Basketball court rental: full court, half court or shootaround?

Most venues rent basketball courts in three ways: the full court, half a court, or a single hoop. Picking the right one saves money and keeps everyone playing instead of waiting on the side.

The three formats

Full court (28 × 15 m)

For 5v5 games and full team practices. Book 90 or 120 minutes if you want a warm-up and a proper game: two teams of five plus a few subs is the usual crowd, and with twelve to fifteen people the cost per player drops a lot.

Half court

Ideal for 3x3, small-group skills work or a coach-led session with a few players. Usually priced at a little over half the full court. Half courts at a venue may share the floor with another group, so expect some noise from the other end.

Shootaround

A single hoop for solo shooting practice or a one-on-one workout. Some venues offer a rebounder or a ball return machine, which lets you take several hundred shots in an hour.

Half or full court for a small group?

With six to eight players, a half court is usually the better choice. 3v3 on a half court keeps everyone involved and costs less, while 4v4 on a full court means long runs back in transition and a tired group after twenty minutes. Book the full court once you have ten or more, or when a coach needs the whole floor for a team practice with set plays.

What a court typically costs

Typical hourly rate for a full court, before any peak pricing. Indoor hardwood courts and weekday evenings cost more; covered outdoor courts and daytime slots cost less.

Turn on Split the cost when you book: you pay first to lock the court, share the link in the group chat, and each teammate pays their share with GCash, Maya or card. You are refunded as they pay, so nobody has to chase cash at the door.

Indoor or covered?

Venues range from air-conditioned gyms with maple floors to open-sided covered courts. Indoor courts cost more but are playable all year and cooler in the afternoon. Covered courts are good value, but during the rainy season rain can blow in from the sides and make the floor slippery, so check before a big game from June to November.

Check before you book

• The floor: maple hardwood plays faster and is kinder to knees than vinyl or outdoor acrylic.
• The rims: the standard height is 3.05 m. Ask whether the hoops adjust for juniors.
• The balls: size 7 for men’s games, size 6 for women and youth, size 5 for young children.
• Lights and ventilation for evening games, and whether there is a scoreboard or shot clock.
• Changing rooms and parking if the whole team is coming by car.

Organising a pickup game

For a regular run, book the same weekday slot each week and share the booking link in your group chat as soon as the court is confirmed. Aim for twelve to fifteen players for a full court: that is two teams plus subs, and it keeps the game going when someone drops out. Agree on the format before the day, for example games to 21 or twelve-minute games with the winners staying on.

Warm up properly

Ankle sprains and pulled hamstrings are the usual basketball injuries, and most happen in the first minutes of a cold game. Use the first ten minutes of the booking for easy jogging, dynamic stretches and layups before you play full speed, and wear shoes with good ankle support. Keep water on the bench: covered courts in the afternoon can be very warm.

Sharing a venue

• Start and finish on time, and clear the bench for the next group.
• On a half court, keep loose balls from rolling into the other half.
• Tell the front desk about wet patches or broken rims instead of playing around them.

Running a team session

• Add balls and bibs to your booking so the session starts on time.
• Book a coach for a skills session or a full practice plan: choose "With a coach" when you book.
• Keep the same weekly slot: regular bookings help the venue and make it easier for everyone to plan.