Best Playground Markings For Ball Games
Updated on: March 12, 2024
The world may change but playground markings for ball games remain a key part of any playground design. From informal ball games like king square to structured ball games such as football, basketball and tennis, court markings are an essential design element that need to be right.
Colours, layouts, sizing, and surface type are all important aspects we can help you consider. We’re a top UK supplier of sports playground markings to schools, parks, play spaces and other children’s settings.
Whether you want a football court, netball or tennis courts or versatile multi-sports playground markings, we have all the options you need.
The Impact of Quality Court Markings
Quality space for structured games is so important. From the great cardio workouts they provide to the wide range of physical, social and personal skills children develop, and the motivation to stay fit and healthy, ball courts do so much for our children’s wellbeing.
To help you choose the best options for your community, we’ve put together this quick guide to the best playground markings for the most popular ball games. We’ve also included some useful design tips to assist you as you plan your playground.
Custom Ball Courts For Any Playground
Our expert team are on hand to support you from design to installation and after-care. Every school community and space is completely different so customisation is an important part of our service. Don’t worry about the size of you space. We can help you design an accurately proportioned ball court that fits. More about bespoke design.
Here’s our quick guide to choosing the best sports court markings for your space.
Best Playground Markings For Ball Games
1. King Square Playground Marking
Before we look at the most energetic types of ball games, the king square playground marking is a really good one to consider for versatile use.
King square is a slightly more sedate ball game because it doesn’t involve as much running as sports like football and basketball.
There is no limit to how many children can get involved in the game although only four are on the grid at any one time. To play, children must hit the ball to a player in another square when it’s their turn. The ball can only bounce once.
The slower more collaborative nature of king square means it appeals to a wide range of children who wouldn’t usually play ball games. Lots of turn-taking and communication creates a much more social, low-pressure environment for ball play.
See king square markings and other playground games
2. Target Playground Markings
Too often, the message is that ball games have to be high energy. We disagree. We want to see all children active and having fun on the playground so our playground markings for ball games are inclusive of all types of play.
For children who prefer more reflective play, target playground markings are an ideal solution. Children are able to build important skills, such as hand-eye co-ordination and gross and fine motor skills, in a more intimate environment.
Pupils can play with target playground markings on their own, in 2s or larger groups so there’s no pressure to interact with large gatherings of peers. The target markings collection has something for everyone, including simple throw lines as well as larger group games for younger children. Browse target playground markings.
3. Bowling Alley Playground Marking
Our bowling alley playground marking is another good option for quieter play. Again, this marking delivers great motivation for children who prefer reflective play to get active on the playground.
From co-ordination to perseverance and resilience, the bowling alley provides a familiar ball game that will support quieter children to develop a rich range of skills.
Design Tip: Space-Saving Playground Equipment For Ball Games
You can also find space-saving vertical equipment for ball games in our play panels collection. From cricket wickets to football goals and basketball hoop target space, there’s a wide range of options for small play spaces.
Now let’s take a look at sports playground markings for larger group ball games…
4. Football Pitch Playground Markings
From safety to the prevention of arguments, football pitch playground markings play a big role in ensuring football at school is a fun event everyone can enjoy.
We know children raise their expectations of self when presented with quality equipment. Our durable sports playground markings deliver the high performance you need for sports court that won’t fade or rub off over time.
You’ll be amazed at the improvement in children’s teamwork when a beautiful sports pitch that looks like the real thing is at stake! No-one wants to be on time out when football looks this good!
Design Tip: Which type of sports surface is best?
We use high-grade thermoplastic playground markings for all of our playground designs. Thermoplastic is a superior, non-slip material that’s highly-resistant to scuffs and scrapes as well as UV-light. Its weather resistant properties mean thermoplastic sports surfaces remain safe to use all year.
For smaller budgets, we offer anti-slip playground paint and sports coating. Methacrylate cold plastic (MMA) is ideal for compact play areas whilst anti-slip paint is a good option for larger spaces. Learn more about sports surface coating types.
5. Basketball, Cricket, and Netball Playground Markings
For basketball, netball, tennis, and cricket, we have a range of options to suit every need. Basketball court markings for both the traditional NBA court as well as the more complex modern NBA design give you all the choice you need.
Meanwhile the solid netball court marking is a great way to elevate the outdoor space. For variety, the cricket crease and cricket practice markings are slimline designs that fit easily into any space, providing playtime activities for everyone.
Check out our blog for 5 Fun Basketball Games or 5 Fun Games you can play on a Tennis Court.
Design Tip: Which colours should court lines be for each sport?
There are no set colours for each sport but there are common choices. Basketball is often black, netball is often red, orange or blue and tennis yellow. However, the main thing is to choose colours that are clearly visible against the flooring or sports surface.
Thermoplastic comes in a wide range of colours so you can get really creative and choose a custom, exciting design. Our design team are on hand to help you select the right combination of colours for your space if you’re not quite sure.
6. Multi-Sports Playground Markings
From futsal to basketball and netball, schools offer a variety of sports so multi-sports playground markings are a popular choice.
Versatile use makes multi-court markings a space-saving option that’s highly economical. In use all day for PE and after-school clubs as well as playtimes, you’ll get a high return on investment. Best of all, you can ensure pupils are exposed to a vast variety of sports so everyone can find a sport they enjoy.
Our custom design service means you can put together any combination of sports you choose for a playground space of any size.
Design Tip: Should court lines appear in a particular order for multi-sport court markings?
There is no rule for the order that court lines are installed in multi-sport courts. However, the standard approach is to place the sport which is played at the fastest speed at the top and the lowest speed at the bottom, so basketball is usually at the top.
Remember to use a different colour for each sport. See the full range of options for sports playground markings now.
Jess Sparks
Jess is deeply committed to supporting our mission of positively impacting UK outdoor play environments to promote healthy lifestyles in children.
With a CIM Level 6 Diploma in Sustainable Marketing, Jess channels her passion for sustainability into her marketing role, using her skills to promote eco-conscious practices and raise awareness for our initiatives.
Jess’ experience within the industry is instrumental in driving engagement and supporting connections with those who require ultra-durable, high-grade playground markings both locally and internationally.