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How to install a basketball court in backyard
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...
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How to equip a basketball court in the country or in the yard
Basketball develops the child's physical abilities - coordination, endurance, develops 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 out
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.
When choosing a basketball, you need to focus on the players. For games involving children and adults, balls of different sizes are needed.
If you want a basketball ring that doesn't rot in a year and you don't have to spend money on buying a new one, choose rings from well-known manufacturers made of high quality metal.
Don't forget about care. Do not leave equipment and inventory on the street. Racks need to be removed to the house for the winter.
How to build a sports ground in your yard?
Content Marketing
Content Marketing
August 5, 2019 at 8:46
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Having a sports ground in the yard of your house or country house is a great way to improve your physical fitness. As a significant bonus, a home gym saves precious time spent commuting to the gym and also offers kids an alternative to sitting at the computer.
Mario Luik, director of sports ground construction company Spordiareenid OÜ, attaches great importance to developing the habit of spending time on the move. This is confirmed by numerous customers who, thanks to home sports grounds, have become more involved in sports with the whole family!
Where to start?
First you need to decide what kind of sports you want to do. Usually it is basketball, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball and football. If it is assumed that the facilities of the site should allow for the practice of several sports, then an appropriate surface of the site is proposed. “Experience shows that people have completely different interests. Our principle: more is better than less. A variety of opportunities create more attractive conditions for training, regardless of the age of sports fans,” said Luik.
Secondly, the availability of space for the sports ground should be assessed, and what additional work is needed to clear the site to the desired size. The latter means changing the landscape - removing stones and bushes, cutting down trees, raising the soil, etc. For example, for the construction of an outdoor basketball court with one basket, 70 m2 is enough, and for the construction of a standard tennis court, about 700 m2 of free space is required. It is good if the owner of the house knows the composition of the soil in the place where it is planned to build a sports ground (for example, earth, sand, stone, clay, etc.).
Sport Court PowerGame for street basketball with plastic coating, 70 m2 (2019)
What else is worth paying attention to?
After the initial tasks have been determined, Luik advises contacting companies that offer complex solutions for the construction of sports grounds: “The specialist will tell you how to turn the idea into reality. In addition, he will help you select suitable materials and request quotations for different stages of work.” If you know exactly what you want, then all the preparatory work will take much less time. The following topics should be considered:
• Selection of sports ground surface
• Estimate of earthworks (including drainage needs) based on selected surface
• Evaluation of fencing needs
• Selection of sports equipment
• Estimate of landscaping work
• Estimate need for lighting
Materials recommended for sports fields
When building a sports field, regardless of its size, it is advisable to consider more durable plastic as a coating (in the courtyard of a private house it is laid on a stone base) or softer artificial grass ( laid on a base of granite chips).
Spordiareenid OÜ offers a safe and durable plastic coating for home sports grounds from Sport Court PowerGame (USA) (manufacturer's warranty 15 years). It is a virtually maintenance-free solution that can be used all year round in Estonian conditions. The plastic coating is installed without fastening directly on a flat base. It dries quickly after the rain, which at the same time washes it. PowerGame is the official ground surface for street basketball tournaments during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games!
I have three sons who, as soon as the snow melted, started playing basketball with the boy next door. But there was no decent platform. I found Spordiareenid and Mario, who, a couple of days after contacting the company, presented a project for a basketball court for our yard. And exactly the right size! It took about 4 weeks from idea to implementation, and although the construction of the site was completed quite recently, I cannot imagine my yard without it.
Raul
built a basketball court with plastic cover for children in the yard
Artificial turf is usually used for covering tennis courts and football fields. Based on the request, a specialist can always advise the best option. Artificial turf requires some maintenance (it needs to be combed and sanded), but in terms of operation and aesthetics, it will be a good solution for a sports field near your home.
Artificial grass tennis court, 510m2 (2018)
Stationary or mobile sports equipment can be used to equip the sports ground with exercise equipment. Of course, it all depends on the specifics of the sports ground and the desired end result. With regard to materials (metal, plastic, etc.), it is better to clarify their durability in terms of our difficult climate.
How quickly can I start using my sports field?
Depending on the scope and complexity of the work, site construction may take up to two months from the date of placing an order for its construction. Depending on the season, special coatings and necessary equipment will be delivered within about a month. Earthworks and installation of equipment are directly dependent on weather conditions.
Dr. Basketball Cannon Dish All-Star in the yard of a private house
How much does a home sports field cost?
The cost of a project is most affected by the choice of site coverage. More precisely, the amount of preparatory work - is it necessary to build an asphalt or concrete base, a base of granite chips, or is paved with paving stones required? The ability to store excavated soil and access to a site of large equipment will significantly reduce costs. The director of Spordiareenid OÜ elaborates: “There are situations when a client's imagination has to be slowed down a little, or when considering the plans, it turns out that the project is quite simple and the required investment is reasonable. However, there are often situations where the cost of the project is significantly reduced depending on the need for excavation. Since there are many solutions for sports fields, it should always be discussed with a specialist in order to find the optimal solution.” If we talk about the amounts, then the construction of one small sports ground from scratch will cost about 12,000 euros.
Building a high-quality sports ground in your yard requires, first of all, the confidence that you really need it. Once you have made your final decision, it is very important to consult with experts. It is important that you personally participate in the process, that is, you want to invest your strength, expectations and your soul in what is being created! Then the result will bring you greater satisfaction and joy!
Aile
enjoys playing tennis with his family on the tennis court equipped in the yard
If there is no way to build a stationary sports ground, but you still want to train?
The Dutch brand AirTrack offers inflatable training equipment. Training on these shells will help improve overall physical tone, even for avid athletes. All family members, regardless of age, can train on AirTrack Factory inflatable tracks. Durable mats are suitable for any exercise, as well as acrobatics and gymnastics. “For example, the Akros gymnastics club in Tartu uses an inflatable track for training children under 3 years old,” the director of Spordiareenid OÜ shared his observations. Inflatable lanes are available in different thicknesses, 2 m and 2.8 m wide and up to 15 m long.
A serious basketball player will appreciate the high-tech Dr. Dish (USA), which will greatly affect the intensity of training and the number of throws performed. “To date, we have brought 11 basketball cannons to Estonia and trained young basketball players and coaches. Anyone who wants to keep up with the rest of the world should try their hand at training with a basketball gun for once. For an ambitious basketball fan, the cannon will become an indispensable tool,” confirms Luik, who previously played basketball at the level of the Estonian youth team and the league.
For fans of strength training, we recommend building a unique complex of sports equipment for performing exercises with your own body weight (calisthenics). A complex of horizontal bars of different heights, ladders, ropes, bars, gymnastic rings is safe for children and practical for young people and adults. “This is a great alternative to indoor gyms. Thoughtful and targeted calisthenics training will help strengthen the body and spirit,” said Luik.
Complex of sports equipment in the courtyard of a private house (2017)
Spordiareenid OÜ has been building and maintaining sports fields, selling and installing sports equipment and consulting since 2009. The mission of the company is to make the sports environment for sports fans of all ages reliable, safe, attractive and versatile. “We were the first to introduce artificial turf for sports fields from Sport Court (USA), indoor tennis court carpets from Schöpp (Germany), paddle courts from Euronix (Spain) and basketball cannons Dr. Dish'ilt (USA). We form our own market, standing out, above all, at the conceptual level and highly appreciating quality. We offer our customers attractive and thoughtful projects.
The below videos provide an example of the procedure involved for installing a popular Goalrilla in-ground basketball hoop system yourself...
Though the world is slowly returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are still taking...
Life is full of possibilities when you’re little and that gives you the chance to dream up some amazing adventures and run wild and free. As a parent, seeing your kids play and having fun is a...
In doing so, they can make the most out of the hot weather and avoid being stuck staring at some screens. Here are some...
Obstacle courses like those showcased on the show are a great...
When it’s cold like this, leaving the warmth of the house to go play outdoors seems a lot more like a chore than fun!
However, during the long, dark...
Outdoor play structures are a physical, cognitive, and social experience for your little ones - one that represents an important stepping stone in their development. That is...
In this post, we take a look at how you can transform your kids’ backyard playground into a haunted house. Check out our ideas below.
1....
Trampolines are an excellent, fun activity that benefits children with special needs, such as those with autism. This fact is backed by credible research...
After all, children have a tendency to fall over....
You probably already know...
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 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 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. 
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. 
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. 
The latter means changing the landscape - removing stones and bushes, cutting down trees, raising the soil, etc. For example, for the construction of an outdoor basketball court with one basket, 70 m2 is enough, and for the construction of a standard tennis court, about 700 m2 of free space is required. It is good if the owner of the house knows the composition of the soil in the place where it is planned to build a sports ground (for example, earth, sand, stone, clay, etc.). 
The following topics should be considered: 
PowerGame is the official ground surface for street basketball tournaments during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games! 
More precisely, the amount of preparatory work - is it necessary to build an asphalt or concrete base, a base of granite chips, or is paved with paving stones required? The ability to store excavated soil and access to a site of large equipment will significantly reduce costs. The director of Spordiareenid OÜ elaborates: “There are situations when a client's imagination has to be slowed down a little, or when considering the plans, it turns out that the project is quite simple and the required investment is reasonable. However, there are often situations where the cost of the project is significantly reduced depending on the need for excavation. Since there are many solutions for sports fields, it should always be discussed with a specialist in order to find the optimal solution.” If we talk about the amounts, then the construction of one small sports ground from scratch will cost about 12,000 euros. 
Once you have made your final decision, it is very important to consult with experts. It is important that you personally participate in the process, that is, you want to invest your strength, expectations and your soul in what is being created! Then the result will bring you greater satisfaction and joy! 
Inflatable lanes are available in different thicknesses, 2 m and 2.8 m wide and up to 15 m long. 
A complex of horizontal bars of different heights, ladders, ropes, bars, gymnastic rings is safe for children and practical for young people and adults. “This is a great alternative to indoor gyms. Thoughtful and targeted calisthenics training will help strengthen the body and spirit,” said Luik. 
