Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and the UK is no exception. With more and more enthusiasts, especially among young people, the demand for outdoor basketball courts is on the rise. Although it’s still not as popular as football, tennis and cricket, basketball is growing in the UK, driven by local initiatives, community investments and a general shift towards outdoor sports.
This article looks at the different types of outdoor basketball court flooring in the UK, the accessibility of outdoor courts, the benefits of playing basketball outdoors and key considerations for choosing the right court surface.
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Basketball in the UK
Globally basketball is growing with millions of fans in countries like the US, China and the Philippines. In the UK, the sport is still developing but has seen significant growth in recent years thanks to local clubs, Basketball England and British players in international leagues.
As of 2023 there are around 4000 outdoor basketball courts in the UK. However there is still a clear need for more facilities to meet the demand. This is significantly lower than countries where basketball is more established like the US and outdoor courts are a common feature in every neighbourhood. But organisations like Basketball England and are working to increase the accessibility and availability of courts to encourage more participation. Recent studies estimate around 300,000 people in England play basketball at least once a week, that’s a healthy and growing interest in the sport.
Projects such as OBI (Outdoor Basketball Intiative) launched ProjectSwish back in the nineties and are responsible for the majority of outdoor Basketball courts across the UK.
“There was a rising demand to be able to just pick up and play street basketball and these casual recreational facilities were what young people wanted.”
Sue Catton (OBI)
London Basketball
Outdoor basketball is growing in London with vibrant courts and a passionate community around the sport. Although basketball has always taken a back seat to football in the English capital, the city’s outdoor courts are drawing in players of all ages from casual players to serious competitors. With London’s diverse culture and love for urban sports, the basketball scene is expanding thanks to grassroots efforts, public initiatives and local organisations that promote the game.
London Basketball Association (LBA) is a non-profit organisation that's main aim is to make basketball accessible to everyone in London. LBA provides coaching, mentoring and runs events that engage the London community, using basketball to tackle social issues and inspire young people. They’ve been behind youth tournaments, skills clinics and other outdoor play initiatives.
Benefits of Outdoor Basketball Courts
Outdoor basketball has its own unique benefits compared to playing on indoor courts, that’s why it’s so popular. Here are the plus points of shooting hoops outdoors.
- Games Accessibility: Outdoor courts are more accessible, especially in urban areas. They allow for casual, pick-up games and people of all ages from kids to older adults accessibility without needing to book time, hire courts or pay fees.
- Health and Fitness: Playing outdoors gives you extra health benefits by combining exercise with fresh air and natural light, good for mental and physical well-being.
- Community Building: Outdoor courts create a community atmosphere, bringing people together in shared spaces and building a culture of inclusivity and teamwork.
- Real-World Playing Conditions: Unlike controlled indoor environments, outdoor courts provide a more varied playing experience, adapting to weather conditions and surface irregularities which can improve players’ versatility and adaptability.
- Family Time - Back garden courts are a great way for children and adults to play the game together, including friends and family.
Choosing Basketball Court Flooring
When choosing a sports surface for an outdoor basketball court there are several factors to consider to ensure safety, performance and durability:
- Traction: Good traction is essential to prevent slips and falls, especially on wet surfaces. It allows players to make quick cuts and sudden movements safely.
- Shock Absorption: Surfaces with shock absorption reduce impact on players’ joints which is especially important for a sport like basketball that involves frequent jumping and rapid changes of direction.
- Durability: Outdoor courts must withstand weather elements, rain, UV exposure and temperature fluctuations while retaining structural integrity.
- Ball Bounce: Consistent bounce is necessary for a predictable game. Surfaces should be designed to allow for uniform ball performance across the court.
- Maintenance: A low maintenance surface is ideal for public courts which may not get regular maintenance but need to remain safe for play.
Outdoor Basketball Court Surfaces in the UK
The UK has a variety of outdoor basketball surfaces from traditional concrete and asphalt to newer modular options. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most traditional surface used for outdoor basketball courts due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. However, concrete has no shock absorption which can be hard on players’ joints over time. And concrete requires periodic maintenance such as resurfacing or damage repairs as it cracks over time.
Asphalt
Asphalt is another traditional choice, offering a slightly softer surface than concrete. It provides good traction and durability making it a popular option for community parks and recreational facilities. However, like concrete, it has limited shock absorption which may cause joint strain over extended play. Asphalt also requires some maintenance as it can crack or degrade over time, especially in cold weather.
Rubberised Surfaces
Rubberised surfaces are increasingly popular in the UK as they provide excellent shock absorption and traction making them safer for players. Made from recycled rubber or synthetic materials, these surfaces are weather-resistant and durable. Rubberised courts are found in areas that prioritise safety and long-term use, such as schools or community parks. While more expensive than asphalt or concrete, they offer good balance between performance and longevity.
Interlocking Modular Court Tiles
Interlocking modular tiles made from PVC or polypropylene is a modern solution for outdoor basketball flooring. These tiles can be installed over various base materials, including concrete and asphalt and offer several advantages:
- Shock Absorption: They provide excellent shock absorption, reducing stress on players’ joints.
- Easy Installation: Modular tiles are simple to fit with their interlocking profile creating a ready to use playing surface in any location.
- Weather Resistance: These tiles are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and UV rays, making them a low-maintenance option.
- Customisability: Modular tiles come in various colours and can be easily replaced individually if damaged, extending the life of the court.
- Traction and Ball Bounce: These surfaces offer excellent traction and consistent ball bounce, making them ideal for all levels of play.
Due to their ease of installation, durability and performance benefits, interlocking modular tiles are gaining popularity for both recreational and professional outdoor courts in the UK.
They can be installed permanently or on a temporary basis so they are an excellent choice for event and competition use.
Conclusion
Outdoor basketball is on the rise in the UK and with this growth comes the need for quality court surfaces that improve gameplay and safety. Whether it’s a traditional asphalt court in a city park or a modular court setup in a sports complex the choice of surface impacts not only the quality of play but also the accessibility and lifetime of outdoor basketball facilities.
The number of options for basketball court flooring means that communities, schools and basketball enthusiasts can play basketball anywhere, finding a solution that fits their budget, location and player's needs.
With organisations investing in outdoor basketball infrastructure and more public courts being built across the country the future of outdoor basketball in the UK looks bright. These are creating spaces for people of all ages and abilities to play (without paying court hire) and a healthier and more active population.
Interested in building a Basketball Court? Browse our outdoor court surfaces for some inspiration.
