Here’s everything you need to know about dead spots, how to avoid them, how to fix them, and more.
If you spec, maintain, or play on basketball courts, you might have heard the term “dead spot.” In this helpful article, we’ll explain what dead spots are, what causes them, how to avoid them, and how to fix them.
What are dead spots on basketball courts?
Based on how flooring surfaces are designed and tested, dead spots refer to areas where the rebound height of a ball is markedly different than other areas on a playing surface. Ball rebound or bounce is the measurement of a basketball’s response to a surface in comparison to how it bounces on concrete. For instance, if a ball rebound value is 100%, that means the ball bounces the same as it does on concrete.
The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) sets guidelines for rebound as part of their PUR (Performance and Uniformity Rating) standards. Permanent and portable PUR-compliant basketball floors must be within +/- 3% of the minimum average.
- Permanent flooring standard: 93% average (minimum) rebound
- Portable flooring standard: 95% average (minimum) rebound
Most dead spots aren’t significant enough to impact performance and typically require professional testing to determine if they exist.
What are the indicators of a dead spot on a basketball court?
If you or your athletes believe that basketballs don’t bounce as high in a certain area of the court, you could have a dead spot. There are other tells that your court has a dead spot, too, such as inconsistency in sound, vibration, or the “feel” of the ball as your athletes play.
What causes dead spots?
1. Seasonal/weather changes result in fluctuating environmental moisture levels. Winter’s chilly air can dry out the wood used in basketball courts, whereas summer brings high humidity. These environmental changes cause boards to expand and contract, but it’s common for dead spots to disappear when temporary moisture extremes return to normal.
2. The MFMA explains another cause of perceived dead spots, saying, “… a ball bounced directly over a subfloor sleeper or structural component may sound different than a ball bounced over a void between the sleepers.” These experiences are frequently misidentified as dead spots when it’s just the structure of the floor varying a bit in different areas.
3. Damaged or worn subfloor components can lead to dead spots as well. Subfloors are incredibly important to the performance and longevity of sports flooring, so we recommend finding a quality subfloor option with optimal rebound, shock absorption, resistance, and uniformity. You need a qualified, experienced installer, too—one who will ensure the concrete slab under the subfloor is implemented properly.
How to Avoid Dead Spots
If you start with top-notch flooring systems, you are unlikely to experience problematic dead spots with your floor. We also recommend keeping the humidity and temperature consistent in your space to avoid the environmental fluctuations discussed above.
The value of working with an MFMA-certified sports floor manufacturer and installer can’t be overstated. Your floor is a big investment, and partnering with trustworthy partners is a smart way to avoid things like dead spots.
Not All Dead Spots Need Fixing
Before deciding whether to fix a dead spot, consider the following:
- Is the dead spot extremely noticeable, even to less-experienced players?
- Would you estimate that the spot is 10% below the average rebound level of other areas of your floor?
- Are your basketballs at the right pressure?*
If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s possible that you need a professional sports floor installer to come out to look at your floor. They will be able to remedy most issues quickly and effectively.
Note: Rebound height can be affected by basketball air pressure, the material the basketball is made from, a dribbling force differential from the athlete, and more.
Dead Spots Happen, and We Can Help
We want to ensure you get the most out of your sports floor and that your athletes enjoy their activities while also playing their best.
When you choose Action Floors as your sports flooring partner, you can feel confident in our MFMA PUR-compliant floors and experienced team members. Get in touch with our experts if you’re facing less-than-optimal play on your current court, or want to find the right, new surface for your athletes.
Your Action Floors system will be backed by robust testing and a relentless commitment to quality, so you always get the very best performance from your Action Floors surface.
So, tell us—Who’s Your Athlete? Let’s find the perfect sports flooring solution for their needs.