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How to build a basketball court at home
How to build a basketball court at home
How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide)
Inspired to build your own backyard basketball court?
If you're interested in DIY'ing a basketball court or having a local contractor install a court for you then you've come to the right place.
Last Updated 2nd of April, 2020.
1. Choose the Size and Location of Your Court
Ideally you’ll choose a location that is reasonably flat, to keep excavation needs to a minimum.
Recommended subsurface base: Concrete (100mm thick, 25MPA, Reinforced, Helictoper/smooth finish, Standard slope to allow water to drain off the slab)
We strongly recommend a concrete base for any new base being built for a MSF PRO sports court. Concrete provides by far the best longevity, performance and value over the long run and requires virtually no ongoing maintenance or repairs for many years. Other suitable bases include Pavers, Asphalt or Decking.![]()
- Option 1: Have an elevated concrete slab & then fit your landscaping requirements around it.
- Option 2: Level the slab with the rest of your backyard. This option involves more excavation work/costs.
The size of a full size NBL court is identical to the FIBA regulation sized basketball court of 28m x 15m (420sqm), which is usually too large to fit into the average backyard. We recommend considering a half court, which can be customised to suit your space. Sizing can range from very small approx 4m x 6m (24sqm), 9m x 5m (45sqm), 10m x 7m (70sqm) to a 3X3 regulation half court of 15m x 11m (165sqm).
Precise measurements and planning are crucial in order to end up with the best result.
2. Purchase the Hoop & Sports Court Surface Tiles
The in-ground Hoop anchor kit should be installed during the concrete pour, so ensure you’ve ordered your Hoop in time to arrive before you schedule the concrete. Take note of the hoop's overhang in centimetres so you can plan accurate placement of the hoop anchor, free throw and three point lines.
Surfacing your court with a specially designed synthetic sports surface such as Australia's #1 selling, top rated MSF Pro™ will not only produce an amazing looking result, but will also provide more accurate ball bounce, sound reduction and minimises joints strain/injuries.
3. Level the Ground
Prior to concreting, the space must be dug up and levelled. If you require the concrete to be flush with the surrounding ground then you must excavate 115mm below surface level to allow for the concrete slab (100mm) and sports surface tile (15mm). If you are opting for the elevated slab then you may not need to excavate but you do need to remove any grass and level the ground.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION: Before you dig, call 1100 (Australia) or your local utilities to rule out the presence of buried cables including power, water, gas and phone lines. Failure to do so could result in serious or fatal injury. Dial Before You Dig is a FREE national referral service designed to assist in preventing damage and disruption to Australia’s vast infrastructure networks which provide essential services we use every day.
4. Pour a 100mm Concrete Slab
Prepare and pour a 100mm thick slab of concrete (25MPA, reinforced, standard slope, helicopter/smooth finish) matching your exact MSF PRO™ Court Design measurements. Ensure you have someone experienced with concrete slabs on hand for this step. Plan the concreting for when the weather is dry and allow for 72 hours to let the concrete set.
It's recommended to install the hoop anchor at the same time as pouring the slab to save on expenses. The recommended hole size for a hoop anchor system is approx 500mm x 500 mm and 1.2m deep. Please note: Always remember to closely follow the installation & safety instructions that come with your in-ground hoop.
Always be sure to follow the official basketball hoop installation instructions. Goalrilla in-ground hoops generally require 3-5 strong labourers with multiple ladders and power tools. Hoop installation can take up to a few hours for those inexperienced with installing.
The below videos provide an example of the procedure involved for installing a popular Goalrilla in-ground basketball hoop system yourself...
7 Steps to Building Your At Home Basketball Court
A dream of most basketball players is to have a court of their own at their home. Give this post a read for 7 steps to for planning your at home basketball court.
When at a home, a sport court can be made up of pretty much anything as long as you have a basket and a ball! But, some setups are definitely better than others. Depending on your yard/house, a “court” could take form in your driveway, back patio, basement, or the most common - driveway. At my house, we just decided to fill in our pool and install a ½ outdoor court, so I am very familiar with this process.
Here are some decisions you have to make:
1. Determine the general space:
The most important decision if you’re interested in having a basketball court at your home is determining the space.
Is your court going to be indoor or outdoor? If outdoor, do you have an existing hard surface or do you need to build one? Start exploring an ideal situation.
As I mentioned, we recently built out our own basketball court at home by replacing the patio and pool in the back. We knew this meant filling in the pool legally, ripping out the patio bricks and then laying a cement slab.
2. Determine the Size of Court:
Most home courts are some version of a ½ court. College regulation courts are 94 ft x 50 ft while high school courts run 84 ft long. Your home court does NOT have to be even close to this, in fact we see a ton of customers that have a small lane-line sized area and still use a Dr. Dish.
For us, getting a college regulation 3 point line was very important so we measured over and over again to ensure we had enough space. To do this, we put a stake in the ground of where the hoop would be and measured out 4 feet to account for the hoop overhang.
We then cut a string 20 feet long and drew a large half circle of the estimate 3 point line area.
We filled in our pool and the space allowed for about a 30” x 60” cement slab. This allowed for a NCAA approved 3 point line.
3. Decide on the Surface Type
Budget is typically the main factor for the type of court surface - but it may be also on what you aesthetically prefer. Weather conditions may also play a part in this decision. We live in a heavily wooded area in Minnesota, so opted against investing in VersaCourt tiles due to the debris, maintenance, and cost.
Here are some options to consider:
1. Gravel
2. Pavement
3. Concrete
4. Patio Pavers / Stone
5. Tile
6. Decking
7. SportCourt Tiles
4. Set Your Budget & Get Bids!
Once you have the basic area planned out, with material type decided on, it’s time to get some official bids! Do your research. In our experience, bids can vary greatly and cheaper isn’t always best - opt for a reputable company with reviews you can trust.
If you intend to perform any of the work yourself, account for your time and materials. Get a number that you feel comfortable with and move forward with the project.
While you wait for the project to take place there are a few other things you can do:
5. Purchase The Hoop
If you are making the investment in a dedicated area to play basketball, I would suggest you also invest in an in-ground basketball hoop versus a portable one. The main thing you need to be cognizant of is the backboard size and the overhang, as it will impact your court footprint. Here are some brands to consider. We decided to go with MegaSlamXL for ours and love it!
MegaSlam
Spalding
Goalrilla
Goalsetter
Check out this blog post of the Best Portable Hoops for 2019 for some options if you want to go with a portable, less expensive one.
6. Paint Court Lines
Adding painted lines to your court is optional and something you can always come back and do.
Having court lines would be very valuable for practice. If you decide to purchase a stenciling kit, this shouldn’t be too tough. It is possible to do this yourself without a stencil but you will have to be very good at measuring/taping and have a steady hand when it comes time to paint!
Here are the most important things to draw in:
- The 3 point line (you pick: NBA, college, or high school)
- The free-throw line: exactly 15 feet from the backboard
- The free-throw lane, 12 feet by 19 feet (the top of the box is the free-throw line)
7. Purchase Accessories
Once the project is complete, with the hoop installed it’s time to get reps up! Make sure to purchase some basketballs that will withstand the environment if your court is outside. We purchased composite balls like this one by Spalding. If your court is indoors, opt for some more game-like balls.
The ultimate accessory would be a Dr. Dish Home for basketball training. This shooting machine designed specifically for home will take your at home court to the next level, with on demand training and over 1,000 reps per hour.
The player will never leave your court!
Looking for more accessories for your home court? Check out this blog post:
Top 13 Gifts for Basketball Players
Click here for more info on Dr. Dish basketball shooting machines.
For drills and workouts using Dr. Dish, click here: https://www.drdishbasketball.com/resources
Follow us on social media for daily basketball drills, tips, and inspiration!
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Construction of a turnkey basketball court|SportObject
The SportObject company offers its services in the construction of turnkey basketball courts. Trusting the construction of our company, you get a whole range of turnkey services, including design, ground work, laying the base and coating, marking and other construction work. We strictly adhere to the agreed deadlines and provide our clients with a work schedule that indicates the start and completion dates for construction.
Find out why it is safe to cooperate with us
Details
Calculation of the cost of the object
To find out the estimated cost of your object, select the options below or use the detailed calculator available by clicking the "Make a detailed calculation" button.
1. Coating:
Choose the type of coating for your object.
Not selectedAcrylicRubber crumbModular plasticPolyurethane
2. Destination:
Specify where your object will be used.
Not selectedFor suburban developmentsFor educational institutionsFor competitionsFor sports organizationsFor private business
3. Your object:
Specify whether your object is located: indoors, outdoors or it needs a hangar.
Not selectedOutdoor (outdoor)Indoor (indoor)To be built (prefabricated hangar)
4. Field sizes:
Select the appropriate field size from the list provided.
Not selectedCustomStandard30x18 - (playing dimensions 28x15) 34x19 - for competitions (playing dimensions 28x15)
Specify the parameters of your object in a detailed calculator and get an approximate cost of the service.
Budget savings
We help reduce your costs by up to 40% and avoid unnecessary overpayments.
3 day project
We will design and calculate the exact cost of your object in just 3 days.
5 year warranty
We give great guarantees for imported goods and materials from our warehouse.
421 590* 421590 RUB
* The price is indicated for the basic package with a coating without a base.
You can also use the detailed calculator.
Implementation example
Private sector basketball court
Difficulty:
Rubber slabs for outdoor sports grounds are perhaps the most reliable and rational option of all. The coating is made of high-strength crumb rubber and a binding polymer (polyurethane adhesive).
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Get a consultation
Order a call back and one of our managers will advise you on all your questions
You can also call
8 (495) 240-82-24
By submitting your personal data through the forms on the site, you give your consent to the processing of personal data in accordance with Federal Law No. 152-FZ "On Personal Data" dated July 27, 2006, as amended on July 1, 2017.
Stages of construction on the example of a football stadium
The thickness of the foundation pit and the amount of materials that are needed for your foundation, we select depending on the size of the field.
We select drainage and other systems based on the regional location (how much precipitation is in your region, what kind of drainage is needed). Additionally, we equip drainage wells, or divert them to the drainage system. Field slopes of several different types depending on site operating conditions.
Preparing the excavation, sand bed, drainage system
The quality of a football field is more than half dependent on the quality of the base! Our base is a monolithic solid single layer, which over the years does not form any fractures, the soil does not go anywhere and remains flat throughout the entire period of operation. Relatively speaking, even if a tractor passes over the base, there will be no tire marks, because everything is solid and dense!
Sequential compaction of base layers
We carry out all types of additional improvement works: we can install a fence for you, pave an asphalt path to something, level the territory, paint walls, curbs, etc.
We will perform all the required related work!
Installation of the curbstone
The laying of artificial grass itself is as important as the preparation of the base. When laying the field, an important aspect is gluing the rolls and cutting the markings. Gluing must be done securely. The material in the work requires getting used to, because the two-component glue rolls down after a while and they need to work quickly.
Laying the grass on the prepared base, gluing it and cutting the markings
Be sure to remember: the gate is installed with a safety requirement so that it does not turn over. Therefore, this aspect is given special importance. In this regard, the gate is either concreted or attached to an accompanying fence.
Installation of the goal
The backfilling of a football field determines a large part of the playing characteristics. Backfilling is a responsible job, because the presence or absence of drops and bumps, which will eventually be felt during the game, depends on the uniform distribution of sand and crumb rubber on sports grounds.
That is, there should be both a flat base and a high-quality pile with an even distribution of backfill under it.
Raising grass, distributing sand and crumb rubber across the field
We cooperate with the largest manufacturers of stands, fences and other sports equipment in the Russian Federation. Therefore, if necessary, we can supply everything you need to the object at a wholesale price. We install all this equipment, advise in which cases which is better, etc. We can supply many things both in a finished version and make them ourselves on the spot.
Installation of additional equipment (treadmills, jumping pits, safety fences, grandstands)
You can also be sure that we will carry out all the necessary arrangements for their improvement on the site and the adjacent territory.
Landscaping
The thickness of the foundation pit and the amount of materials that are needed for your foundation, we select depending on the size of the field. We select drainage and other systems based on the regional location (how much precipitation is in your region, what kind of drainage is needed).
Additionally, we equip drainage wells, or divert them to the drainage system. Field slopes of several different types depending on site operating conditions.
Preparing the excavation, sand bed, drainage system
The quality of a football field is more than half dependent on the quality of the base! Our base is a monolithic solid single layer, which over the years does not form any fractures, the soil does not go anywhere and remains flat throughout the entire period of operation. Relatively speaking, even if a tractor passes over the base, there will be no tire marks, because everything is solid and dense!
Sequential compaction of base layers
We carry out all types of additional improvement works: we can install a fence for you, pave an asphalt path to something, level the territory, paint walls, curbs, etc. We will perform all the required related work!
Installation of the curbstone
The laying of artificial grass itself is as important as the preparation of the base.
When laying the field, an important aspect is gluing the rolls and cutting the markings. Gluing must be done securely. The material in the work requires getting used to, because the two-component glue rolls down after a while and they need to work quickly.
Laying the grass on the prepared base, gluing it and cutting the markings
Be sure to remember: the gate is installed with a safety requirement so that it does not turn over. Therefore, this aspect is given special importance. In this regard, the gate is either concreted or attached to an accompanying fence.
Installation of the goal
The backfilling of a football field determines a large part of the playing characteristics. Backfilling is a responsible job, because the presence or absence of drops and bumps, which will eventually be felt during the game, depends on the uniform distribution of sand and crumb rubber on sports grounds. That is, there should be both a flat base and a high-quality pile with an even distribution of backfill under it.
Raising grass, distributing sand and crumb rubber across the field
We cooperate with the largest manufacturers of stands, fences and other sports equipment in the Russian Federation. Therefore, if necessary, we can supply everything you need to the object at a wholesale price. We install all this equipment, advise in which cases which is better, etc. We can supply many things both in a finished version and make them ourselves on the spot.
Installation of additional equipment (treadmills, jumping pits, safety fences, grandstands)
You can also be sure that we will carry out all the necessary arrangements for their improvement on the site and the adjacent territory.
Landscaping
Options
How do we work?0003
We carry out construction and installation works
We hand over the finished object and provide a guarantee
Private
I am a private client
We work in all regions of the Russian Federation
We cooperate with contractors who are ready to travel to any city in Russia.
We take measurements, bring materials or buy them in your city, install coatings and equipment.
We offer standard solutions
We are engaged in the construction of both standard and unique projects. We work individually with each client: we take into account your wishes, fit into the budget and comply with the agreed deadlines.
We take care of your budget
We help clients in the selection of materials, places for construction, provide detailed advice and suggest how to get a fully functional sports facility at a lower cost.
We create 3D visualization
We offer the development of a 3D model that will convey a complete vision of the concept of the future object. Also, this service will help both us and the client to eliminate the possibility of error at the design stage.
We make reconstruction and repair
We carry out all types of reconstruction works: we repair the foundation, lay the foundation, replace the coatings, install fences, roof structures, make glazing and ennoble the areas.
I am a frequent customer
Corporate
I am a corporate client
We offer additional services
We are engaged in maintenance of the facility after commissioning: we take care of the condition of sports surfaces, ennoble areas, do glazing and other general construction work.
We take on complex projects
We have enough experience and capabilities to solve the most non-standard and complex tasks. Many of our specialists took part in the preparation of sports grounds for the Olympic Games in Athens and the 2018 World Cup.
We cooperate with global companies
We maintain strong partnerships with well-known manufacturers from Europe and Asia. At the request of the customer, we supply the goods you like from abroad in the shortest possible time.
We provide detailed advice
We answer in detail all the client's questions about the project and our services. Also, we are ready to provide professional legal advice on construction issues.
We build turnkey facilities
We provide a whole range of services: designing an object, drawing up design estimates, building a foundation and base, selecting and laying coatings, erecting roofed structures, installing appropriate equipment and necessary communications.
Our clients
I am a corporate client
Acknowledgments and certificates of conformity
Company "SportObject" offers its services in the field of sports construction.
We are engaged in the construction of turnkey basketball courts: we design, draw up design estimates, coordinate the construction, mount the foundation and roof structures, lay bases and coverings, perform finishing work, provide communications and deliver sports equipment. Each of the stages of work is implemented strictly according to the schedule agreed with the client, which allows us to deliver a fully finished project on time.
We value the trust of each customer and guarantee comfortable cooperation
- We travel to any place in Russia;
- We provide detailed advice on construction issues;
- We select high-quality solutions for the client's budget;
- We help with the choice of an advantageous place for construction;
- We work with complex and non-standard ideas;
- We offer creative solutions within a reasonable budget;
- We provide additional facility maintenance in other regions of Russia.
We supply basketball surfaces from world manufacturers
The dynamics of basketball matches means high speed, sudden movements and heavy loads on the joints.
It is very important that the flooring of the basketball court is both wear-resistant and injury-proof at the same time. For basketball courts we offer: tennis, hard or soft-hard, modular plastic, polyurethane coating and crumb rubber coating.
Our company only works with proven materials that have passed the strictest quality control, so we offer a wide selection of outdoor basketball surfaces from domestic and foreign manufacturers, such as: ERFOLG , BERGO , Plastfacto , Conica , Novol , Aropa , CRUMB , GUMBIT 90 MASTER FIBER and many more.
In addition to the construction of basketball courts, we take care of the complete set of the object and provide it with all the necessary equipment until it is ready for operation. In accordance with the requirements of the customer, any sports equipment can be installed: backboards, rings, stands of a certain capacity, running tracks, a sector for standing long jumps and, of course, various types of fences.
We offer metal fences or safety nets at the customer's choice
- Metal 2D and 3D railings are sectional structures of increased strength with rod diameters from 4 to 6 mm, protected by a polymer and zinc coating. Unlike other fences, mesh panel fencing is maintenance-free - it does not collect dust, does not fade in the sun and does not deform under wind loads, and also does not need periodic painting
- Protective mesh made of kapron or nylon threads can have different mesh sizes: 100x100, 40x40 or 20x20. Such a fence is ideal for zoning the playing space and protecting spectators from sports equipment. The mesh does not need maintenance and is easily restored
While building new basketball courts, we also work on existing facilities that need major repairs or minor restoration. We are happy to undertake the design of a sports facility, without including construction work, and for the implementation of the facility according to an already finished project.
You can ask us a question, leaving your contact details. We will call you back shortly.
You can also call
8 (495) 240-82-24
How to equip a basketball court in the country or in the yard
Basketball develops the physical data of the child - coordination, endurance, educates strong-willed qualities, concentration, attentiveness and teaches non-standard thinking. Professionals recommend sending a child to the basketball section from the age of 8-9, but outside the city or in the yard, you can “chase the ball” from an early age.
I myself equipped a basketball court in my country house and now I am ready to share the secrets of its arrangement. I'll tell you what you need to do, how to choose the right equipment and how to care for it.
Prepare basketball court surface
To create a basketball court in accordance with all the rules, you need to select a flat horizontal surface for it and fill it with concrete.
After that, I recommend applying a special rubber coating, like on playgrounds in the yard. There is a more expensive coating option - from rubber.
The coating will provide cushioning - the ball will bounce well.
If it is not possible to organize a special platform, you can simply place a rack or hanging basket on a dirt surface. In this case, the ball bounce will not be so strong. An important requirement for safety: the surface must be flat, without holes and bumps.
The dimensions of the site depend on the features of your yard or plot in the country. A full-fledged basketball court has dimensions of 28 × 15 meters. However, not everyone has the opportunity to build such a site in the country.
It is necessary to take into account the technical features of the game. The three-point line in basketball is 6.75 meters from the hoop. Therefore, it is necessary that the size of the site be at least 10 × 13 meters. If you are not going to train three-point shots, a 5 × 5 meter court will do.
Mark
The second step is to mark up. It is important to use paints of contrasting colors. It is better to buy paints with a high content of rubber or polymer.
If you are equipping a basketball court for children, make the markings bright so that they cheer you up and attract attention. For the game of teenagers and adults, it is better to immediately apply technically correct markings.
Place a small fence or protective net on the site. Thanks to them, you do not have to constantly run after the ball to the other end of the site.
Buy stand or backboard
It is difficult to answer the question of what is better - a basketball stand or a backboard. It all depends on taste, tasks and opportunities. Each of these types of equipment has its pros and cons.
There are two types of racks: mobile and static. The static one is mounted in the ground.
The base of the mobile rack is filled with sand or water - for stability.
The main advantage of a mobile rack is that it can be moved from place to place. This is convenient when there is no dedicated basketball court or if you are going to play other games in this area, such as tennis or football.
The main requirement for racks is their stability. It will be much more comfortable and safer to play if you are sure that the stance will withstand a blow of any force.
Pay attention to the materials from which the racks are made. A static rack will be outdoors throughout the year, which means it must be made of reliable materials. It is better to buy racks from well-known manufacturers. So, the American companies Spalding or Royal Fitness guarantee high quality, durability and safety.
Basketball backboards can be made in the country with your own hands from a board, chipboard or plywood remnants. If this option does not suit you, you can purchase semi-professional or professional options in stores.
There are four types of materials from which the shield surface is made: composite, polycarbonate, acrylic and tempered glass.
The first one is the cheapest. It is intended for entry-level players. Now manufacturers offer a large selection of colors. A carbonate backboard will provide a good bounce of the ball. An acrylic shield is bought to hold competitions or intense games.
The mobile stand can be moved, so it is suitable for a playground in the country and for those who want to play other games besides basketball
Shields and racks made of tempered glass look solid. They will be appreciated by experienced basketball players
Pay attention to rings
You can buy cheap rings, but I don't recommend doing that. In a year they will deteriorate and you will have to buy new ones. Basketball hoops from Spalding and Royal Fitness are made from quality metal that won't rust in the rain.
The ring must have a springy structure - no rigid attachment to the shield.
According to NBA rules, the ring must be fixed at a distance of about three meters from the ground.
For a game with the participation of younger students, it can be hung lower so that it is not very easy to hit it, but at the same time it is quite possible.
Choose rings made from high quality metal to last for many years. For a game involving adults and teenagers, metal chain rings are suitable. They are distinguished by durability and strength.
Know what types of basketballs exist
Success in the game depends on the basketball.
They are divided by size. Size 7 is for men, 5 for women. Even smaller balls are bought for children. The size 6 ball is suitable for street ball or street basketball where the game is played on half the field.
You also need to take into account where you will play the ball: on the street or in the hall. The street ball has a stronger bounce, it is harder and more wear-resistant, but the indoor ball is more convenient to hold in your hands.
It is important to pay attention to the composition of the basketball.
Well-known companies use complex polymer compositions for its production. The more expensive the ball, the more complex the polymer composition. The quality of the material determines how comfortable it will be for the players to hold the ball, what kind of rebound it has from the floor and from the bow of the ring.
Another important nuance: do not forget to purchase a pump with any needle.
If you want the ball to have good grip and bounce well, you need to choose polymer models from world famous manufacturers
Proper care
Professional athletes are ready to play in any weather, but amateurs are better off not following their example. If you don't properly store, use and care for your basketball arsenal, its lifespan will be shortened. Humidity will ruin the ball and all equipment, so you can’t leave them outside during rain and snow.
Balls should be stored only in a dry and ventilated room at a temperature of 10 to 20 °C.
Before winter storage, water must be poured out of the base of the mobile rack, and then removed from the street. If you don't feel like doing this every time, fill the rack with sand. Then it will not need to be constantly moved. Basketball stands from Royal Fitness can be left outside in the winter.
Points to remember when setting up a basketball court
- The area needs to be determined. The classic version - 28 × 15 meters - is not suitable for everyone. For a dacha, a 5 × 5 meter area will be enough if you want to train three-point shots.
- Don't forget the markup. It should be in a contrasting color. Bright colors will interest children and cheer them up.
- It is necessary to install a protective net so as not to constantly run after the ball to the other end of the area.
- If the shield is stable, then it is safe. A mobile stand from a well-known manufacturer will also not let you down, and it can be moved around the site.
