How do I Build a Personal Basketball Court?

Basketball courts can be made of many different materials and can be any desired size. A basketball court can be indoor or outdoor and can be full length or a half court. When building a personal basketball court, the key is to first decide where the court will be located and if other activities are going to take place on the court. This will help determine which material should be used. For an outdoor court, asphalt is a common surface to use. This task is moderately challenging and professional help is recommended.

Things You'll Need

  • Asphalt
  • Basketball hoops
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Squeegee
  • Fast-setting concrete
  • Ladder
  • Basketball nets
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on the size and location of the court. An official sized full court (by professional standards) measures 94 feet by 50 feet. Measure the desired size of the court and map it out. Dig about five feet into the ground. Do this inside the measured dimensions of the basketball court and then make sure the surface is flat and smooth. The deeper the area that is dug, the smoother the court will be for playing and the more give it will have.

    • 2

      Add a layer of sand to the surface to make sure it is flat and smooth. This will help give more cushion to the asphalt, ensuring a softer court. Next, lay down the asphalt. Use a squeegee to spread the asphalt over the surface until it is level and flat. Make sure everything is smooth and dry before moving on to the next step.

    • 3

      Dig one hole of about 2 feet just outside each end of the court to install the hoops; each hole should be on the outside of the court so the hoop can hang over onto the court. Ideal height for the hoop is 10 feet above ground. The pole should be at least 15 inches underground to ensure stability, meaning a pole of 11 feet and 3 inches would be ideal. Use fast setting concrete and sink each pole into the ground.

    • 4

      Paint the lines for the court using white paint. First paint the outlying area of the court and then the mid court line with a small circle in the middle. The circle will have a six foot outside radius. The court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. The half-court line will be directly in the center at 47 feet.

    • 5

      Measure from the baseline under the hoop straight out to 23 feet 9 inches and make a mark. The three-point line will be an arc beginning on the bottom of each sideline underneath the hoop. Begin 63 inches from the sideline on each side and make an arc meeting at the top in the center of the court where the mark is already made.

    • 6

      From the center of the court on the baseline under the hoop, measure six feet out in each direction and mark those spots. Paint a straight line up 15 feet on each side and then across so they meet. This will be the free throw line. Do this on both sides of the court. Once everything is dry, use a ladder to climb and attach the nets to the rims.