights vs. Spot Lights

Every tennis facility has different needs. Here’s how to decide: