11th May 2023

How to Mark a Football Pitch From Scratch

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:

Preparations:

1 – Cutting the grass:

Cut the grass and make sure any grass cuttings are removed from pitch. Paint the grass when dry, if possible.

2 – Pitch Dimensions:

Find the dimensions for the football pitch you will be marking. This guide will be using full size pitch dimensions for over-18 & adult football.

3 – Preparing your paint:

Prepare 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.

4 – Preparing your line marking machine:

Pour the mixed paint into your machine and you’re ready to mark the pitch!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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