How to build a home basketball court? Want to turn your unused driveway into a basketball arena? Because every time you need to ask for permission from your neighbor to get the game going. Also, why not utilize if you have space or an open area in your backyard or even a garage which you barely use.
Home court advantage is what everybody loves and a sweet feeling. Who does not want to have the opportunity to play basketball right at home with his family and friends?
How to make a basketball court? Many ask a question about how to build an outdoor basketball court? The chances of getting NBA court dimensions and installing regulation size hoops are slim if you don’t have the luxury of a large vacant area.
Regulation basketball courts are as large as 97 feet. But never mind, many people use their small driveway as a basketball court and install hoops which is not even a court at all. That also saves both money and space because you already have the concrete poured.
But if you do have space and want to have a gym like an experience at home, why not consider decorating a regulation size basketball court? Pro basketball court dimensions shall make the surface play better and it looks great on the eyes. However, building an outdoor basketball court requires both great intensity and preparation.
Table of Contents
Things You Will Need To Make A Basketball Court
- Court stencil kit, masking tape and the spray paint
- A shovel
- Tape measure
- Stakes
- Twine
- Concrete
- basketball goals
- Light (for evening games)
- Fence (for privacy)
- Glue
- Plumb bob
7 Steps To Make A Basketball Court
Step 1: Figure out a size and pick a location
The size of a regulation NBA and NCAA basketball courts are 97 feet by 50 feet. On the other hand, you will get 84 feet by 50 feet size basketball courts in most high schools. In junior high school, this is approximately 74 feet by 42 feet. Divide these numbers by 2 to get the half court measurement and see whether your vacant area can fit a half-sized or full-size court.
Few things to look at when calculating court size:
- Spare some space beyond the boundaries so that players can’t step off the slab.
- Don’t forget basketball hoop peer footing.
- Account for ramps too if you need.
- Take note of windows.
- Choose a relatively flat service so that it will make it easier for you to level the surface.
Step 2: Get The Hoops
Every handwork you put in to shape the court will all be futile if you don’t get a basketball hoop that you are happy with. If you are planning to make a full size court then purchase two hoops. For half court purchase only one hoop.
Step 3: Take A Note of The Dimension of Court
Place four stakes by using a tape measure and mark out the backyard basketball court dimensions. Also, you can tie a rope around the stakes to make a clear understanding of the size.
Step 4: Level Your Play Ground
Uproot everything, but dirt from the area you marked with stakes, rocks, sticks, grass all are into it.
Move specks of dirt from higher areas to lower areas so everything is smooth and then you can pack it down.
Step 5: Laid A Concrete Substructure
Use a shovel and dig a hole for the basketball pole. You must dig each pole at least 15 inches (1-2 feet) deep into the ground for stability.
Make sure the top of the rim is 10 ft(3m) away from the ground. Now, finally, stable the foundation with the concrete.
You can pour the concrete 4 inches thick. Most importantly, to perform this step effectively, you should have dry weather.
Because after pouring concrete, you will have to wait for at least 36 hours. Only then can you utilize the court again.
Step 6: Think About Surfacing
When anyone is looking at setting up an NBA court, at first, they do not look to consider to surface the materials. Most often, people choose a modular suspended tile surfacing. Yeah, it is easier to say than done, but it shall ensure an enhanced performance due to less stress on joints with great looks.
If you are using your driveway, it can even hold up to cars. You can also use rubber flooring, custom floors and asphalt. Glue can also secure the flooring to the concrete subfloor.
Step 7: Paint Lines
A stenciling kit shall make your painting process relatively easy. So keep masking tape, spray paint, and tape measure at your disposal to start the painting:
- The out of bounds line must be in between 2-3 inches(5.08 to 7.62 cm) thick surrounding the center court.
- The center line should be horizontally from one side to the other directly in the middle of the court.
- The free throw line should be 12 feet long and exactly 15 feet from the hoop. Drop a plumb bob from above the hoop to measure the baseline more accurately.
- The free throw lane should be 12 feet(3.7m) by 19 feet (top of the box is the free throw line).
- Half circle should be at 19 feet; 9 inches for the three point line.
- Paint other boxes too.
You can also use your favourite team’s color. Make your own “Home” team.
How to make a basketball court in a new driveway
When you choose to make a basketball court in a new driveway this will be more appropriate and professional than using an existing driveway. Now tell us why? The reason we say this because:
a. Installation of basketball goal can be done more precisely.
b. When you are looking to take advantage of the basketball system’s overhang by butting up against the driveway, keep it 5 foot overhang (almost all are 3-4 feet). 23 feet of depth will be required when you are trying to put a hoop with 4 foot extension arm. For college or high school level three point line, you shall need 30-33 feet almost.
As most shots are taken from the free throw line, you should look forward to maximizing your playing field. Also, take overhang distance measurements into account.
Pro Tips For Basketball Court Makers
- Try to create a buffer zone around the boundaries of the court.
- If any permissions are needed to make outside basketball court, then contact local associations and obtain those requirements.
EndNote
We think right now you have the answer to your question about how to build a backyard basketball court. Now put on your athletic shoes, hang the nets, grab a basketball, give your home team a name and let’s get this underway.
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