4 Tips to Add Smart Tech to Your Backyard Court in Minnesota

Having a backyard athletic court is a great way to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather in Minnesota. 

While the standard athletic court equipment is great, leveling up your athletic court with smart tech can elevate your experience. From keeping your court lit at night to maximizing convenience, smart solutions can make your court more enjoyable, efficient, and safer. 

C&C Courts encourages our clients to choose smart tech to enhance their home game courts. We’ve put together this guide of awesome smart tech for your athletic court, so you can outfit your backyard with the ultimate home sports experience. 

Motion-Activated Lighting

Minnesota’s short daylight hours and the desire for evening play year-round make motion-activated and smart lighting systems a top priority. Motion sensors detect movement on or around the court and automatically trigger the lights to turn on. They can be programmed to stay on for a set duration after the last detected motion. 

The benefits of motion-activated lighting include:

• Energy efficiency

• Instant play with proper visibility

• Enhance safety 

• Doubles as a security feature

• Provides winter convenience for lighting

Some considerations for outdoor smart lighting in Minnesota include:

• Choosing lights that have a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating, to ensure they’re protected against snow and ice

• Ensuring the lights are rated for extreme weather

• Strategically place sensors to cover the entire playing area

• Integrate with your smart home system for app control and scheduling

Digital Scorekeeping Systems

Whether you love hosting tournaments or just want to up your athletic court game, consider installing a modern digital scoreboard. These systems typically include an LED display board that is controlled wirelessly or by a phone app. They can track time, scores, fouls, possession, and even shot clocks for basketball. 

Some benefits of home digital scoreboards include:

• Enhanced realism

• Fair play

• Ease of use

• Versatility

• Engagement for competitive and organized play

Like any outdoor electronics in Minnesota, you need to consider a few things, including:

• Outdoor rating for extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV exposure (you can also look for weatherproof enclosures) 

• Visibility and brightness 

• Consider a solar power source to minimize wiring

• Connectivity with wireless control

• Durable to withstand impacts from balls

Virtual Trainers for Solo Practice

For serious aspiring athletes, especially when a coach isn’t available, virtual trainers leverage technology to provide personalized feedback and structured practice. 

These systems involve smart sensors (in a ball, on a hoop, or as a standalone unit) that connect to a smartphone or tablet app. They track your metrics on shot accuracy, shot arc, dribble speed, and footwork. Virtual trainers can provide audio/visual feedback and guided drills. 

Benefits of a virtual trainer for solo practice include:

• Personalized feedback

• Structured drills for improving skills

• Anytime practice, day or night

• Motivation to improve

• Coach integration

Some examples of popular virtual trainers include:

• DribbleUp Smart Basketball: uses a ball and app for real-time dribbling feedback and virtual classes.

• Noahlytics/ShotTracker: Systems that analyze shot trajectory, entry angle, and location from any spot on the court. While these are typically for larger facilities, keep an eye open for smaller, home-sized ones. 

Other Smart Tech Accessories for Home Athletic Courts

Some additional smart tech for your home game court can include:

• Smart outdoor speakers for music 

• Smart outdoor outlets for plugging in equipment

• Security cameras to protect your yard

• LED or solar-powered light poles for ultimate visibility

• A microphone set up for game announcing (for neighborhood tournaments)

• Outdoor kitchen or bar for entertainment and keeping sports drinks cold

Build Your Home Game Court with C&C Courts

Has this blog inspired you to build an athletic court in your backyard? There are so many benefits of a home game court that you’ll have never-ending entertainment for your family and friends. Check out our step-by-step guide to designing a backyard athletic court, or check out our Design a Court feature to see a 3D rendering of your dream game court. 

Need more information about how we can build you the best home game court in Minnesota? Give us a call today at 952-746-4545 or request a quote online!