Whether you have never marked a pitch before, or you just want a reminder, this FREE guide will be of great use!
Including 9 easy to follow steps to do the initial mark of a football pitch from scratch. This guide uses the pitch dimensions from the FA for Over-18 and Adult-Football.
Follow the guide below, or download the PDF guide using the button below.
View the dimensions for all football size pitches using the button below.
What You’ll Need:
Line Marking Machine |
Line Marking Paint |
Measuring Tape |
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String Line |
Pegs |
3-4-5 Triangle (Optional) |
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Preparations: |
1Cut the grass and make sure any grass cuttings are removed from pitch. Paint the grass when dry, if possible. |
2Find the dimensions for the football pitch you will be marking. This guide will be using full size pitch dimensions for over-18 & adult football. |
3Prepare your paint. For example, Elements 6:1 is a concentrate and needs mixing thoroughly with water – 3:1 for initial marking, and 6:1 for overmarking. |
4Pour the mixed paint into your machine and you’re ready to mark the pitch!
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Marking The Pitch:
Step 1 With Goals in Place |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. Measurements A-B - 100.58m / 110 yards |
Step 3 |
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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. |
Step 4 |
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Measure and peg out the box perimeters from centre of 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 5 |
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Measure and peg out the half way 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 6 |
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Find the midpoint of the halfway line and mark the centre spot with aerosol or brush. Place a peg in the centre spot and 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 7 |
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From the centre of the goal lines, measure out and paint the penalty spot, using either your machine, a paint brush, or aerosol. Measurements A-B - 10.97m / 12 yards |
Step 8 |
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From the penalty spot, measure out the radius for the “D” and mark the line using the same method as step 6 Measurements A-B - 9.14m / 10 yards |
Step 9 |
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Finish the job by marking the corners using the same method as step 6, and enjoy the game. Measurements A-B - 0.91m / 1 yard |
How did it go? Share your pitch with us on social media!
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