Elementary Basketball Court Dimensions

There are no official youth basketball rules governing youth court dimensions, but there is a consensus about size in the national youth leagues, according to My Youth Basketball Player. An elementary school basketball court measures 74 feet by 42 feet. This is considerably smaller than the dimensions of a professional court, which measures 94 feet by 50 feet, or the court used in high school games, which measures 84 feet by 50 feet. Hoop size, hoop height and ball are also reduced for younger players.

Elementary basketball courts are shorter to account for smaller players. (Image: xtremekimchi/iStock/Getty Images)

Too Big is Too Tiring

The smaller court size for young players allows them to focus on game techniques rather than expending energy running up and down a large court. In addition, so that young players learn to shoot rather than throw the ball, a lower basket height of 8 feet is recommended for 6- to 9-year-olds, and 9 feet for 10- to 12-year-olds.

No 3-point Line

Youth courts often don 't use the 3-point line. This helps younger children to practice shooting techniques closer to the basket. The free-throw line is often marked at 13 feet from the basket for under 10s, rather than the standard 15 feet.

The Proper Ball

Children aged 5 to 8 need a size 3 basketball. It weighs about 10.5 to 11 ounces and has a 22-inch circumference. Ages 8 to 12 may use a size 5 ball, which weighs between 14 and 16 ounces and has a 27-inch circumference.