How To Mark A Football Pitch From Scratch
Introduction
Marking out a football pitch from scratch can seem like a daunting task, however, it doesn’t need to be complicated. With this 8-step guide, you will learn how to mark a football pitch in no time. This guide provides all the essential information you’ll need for line marking and creating the perfect pitch from scratch.
Although these steps are based on the FA’s Over-18 and Adult-Football dimensions, this guide can be applied to any pitch, providing you have the dimensions.
What You'll Need:
Line Marking Machine
Line Marking Paint
Measuring Tape
String Line
Pegs
3-4-5 Triangle (Optional)
Preparations:
Cut the grass
Cut the grass and make sure any grass cuttings are removed from the pitch. Ideally paint the grass when dry, if possible.
Pitch dimensions
Find the dimensions for the pitch you will be marking. This guide will be using the FA's full-size pitch dimensions for over-18 & adult football.
Prepare your paint
For example, Clubline is a concentrate and needs mixing thoroughly with water – 4:2.5 – 4 parts water, 2.5 parts paint. This means 10L Clubline shall be mixed with 16L water.
Prepare your machine
Pour the paint into your machine, or if your using a spray marker, put the probe into the paint tank/bottle.
Marking the Pitch:
Step 1 (with goals in place)
With goals in place:
Using the goals as the mid-point, measure the width and place a peg at each end.
Measurements:
A – C – 64m / 70 yards
A – B – 32m / 35 yards
A – D – 100.58m / 110 yards
Step 1 (without goals in place)
Without goals in place:
Use the 3-4-5 method to measure out the perimeters of the pitch. This will ensure your pitch will have perfect 90° right angles. Start with one straight line (A – B) and measure out 30m from one end towards the other (point C). Next measure out 40m from point A – D and 50m from C – D. Where these two points meet will create the perfect right angle. Using this method on the first two corners correctly means you won’t need to use the 3-4-5 on the last two corners.
Measurements:
A – C – 30m / 30 yards
C – D – 50m / 50 yards
A – D – 40m / 40 yards
Step 2
Instructions:
Run the string from one peg to the other and ensure the string is taught – this will keep your line straight and act as a guide.
Now you are ready to mark the perimeter lines with your machine, follow the string line as close as possible to ensure your lines are straight.
Measurements:
A – B – 100.58m / 110 yards
Step 3
Instructions:
Measure and peg out the box perimeters from the centre of the goal. Mark the lines for the box following the string guides.
Measurements:
A-B – 20.11m / 22 yards
B-C – 16.45m / 18 yards
B-D – 40.23m / 44 yards
E-F – 9.14m / 10 yards
H-F – 18.28m / 20 yards
F-G – 5.48m / 6 yards
Step 4
Instructions:
Measure and peg out the halfway point across both lengths of the pitch. Run the string line between the pegs and mark the halfway line.
Measurements:
A-B – 50.29m / 55 yards
B-C – 64m / 70 yards
Step 5
Instructions:
Find the midpoint of the halfway line and mark the centre spot with aerosol or brush. Place a peg in the centre spot, attach one end of the string to the peg, and the other to your line marking machine. Keep string tight as you walk around for the perfect circle.
Measurements:
A-B – 9.14m / 10 yards
Step 6
Instructions:
From the centre of the goal lines, measure out and paint the penalty spot, using either your machine, a paintbrush, or aerosol.
Measurements:
A-B – 10.97m / 12 yards
Step 7
Instructions:
From the penalty spot, measure out the radius for the “D” and mark the line using the same method as step 5.
Measurements:
A-B – 9.14m / 10 yards
Step 8
Instructions:
Finish the job by marking the corners using the same method as step 5, and enjoy the game!
Measurements:
A-B – 0.91m / 1 yard
