How to Build Your Own Lax Basketball Court in 7 Simple Steps

I remember the first time I saw a proper lax field - the crisp white lines against that vibrant green turf, the perfectly positioned goals standing like sentinels at each end. There's something magical about having your own space to practice those ground balls and perfect your shooting technique. When I decided to build my own backyard lacrosse court last spring, I had no idea it would become the gathering spot that brought our entire neighborhood together. That moment when Calvo said, "Tonight was the biggest game in our history because we got our first win," with tears in his eyes after their victory - that's the kind of emotional connection I want people to feel when they step onto a court they built themselves.

The planning phase is absolutely crucial, and I learned this the hard way. You'll need to measure out at least 60 by 35 yards for a proper half-field setup, though I managed with 55 by 32 in my moderately sized backyard. The orientation matters more than you'd think - having the goals positioned north-south prevents players from staring directly into the sun during evening practices. I spent nearly three weeks just on this planning stage, making countless sketches on graph paper and using spray paint to mark the proposed boundaries. My neighbor thought I was crazy, constantly pacing the yard with my measuring tape, but this preparation saved me from making expensive mistakes later.

Ground preparation turned out to be the most physically demanding part of the process. I had to remove about four inches of topsoil across the entire area, which amounted to nearly 15 cubic yards of dirt that I ended up using to create a small berm along the property line. The grading needs to be precise - I aimed for about a 1% slope for drainage, which meant the north end of my court sits approximately 6 inches higher than the south end. This ensures rainwater flows away properly without creating puddles on your playing surface. I rented a small bulldozer for this part, though you could technically do it with shovels and wheelbarrows if you're feeling particularly ambitious or have a crew of helpful friends.

Choosing the right surface material presented the biggest dilemma for me. Natural grass seems ideal but requires constant maintenance - we're talking weekly mowing, fertilizing every six weeks, and daily watering during summer months. Artificial turf was tempting but came with a hefty price tag of around $8,000 for my size court. I ultimately settled on a specialized sports turf blend that cost me about $3,200 installed, and it's held up beautifully through two seasons of heavy use. The installation process took three full weekends, with the most time-consuming part being ensuring the base layer was perfectly compacted before laying the turf.

Marking the lines requires precision and patience. I used professional-grade field marking paint that's designed to withstand weather and foot traffic. The key lines - crease, restraining lines, and center line - need to be exactly to regulation dimensions. I made the mistake of freehanding the first attempt and had to redo the entire center circle when it came out looking more like an egg than a perfect circle. A simple trick I discovered: use a string tied to a stake at the center point to create perfect arcs and circles. The entire marking process took me about eight hours spread over two days, waiting for each set of lines to dry completely before adding the next.

Goal installation seems straightforward until you're actually doing it. Regulation lacrosse goals measure 6 feet by 6 feet, but the tricky part is securing them properly. I sunk the goal posts about two feet into the ground and surrounded them with concrete footers to prevent them from shifting during physical play. The nets themselves need to be tight enough to produce that satisfying "thwack" when a shot finds its mark but loose enough to prevent rebounding too violently. I went through three different net types before finding the perfect balance - a medium-weight nylon mesh that has withstood hundreds of shots without tearing or stretching out of shape.

The finishing touches really make the court feel professional. I added LED lighting around the perimeter that cost me about $1,200 but allows for evening practices - we typically get about 150 lumens across the entire surface, which is perfect for visibility without being blinding. A simple ball storage bin made from a modified garbage can keeps equipment organized, and I built a small bench from scrap wood where players can rest between drills. These elements might seem minor, but they transform the space from just a field to a proper training facility.

Maintaining your DIY lacrosse court becomes part of your routine, much like maintaining your stick. I spend about thirty minutes each week inspecting the surface for wear spots, checking line visibility, and ensuring the goals remain securely anchored. The turf requires occasional brushing to keep the fibers standing upright, and I've developed a system for quick repairs when needed. Having this dedicated space has completely transformed my game - and my relationship with the sport. There's incredible satisfaction in stepping onto a field you built with your own hands, knowing every inch of it intimately. When friends come over to play, seeing their appreciation for the carefully crafted space reminds me why I put in all that work. Creating your own lax basketball court isn't just about having a convenient place to practice - it's about building the stage where those unforgettable moments, like Calvo's emotional first victory, can happen right in your own backyard.