The secrets to creating a high-quality biscuit court: Expert tips for the perfect floor and baskets

Establishing a basketball court is an important step for those interested in sports, whether the goal is to build a court at a school, sports club, or even in a private arena or other sports and recreational venue. This project includes many technical aspects, such as court design, selecting a suitable basketball floor, and determining the official basketball court dimensions according to international standards. Considering building materials, the cost of building a basketball court, and maintaining the sports floor are also crucial factors that ensure the quality and sustainability of the project. In this article, we review everything you need to know about the steps involved in building a basketball court, from engineering planning to professional implementation according to standard specifications.

Steps to build a basketball court

Building a basketball court requires careful planning, taking into account technical standards to ensure quality and safety. Here are the most important steps for building a high-quality, professional basketball court:

1. Choosing the right location
   : The area should be flat and of suitable dimensions, far from obstructions such as trees or poles. It is preferable that the land be suitable for construction and have available infrastructure services such as electricity and sewage.
2. Field design according to specifications:
   A geometric plan of the field is drawn up, specifying the official dimensions (28 meters long x 15 meters wide for international fields), with the locations of the baskets, scoring lines, neutral zone, and three-point area specified.
3. Ground preparation and leveling:
   The ground is prepared by excavation and leveling, then a concrete or asphalt layer is poured, which is the basic foundation for the final floor.
4. Implementing the playground floor:
   Several types of floors are used, such as:
   • acrylic floors
   • Rubber (PU) flooring
   • Wooden flooring (for indoor halls): The type is chosen according to the type of use (exterior or interior) and the budget.
5. Defining and painting playing lines
   The white lines that define the playing areas are painted according to the rules of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
6. Installing poles and baskets:
   The baskets are installed at a height of 3.05 meters. The poles must be strong and stable to ensure safety during play.
7. Lighting and Safety Equipment:
   If the stadium is intended for night use, powerful floodlights will be installed. Side safety nets and seats will also be added if necessary.
8. Maintenance and testing
   Before the stadium opens, the floor, lines, baskets, and lighting are inspected to ensure compliance with all technical specifications and quality.

Our Facebook page

Technical specifications for a basketball court

Building a basketball court with precise technical specifications requires adherence to several standards to ensure player safety and fair competition, whether the court is indoors or outdoors. The specifications depend largely on the organization that will organize the matches (FIBA for international courts, NBA for professional courts in the United States, or special sizes for schools and universities). Below is a breakdown of the basic technical specifications for a basketball court:

• General dimensions of the stadium:
  1. FIBA (for international matches): 28m long x 15m wide.
  2. NBA (for professional games): 28.65 m (94 ft) long x 15.24 m (50 ft) wide.
  3. High schools and universities (less common internationally): May be slightly longer, about 25.6 metres (84 feet) long.
  4. Run-off Area: The play area should be surrounded by a safe, obstruction-free area, usually:
  5. FIBA At least 1 meter around the court (making the total area required for the court 32 meters x 19 meters).
  6. NBA: Similar distances to ensure player safety.
• Floor specifications:
  1. Indoor courts: These are often made of laminated wood (parquet), especially maple, for its flexibility and ability to absorb shock.
  2. Outdoor playgrounds: They can be made of asphalt, concrete, acrylic, polyurethane, or polypropylene tiles.
     Characteristics:
     • Perfectly level: The floor must be flat and free of any bumps or cracks.
     • Solid: Strong enough to withstand the movement of players and equipment.
     • Non-slip: A surface that provides good friction to prevent players from slipping, especially when the floor is wet (on outdoor courts).
     • Flexible: Provides some shock absorption to protect players’ joints.
     • Durable and Weather-Resistant: For outdoor playgrounds, it must withstand changing temperatures, rain, and sunlight.
     • Water Drainage: In outdoor playgrounds, there should be an effective water drainage system or a gentle slope (about 0.005%) to ensure that water does not pool.
• Signs and lines:
  1. Colour: All stripes must be the same colour (usually white) and 5 cm (2 inches) wide.
  2. Clarity: The lines must be clear and distinct from the colour of the playing surface.
  3. Main lines:
     1. Boundary Lines: End Lines and Side Lines that border the playing field.
     2. Centre Line: Divides the field into two equal halves and extends 0.15 metres beyond the side lines.
     3. Centre Circle: 3.6m diameter (1.8m radius) in the middle of the court, used to start the game (opening jump-off).
     4. Free-throw line: Located 4.6 meters (15 feet) from the front of the backboard.
     5. Restricted Area / The Paint / The Key: A rectangle 4.9 m (16 ft) wide that extends from the end line to the free throw line.
     6. Three-point Line:
        1. FIBA: An arc 6.75 meters from the center of the basket at the front, becoming a straight line 0.9 meters from the side lines at the corners (making the closest point 6.60 meters).
        2. NBA: An arc 7.24 meters from the center of the basket in front, becoming a straight line 6.70 meters from the center of the basket in the corners.
     7. No-Charge Semi-Circle: A small arc under each basket, approximately 1.25 meters (4 feet) in diameter, that prevents charging fouls from being called on the defensive player if he is inside this area.
• Hoops:
  Height: 3.05 meters (10 feet) from the top of the bottom edge of the hoop to the floor. This height is approximately uniform for all official levels of play.
  1. Ring (Rim):
     1. Material: Solid steel.
     2. Inner diameter: 45cm (18in).
     3. Color: Orange.
  2. Installation: It must be securely attached to the backboard so that its inner edge is 15 cm (6 inches) from the face of the board.
  3. Breakaway Rim: The hoops should have a breakaway rim that allows them to move slightly to absorb shock and reduce player fatigue when dunking.
• Network:
  1. Material: White strings made of weather-resistant material (for outdoor courts).
  2. Length: 40cm to 45cm.
  3. Objective: To allow the ball to pass momentarily to indicate that it has entered the basket.
• Backboard:
  1. Material:
     1. For professional and international stadiums: Transparent (tempered glass or similar transparent material).
     2. For less formal courts: They can be made of other solid materials (such as wood or painted metal).
  2. Dimensions:
     1. Width: 1.83 m (6 ft).
     2. Height: 1.07 m (42 in).
• Tags:
  1. There should be a white or black rectangle (5 cm wide) in the center of the board directly behind the ring.
  2. Inner rectangle dimensions: 59cm wide x 45cm high.

Best Basketball Court Flooring

Choosing a basketball court floor is one of the most important factors affecting player performance and safety, and it directly impacts the court’s lifespan and quality. Flooring types vary depending on the location of use (indoor or outdoor), project budget, and the nature of the activity (training, tournaments, entertainment). The following are the most common types of flooring suitable for building a basketball court:

1. Wooden flooring (sports parquet)
   is the primary choice for indoor courts, especially for official tournaments. This flooring provides excellent shock absorption and helps prevent joint injuries. It is used indoors and is characterized by its stability and high quality.
2. Acrylic floors
   are often used for outdoor courts and are resistant to weather conditions such as heat and rain. They provide a solid surface that facilitates fast play and are easy to clean and maintain.
3. Polyurethane (PU) flooring
   is suitable for multi-purpose playgrounds and is flexible, soft, and abrasion-resistant. It is a good choice for school or club playgrounds that host a variety of activities.
4. Rubber flooring
   is often used in areas where extra slip protection is required, and performs well on training grounds, but is less commonly used in official competitions.
5. PVC sports flooring
   is an economical option suitable for indoor use, providing a flat and safe surface, but it is less commonly used on basketball courts than other types.

Basketball court sizes for adults and children

Basketball court dimensions vary depending on the age group and the game’s governing body (such as FIBA ​​or the NBA). Here’s a breakdown of common dimensions for building a basketball court:

1. Adult basketball court size

Basketball court construction dimensions are subject to precise standards set by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to ensure uniform court dimensions in official tournaments. Knowing the correct dimensions is essential for designing a professional basketball court, whether indoor or outdoor. Below are the official approved dimensions to follow when constructing an adult basketball court:

• Length: 28 meters
• Width: 15 meters
• Minimum ceiling height (in indoor stadiums): not less than 7 meters
• Basket height from the ground: 3.05 meters
• Free throw line distance from the backboard: 4.6 meters
• Free throw circle radius: 1.80 meters
• Radius of the three-point arc: 6.75 meters (from the center of the basket).

2. Children’s basketball court dimensions

The dimensions of a junior basketball court differ from those of official courts to suit younger age groups, such as children in elementary and middle school. The court dimensions and basket height are reduced to accommodate the abilities of young players and facilitate learning basic skills in a safe and comfortable environment. The following are common dimensions for junior basketball courts:

• Length: 22 to 25 meters
• Width: 12 to 14 meters
• Basket height from the ground: 2.60 to 2.75 meters
• Free throw line distance: approximately 4.00 meters
• Radius of the three-point arc: approximately 5.75 meters
• Dimensions of the restricted area (three-second zone): 4 meters wide x 5 meters long.

The most important factors in the quality of a basketball court

When constructing a basketball court, a set of essential factors must be present that directly impact player performance, safety, and overall enjoyment. These factors are not limited to the correct dimensions, but extend to include the quality of materials, design, and maintenance. Here are the most important factors for constructing a high-quality basketball court:

1. High quality flooring:
   • Flatness and smoothness: The floor must be completely flat and free of any bumps, joints, or cracks that could cause injury or affect the bounce of the ball.
   • Proper traction (non-slip): The floor must provide an ideal balance between sufficient traction to prevent slipping and allowing quick player movement and sudden stops.
   • Shock absorption (flexibility): Especially in indoor (wooden) courts, the floor must be flexible enough to absorb some of the shock generated by jumping and running, reducing stress on players’ joints (knees and ankles).
   • Durability and wear resistance: The floor must withstand repeated use and heavy pressure without becoming damaged or deteriorating quickly.
   • Easy maintenance: It should be easy to clean and maintain to maintain its cleanliness and technical properties.
   • Weather resistance (for outdoor playgrounds): The materials used must be resistant to sunlight, rain, and changing temperatures without warping or deteriorating.
2. Basket Quality (Rings and Basket Boards):
   • Standard and stable height: The basket ring height should be precisely 3.05 meters (10 feet), and be firmly fixed without any vibration.
   • Secure Installation: When building a basketball court, the basket posts must be firmly attached to the ground and lined with thick protective pads for player safety.
3. Clear and precise marks and lines:
   • Clarity and Color: All court lines (boundaries, center line, free throw line, three-point line, key area, center circle) must be clearly visible, the same color (usually white), and of uniform width (5 cm).
   • Accuracy of Measurements: All measurements must comply with the official FIBA ​​or NBA rules, depending on the court level. Any deviation may affect the fairness of play.
4. Adequate and uniform lighting (especially for indoor and night stadiums):
   • Proper Intensity: The lighting must be strong enough to clearly see the ball, players, and lines.
   • Uniform distribution: Lighting should be evenly distributed across the entire area of ​​the stadium to avoid heavy shadows or dark areas.
   • No glare: Lights should be positioned at angles that do not dazzle players or the audience.
5. Run-off Area:
   • Sufficient space: There must be a safe, unobstructed space around the court lines (usually at least 2 metres) to allow players to stop safely after sprinting or jumping, and to prevent collisions with walls or other obstacles.
   • Obstacle-free: Ensure that no equipment, seats, or people are in the safety area during play.
6. Periodic maintenance:
   • Cleanliness: Keep the floor clean and free from dust, moisture, or any materials that may cause slipping.
   • Immediate Repairs: Address any cracks, floor damage, or basket problems immediately to prevent them from getting worse and ensure safety.
   • Regular inspection: Conduct periodic inspections of all playground components to ensure they meet standard specifications.
7. Proper ventilation (for indoor courts):
   A good ventilation system ensures air circulation and prevents the build-up of moisture or excess heat, providing a comfortable playing environment.
8. Aesthetic Quality:
   A good basketball court often has a professional and attractive appearance, with consistent colors for the lines and floor, which adds to the overall experience for players and spectators.