How many lux does a basketball hall need?
| Class | Typical use | Illuminance | Uniformity |
|---|---|---|---|
| III | Training, school sport, recreation | 200 lx | 0.5 |
| II | Regional leagues, performance training | 500 lx | 0.7 |
| I | Top national leagues, international matches | 750 lx | 0.7 |
The court measures 28 × 15 m. The values apply to the playing area; the run-off zone up to the wall should also be bright enough so that players do not run into darkness. For televised games, the league and broadcaster set their own values.
Avoiding glare at the basket
Shooters look towards the basket, i.e. diagonally upwards – exactly where luminaires hang in many halls. Proven approaches:
- no luminaires directly above the basket areas,
- rows of luminaires along the long sides of the court,
- anti-glare optics or luminaires with low luminance,
- light-coloured ceilings and walls that reduce the contrast between luminaire and surroundings.
Whether a layout is glare-free is shown by the lighting calculation before installation – based on the players' lines of sight.
Ball-impact resistant
A basketball hits a hall luminaire with considerable force. Luminaires in sports halls must therefore be ball-impact resistant, proven to DIN 18032-3 – either as a tested luminaire or with a tested protective grille. Many halls have robust, tested fittings. They can often stay: only the lighting technology is converted to LED. That is what happened at the Rehberghalle in Roßdorf with 49.9 % less lighting energy.
ConsultationLet's talk about your project.Lighting calculation and quotation from the manufacturer.Basketball in a multi-purpose hall
Most basketball teams play in school or multi-purpose halls that also host volleyball, handball and school sport. The standard gives the same values for basketball, volleyball and handball. The installation is designed for the highest class required and dimmed for school sport and training. That saves electricity and is easier on the eyes during long training sessions.
You will find the values for other indoor sports in the overview Sports lighting lux levels.
Outdoor basketball courts
Outdoor and streetball courts have lower values: 75 lx for recreation and training, 200 lx for mid-level games and 500 lx for high-level play. What matters most here is that the light stays on the court and does not disturb residents. Suitable options are LED floodlights with precise optics.
LED savings calculatorWhat can your lighting save?Energy costs, CO₂ and payback in just a few minutes.Frequently asked questions
How many lux does a basketball hall need?
To DIN EN 12193: 200 lx for training and school sport (class III), 500 lx for mid-level games (class II) and 750 lx for high-level play such as the top national league (class I).
How bright does an outdoor basketball court need to be?
75 lx for recreation and training, 200 lx for mid-level games and 500 lx for high-level play.
Where should luminaires hang in a basketball hall?
Along the long sides and not directly above the basket areas. That way shooters do not look into a luminaire.
Do luminaires in a basketball hall have to be ball-impact resistant?
Yes. Luminaires in sports halls must be ball-impact resistant to DIN 18032-3 – as a tested luminaire or with a tested protective grille.
