Did you know that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time? Yes, from his hard work, determination, and resilience, Michael boasts a prestigious spot in NBA history. Maybe you can too, but you need to spend more time on the court.
Basketball is a game that continues to gain popularity around the world, thanks to James Naismith, who invented the game in 1891. As a basketball enthusiast, can you take your time and recall the first time you played basketball. It was such a moment that you will live to remember all the days of your life. From holding the ball with your hands and getting confused on what to do next, to falling on the ground and getting up again.
As an amateur or a professional basketball player investing in a proper basketball court is vital. You might decide to own a basketball court for training purposes. You will, of course, have a lot of questions lingering through your mind on where to start. Luckily, we are going to give you a list of factors that you should consider when constructing a basketball court. But before that, do you know what you gain from playing basketball?
Benefits of Basketball
Once you begin playing basketball, you are bound to enjoy numerous benefits.
Every doctor will emphasize the need to keep your body active. Engaging in physical activities such as playing basketball ensures you minimize the risk of suffering from chronic diseases such as heart attack, blood pressure, and diabetes, just to name a few. If you don't want to get onboard the health train, then you can construct your basketball court at your home.
This may sound strange, but it is true. Playing basketball is an excellent way of helping you become a critical thinker. When you are in court, you always calculate the distance between you and your opponent. Also, you devise new ways to help you pass the ball to your teammates. This is a vital skill that helps you even when you are off-pitch.
Playing basketball helps you to acquire social skills that help you improve your communication skills. These skills not only help you while playing basketball but also while outside the pitch.
These are some benefits that you reap from playing basketball. That’s why we stress the need to have your own basketball court.
All basketball installations and construction should be done with a lot of caution. This is because constructing a basketball pitch is not as easy as you might think. To ensure you don’t mess up, here are factors to consider when building a basketball court.
Factors to Consider When Constructing Basketball Court
Basketball court construction requires a lot of planning before the actual implementation of the project. Here are factors to consider;
Well, before you choose the size of your court, it is good to have a clear outline of your goals and objectives. Basketball courts come in different dimensions. For example, high school courts are smaller compared to those used for professional basketball competitions such as the NBA. The standard dimension for a standard basketball is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. For a court to attain international standards, it must have these dimensions.
However, you must look out whether you have enough space to put such a court. If you don’t have enough space, there is no cause to worry. You can go for a half-court. Just as the name suggests, this court does not use full dimensions of a standard pitch. Full courts are good, but half courts will still serve you well. Half courts will also save you money and space.
Location is a major factor that you should consider before constructing your basketball court. Ensure the location you choose is easily accessible for any person seeking to use the facility. It should be a place where it is easy to undertake activities such as; excavating, leveling, grading, and moving sprinklers. These are activities that make sure that the site is ready for the base material.
The first thing here is to choose the right base material. Just as the name suggests, the base material is the material that goes underneath your court. There are numerous materials available for you to use. They include; concrete, asphalt, crushed stone, and modular bases. The type of flooring materials depends on whether your basketball court is located indoors or outdoors. Hardwood is an excellent material to use on both indoor and outdoor basketball courts. This is because it is smooth and unobstructed ensures you don't get hurt. Also, the material is good at upscaling your dunking skills.
Concrete is also a good flooring option. It remains a darling to many and a perfect choice for an outdoor basketball court. It is an option that requires less manpower and only requires a few types of equipment for set up. Using concrete material is the surest way that you are not going to break your bank. The material will give you a smooth surface though inferior in producing the bouncing effect compared to the hardwood surface. Also, the material is highly durable, and you don't have to mind whether it summer or winter. The ground remains new.
Asphalt is another option you can go for. However, installing asphalt is a daunting task, and you may need to hire the services of an experienced basketball contractor. Just like the concrete flooring material, asphalt material is pocket-friendly and comes with numerous benefits. It resists hot and cold weather. Again, it is also easy to paint lines on this type of court surface.
The last option that you can choose is sport tiles. If your location is not flat and not well designed for basketball, then sport tiles are for you. Again, if you're looking forward to having a temporary court, sport tiles are the ideal solution. You can place it on the floor and remove it at any time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you are definitely going to reap big from having your own basketball court. However, before you get down to constructing one, ensure you take into consideration all factors discussed here. They will help you in minimizing the chances of regret in the future.
If you already have one in your backyard, lucky you, but don’t forget about maintenance and upkeep.
If you already have one in your backyard, lucky you, but don’t forget about maintenance and upkeep.