A few friends have asked how we went about adding a painted basketball lane and 3-point arc on our driveway. So, here it is...

First, here is a list of the items we used:

• Basketball court layout with dimensions
• Plumb bob (string with a weight on the end)
• Chalk
• Tape measure
• Standard spray paint we had laying around
• 2-3 people (it's easier with 3)
• A little patience

We did everything with chalk first just to make sure everything worked out okay and looked correct. Nothing worse than painting lines on your driveway and then finding out they're wrong! After we were happy with the chalk layout, we went back and repeated all the steps using the spray paint. It has held up for a few years and can still be seen. Our driveway is asphalt, so went it's sealed again, we will have to repeat this process. The picture below is for reference with the step by step directions:

1. First, set the three points shown at A. These three points represent the face of the backboard; one right at the center and one on each edge. These were done with the plumb bob. One person should hold the plumb bob on the face of the backboard, while the other marks the dots.



2. Using a tape measure, set 6' at the center dot of 'A' and use the other two points to keep the tape measure straight (ie. parallel with the backboard). Put a dot at zero feet (B) and another at 12' (C).



3. Measure 15' perpendicular from dots B & C to set dots D & E. As a way to check that D & E are perpendicular, you can do a little geometry. I know you don't want to do math problems, you just want to put a basketball lane on the driveway! Well using the Pythagorean theorem, (a² + b² = c²) the distance from B to E and C to D should be about 19' 2-1/2". After setting dots D & E, measure B-E and C-D to verify they are correct.



4. Next, put zero on the tape measure at D and pull tight to E. Put a dot at 6' (F). This is the radius point for the "top of the key" circle.



5. The 3 point arc is added using the center dot at A as the radius point and 21' on the tape measure. Have one person hold the zero end of the tape measure at the center dot at A, while the other person is "swinging the arc" while holding 21'.