Having an outdoor basketball court near you is such a great way to get outdoors and spend time with your buddies.
Finding one can often be a challenge though. Is the trek to an outdoor basketball court worth it, or should you set up your own backyard court? Finding a court that doesn’t cost to rent is always a bonus.
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of 5 players try to score points against one another by placing a ball through a 10 foot high hoop. It is one of the top 10 most popular outdoor activities by participation.
Skills – Strength: 2, Balance: 4, Flexibility: 3, Agility: 6, Coordination: 5
Time needed: As long as you want, Cost to try: £4 for a ball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of 5 players try to score points against one another by placing a ball through a 10 foot (3.048 m) high hoop (the goal) under organized rules. A regulation NBA basketball court is 94′ long by 50′ wide. Basketball is one of the most popular and widely viewed sports in the world.
Points are scored by throwing (shooting) the ball through the basket from above. The team with more points at the end of the game wins, but additional time (overtime) may be issued when the scores of both teams are the same. The ball can be advanced on the court by bouncing it (dribbling) or passing it between teammates. Disruptive physical contact (foul) is penalized, and free throws will be issued if an offensive player is fouled while shooting the ball. (violations).
Through time, basketball has developed to involve many common techniques of shooting, passing and dribbling, as well as players’ positions, and offensive and defensive structures. Typically, the tallest members of a team will play center or one of two forward positions, while shorter players or those who possess the best ball handling skills and speed, play the guard positions. While competitive basketball is carefully regulated, numerous variations of basketball have developed for casual play. In some countries, basketball is also a popular spectator sport.
While competitive basketball is primarily an indoor sport, played on a basketball court, less regulated variations played in the outdoors have become increasingly popular among both inner city and rural groups.
Cool Moves to Practice on an Outdoor Basketball Court
Video of great basketball trick shots using trampolines
Reverse shots – Can you get it in the hoop by throwing it backwards over your head?
Setting up a Backyard Basketball Court
If you don’t have an outdoor basketball court at a park near you, then you may have to set your own up in your backyard. All you need is a basketball hoop and a hard playing surface. You can practice your shooting on grass, but you won’t be able to have a one on one with someone else. This is because you can’t bounce the basketball effectively on grass. A patio or driveway is the best.
Basketball Hoops
There are three different types of basketball hoop you need to think about when buying one for your backyard.
- Freestanding,
- Poolside,
- Wall mounted.
With a freestanding basketball hoop, you will need to have space for storing it when not in use. It can be wheeled about to move into position. The base is usually weighted by filling it with water.
Poolside hoops can be either bolted to the ground or have a weighted base.
Wall mounted basketball hoops are the most popular space saving hoop. You can attach it to a wall at the correct height of 10 feet above the ground.