Home court advantage isn’t a myth. It’s real. Statistics show that over the past 25 years, home teams in the NBA win around 58% to 60% of the time. Thanks to an unplanned experiment called COVID-19, we know that part of home court advantage is the crowd. In 2020, the win rate dropped to 54% when arenas were almost completely empty.
Home court advantage diminished without spectators, but it didn’t disappear. So, there must be more to it. Players will tell you there is a real physical advantage to playing at home. Knowing there is a “dead spot” on the court, one that your opponent isn’t aware of, might give you an extra opportunity for a steal.
The other explanation is more intangible, but no less real. The design of a court can galvanize the home team and simultaneously intimidate the visiting team. Imagine an opposing player walking onto the new San Jose State home court. Blue and gold is everywhere. There is a huge Spartan logo at center court. Five menacing Spartans create a wall of shields spelling out SJSU. You would start wishing you were back home.
If you want to create this sort of home court advantage for your client, Padenpor gym flooring has some important features that other floors might lack. First, the Padenpor color palette is more versatile. Its broad color selection is more likely to match team colors, which you can use to foster team spirit. While boosting morale for the home team, the use of team colors also lets the visiting team know that this is not in a neutral space.
Padenpor allows you to design with team colors on a whole new level. If you want to cover the entire court with your team colors, it’s not a problem. Even if you create the indoor equivalent of Boise State’s “The Blue,” Padenpor can do that. The versatile color options of Padenpor, including custom colors, means almost anything is possible.
Court graphics are another way to create a home team advantage. Since the beginning of competitive sports, logos and mascots have been used to rally supporters and teammates alike. It’s common to see sports logos on hats, shirts, and uniforms. But, putting team graphics on the court surface is different. On the court, it says in the most direct way to players and fans, “this is our home.” It might seem like the playing surface itself is rooting for the home team.
Court graphics are another area where Padenpor is exceptional as a sports surface. Since Padenpor is a solid surface without seams or patterns, stenciled graphics have a clean look that makes them stand out. This advantage applies to game lines as well. A Padenpor gym is one with clear markings and precise lines. If you want to make a bold statement with a center court logo, Padenpor makes certain it will get attention.
If you are designing an athletic space where competition is the focus, Padenpor will leave no doubt as to which team is the home team. Contact Abacus Sports. We can help you through the logistics, planning, and installation of a court that will give your team the competitive edge.