Basketball in Barcelona: Jardins de Clotilde Cerdà, Monumental

Living in Barcelona since April 2018. Experiencing the city through Basketball

Another day strolling through Barcelona, a great way to learn the streets of a city. I’ve walked to my fourth court in one week and my legs are now feeling the fatigue. I’ve not played this much basketball since college in 2008 and I’m only shooting around.

The court I visited today is Jardins de Clotilde Cerdà in Monumental. The court is right next to Monumental train station. The accessibility is one of the reasons the location is so popular and to get there you need to get the L2 line of the subway.

The area is vibrant, the walls full of artwork and the buildings surrounding the court don’t interfere with the sun for most of the day. There are shops nearby and a park a few feet away from the court. The court is visible and seems a safe place for any younger athletes.

The floor of the court is the flattest one I have seen yet but still slopes from sideline to sideline. This is enough to make you need to adjust your jump shot from the same spot on the opposite side. The Lining on the floor is beaten up and could do with a makeover whilst the three-point line and the free throw line are a step away in distance. The only other issue with the flooring is a huge ditch near the sideline. It is out the way enough to play on the court, but one wrong step could be the end of your ankle.

The baskets are made by speed courts just like the last two courts I have visited, so I know I will be doing some research this week to find out more about the company. The rims are well used and give a little on impact, this means the ball does not bounce so far when it hits the rim. The nets are made with chain yet somehow one is torn but still usable and does not affect the ball when it goes in.

So, based on the vibrant location, the good baskets and the fact that I can get a pickup game there most days of the week, I rate it 8 out of 10 which is the highest rating so far. I am looking forward to my kit arriving in Barcelona, so I can see first-hand the standard in the area.

Until then be safe, keep balling and I’ll see you out there.

WB