Enjoying the basketball playoffs (Go Lakers)?
Feel like going outside and shooting some ball yourself? Maybe get the kids out to play? Building your own court is not very realistic, but creating your own court using gaffer tape? Yup. Here's how.
Whether in a gym or a driveway, Gaffer tape, which we have in a variety of colors and widths, makes an excellent choice for creating a basketball court. And when its time to peel off the tape, there won't be any sticky residue left behind.
Here are the steps to create your own basketball court using gaffer tape:
Choose the location: The first step is to choose the location where you want to create your basketball court. Make sure the surface is flat, relatively smooth, and free of debris. An ideal location is a driveway or backyard.
Measure the dimensions: The next step is to measure the dimensions of the court. A standard basketball court is 94 feet by 50 feet, but if you're creating a court in your backyard or driveway, you'll need to adjust the dimensions accordingly. A half-court is a popular option for smaller spaces and is 47 feet by 50 feet.
Mark the boundaries: Use a long measuring tape to mark the boundaries of the court. Use the gaffer tape to create the lines for the boundary. It's important to make sure that the lines are straight and the corners are square. You can use chalk or a white marker to mark out the lines before using the gaffer tape.
Mark the center line and half-court line: Use a measuring tape and a straight edge to mark the center line of the court. This line runs from one end of the court to the other, dividing the court in half. Mark the half-court line perpendicular to the center line. This line runs parallel to the baseline and divides the court into two equal halves.
Mark the free-throw line: The free-throw line is 15 feet from the backboard and parallel to the baseline. Use a measuring tape to mark the free-throw line and use the gaffer tape to create the line.
If you want to make it next level, follow the next steps.
Mark the three-point line: The three-point line is 22 feet from the center of the basket. Use a measuring tape to mark the three-point line and use the gaffer tape to create the line. The three-point line should arc from the baseline to the sideline.
Create the key: The key is the rectangular area under the basket. Use a measuring tape to mark the key and use the gaffer tape to create the lines. The key is 12 feet wide and 16 feet long.
Mark the backboard and rim: Mark the backboard and rim using gaffer tape. The backboard is 6 feet wide and 3.5 feet high. The rim is 18 inches in diameter and 10 feet from the ground.
Finally, store a few cold ones in the fridge, call over your buddies and make like Lebron. With this court layout, you'll be the envy of the neighborhood. And you didn't break the bank to make it happen!