Common steps for all courts/track
1. Site survey and orientation
- Get a topographical survey with levels, existing utilities, and
boundaries.
- Prefer a north–south or slight northwest–southeast orientation to
reduce sun glare for outdoor play.
2. Freeze dimensions and safety zones
- Use federation playing dimensions plus minimum runoff (buffer) on all
sides (details under each sport below).
- Decide fence line, spectator areas, and access paths before finalizing
the layout.
3. Ground preparation and sub-base
- Excavate to required depth, compact soil to a high Proctor density, and
add a graded crushed-stone (WBM/GSB) layer for drainage.
- Maintain gentle slope (about 1:100–1:120) for outdoor courts/track to
shed water.
4. Concrete base construction
- Cast a reinforced or plain concrete slab (commonly 100–150 mm thick
for courts, thicker for track edge beams), with expansion joints and trowel
finish—not mirror smooth, but closed.[6]
- Cure for at least 14 days, protect from cracking, and check levels with
a straightedge; aim for no ponding.
5. Surface system (acrylic/PU/EPDM)
- Apply manufacturer-specified primer, cushioning/base coats, and
wear/top coats at specified thicknesses for your chosen system (acrylic,
PU, PVC mat, EPDM track, etc.).[7][8][9]
- Respect curing times between coats and avoid dust, water, or traffic on
fresh layers.
6. Line marking and equipment installation
- Mark lines with contrasting acrylic sports paint, using measuring tapes,
chalk lines, and masking tape to meet federation line widths and
positions.
- Install posts, nets, hoops, and other equipment after surface curing to
avoid damage.
7. Testing, approvals, and inauguration
- Do bounce tests, slip-resistance checks, and visual inspection for
bubbles, cracks, or unevenness.
- Obtain any needed certifications (school/college authorities, sports
consultants), then clean, decorate, and schedule the inauguration event.
Basketball court (synthetic acrylic/PU)
1. Confirm size and layout
- Standard FIBA full court playing area is 28 m × 15 m.
- Provide at least ~1–2 m runoff on all sides for school/college level, so a
practical slab might be about 32 m × 19 m or larger.
2. Mark base rectangle on site
- Use pegs, string, and a 3–4–5 triangle (or diagonal checks) to square
the 28 m × 15 m playing rectangle within the larger slab area.
- Mark centreline, key (paint) zones, and approximate basket locations
with chalk.
3. Construct sub-base and concrete
- Prepare compacted sub-base and cast the slab with a slight crossfall
for drainage in outdoor settings.
- Provide sleeves or anchor blocks where basketball goal posts will be
fixed.
4. Apply acrylic/PU system
- Grind or lightly scarify concrete if needed, then apply PU/acrylic primer
and multiple base coats with silica sand to build cushioning and texture.
- Finish with 1–2 colored top coats (e.g., contrasting key and main court
colors).
5. Exact line marking (FIBA)
- Measure and mark: free-throw line 4.6 m from the backboard’s inner
face; three-point arc 6.75 m from hoop center (6.6 m at corners); center
circle diameter 3.6 m.
- Keep line width typically 5 cm, using masking tape and high-contrast
paint.
6. Install hoops and accessories
- Fix posts/boards so ring center is 3.05 m above playing surface.
- Add padding to posts/board bottoms and place benches, scorer’s table,
and if needed, perimeter fencing.
7. Final checks and inauguration
- Check ball bounce consistency across the court and slip resistance
when dry and slightly damp.
- Clean, place temporary signage, and hold a test game before the
formal inauguration event.
Lawn tennis court (synthetic acrylic)
1. **Confirm ITF dimensions and clearances**
- Playing area: length 23.77 m for both singles and doubles; width 10.97
m (doubles) and 8.23 m (singles).[1][3][13]
- For a full outdoor court, allow about 36.58 m × 18.29 m total space
(including runoffs) where possible.[3][13]
2. **Set out the slab area**
- Mark the outer rectangle for the slab (close to total recommended
space) with pegs and strings.
- Confirm the net line is perpendicular to the long axis and centered.
3. **Base construction**
- Prepare sub-base and cast concrete slab over the entire court + runoff
area with uniform slope away from the court edges.
- Integrate net post foundations (sockets) just outside the doubles
sidelines.[1]
4. **Install acrylic court system**
- After curing, clean and prime the slab, then apply multiple acrylic
cushion/base coats and one or more textured top coats.[14]
- Choose surface speed (slow/medium/fast) based on acrylic system and
sand content.
5. **Precision line marking (ITF)**
- Mark baselines, sidelines, service lines, and center marks using exact
distances: service line 6.40 m from the net; distance from service line to
baseline 5.49 m; post positions 0.91 m outside the doubles lines.[3][1]
- Keep line widths per ITF guidelines (typically 5 cm, baseline up to 10
cm).[3]
6. **Net and accessories**
- Install posts and net so height is 1.07 m at posts and 0.914 m at
center, with a center strap.[1][3]
- Add umpire chair, player benches, and perimeter fencing if required.
7. **Testing and inauguration**
- Check ball bounce, uniformity of color and texture, and ensure no
water ponds after a shower.
- Run a trial match, then schedule formal opening with basic tournament
or exhibition match.
Badminton court (synthetic mat or acrylic)
Most competition courts are indoor with synthetic mats over concrete;
outdoor acrylic is possible for recreational use.[10]
1. **Freeze BWF dimensions and hall space**
- Playing area: 13.40 m length for singles and doubles; width 6.10 m
(doubles) and 5.18 m (singles).[15][16][10]
- Provide at least ~1.25 m safety buffer on all sides (more for higher
level), so a single court floor area about 15 m × 8.6 m is recommended.
[5]
2. **Set out the slab and hall layout**
- For multi-court halls, mark column grid and overall slab area, then
position each court rectangle within with equal side clearances.
- Ensure minimum clear height (often ≥9 m for serious play) to avoid
shuttle interference.[5]
3. **Construct indoor slab**
- Cast a level concrete floor with very tight tolerances (badminton is
sensitive to unevenness).
- Provide moisture barrier if using PVC/synthetic mats to avoid bubbling.
4. **Install synthetic system**
- Option A (mat): roll out PVC or PU badminton mats on the cured slab,
glue or loose-lay as per manufacturer, align pre-marked lines.
- Option B (acrylic/PU): apply indoor sports PU/acrylic system directly on
concrete with cushioned layers and matte finish.[17]
5. **Marking per BWF (if not pre-marked)**
- For doubles: 13.4 m × 6.1 m outer rectangle; for singles use inner side
lines at 5.18 m width.[16][10][15]
- Mark short service line, long service line, and center lines accurately
using BWF measurements and 4 cm line width.[10][5]
6. **Install posts, nets, and accessories**
- Place post centers just outside the doubles sidelines with net width 6.1
m; net height 1.55 m at posts and 1.524 m at center.[16][10]
- Add proper sports lighting, seating, and wall protection if needed.
7. **Testing and inauguration**
- Check grip (not too slippery or too sticky), line visibility, and absence of
glare on the floor.[5]
- Run a small internal tournament or demonstration matches as part of
the inauguration.
***
## Athletics track (synthetic EPDM/PU)
For a full 400 m track and field, engaging a specialist designer is strongly
recommended because geometry and drainage are more complex.[9][18]
1. **Decide track type and lanes**
- Standard is a 400 m oval with 6–8 lanes and an infield for
football/cricket or field events, built to World Athletics recommendations.
- Decide on training vs competition level; this affects lane width,
curvatures, and certification needs.
2. **Survey and geometric design**
- Get detailed topographic survey and have a designer lay out straights,
radii, and staggers according to 400 m geometry rules.
- Fix positions of field-event areas (long jump, high jump, shot put, etc.)
and drainage network.
3. **Earthwork and sub-base**
- Excavate and build a well-drained sub-base over the entire track area
with side drains.
- Construct concrete/asphalt base layer with specified camber/crossfall
to drain water away from inner field.[18][9]
4. **Curbs, edge beams, and asphalt**
- Install inner curb (usually prefabricated metal or concrete) and outer
edge beams.
- Lay dense asphalt wearing course as the immediate base for the
synthetic system, compacted and checked for smoothness.
5. **Install synthetic track system**
- Apply PU binder and SBR/EPDM granule mixture to required thickness
(often around 13 mm total for competition tracks).[9][18]
- Finish with spray or sandwich system top coat of EPDM granules bound
in PU, in standard colors (red/blue, etc.).
6. **Line marking and event markings**
- Mark lane lines, start/finish lines, staggers, relay exchange zones,
hurdle marks, and field-event take-off marks using World Athletics
diagrams.
- Use specialized, UV-resistant track marking paint and precision
surveying for critical marks.
7. Testing, certification, and inauguration
- Conduct surface hardness, thickness, friction, and force-reduction tests
if aiming for certification.[18]
- After approvals, organize an athletics meet or sports day to inaugurate
the facility.