Size guide

How big should a gaga pit be?

Our standard pit is a regular octagon about 5.8 m across, with a wall height of 60 cm or 80 cm. Here is what that means for the space you need, the timber you buy and the players it suits.

The footprint

Plan for about 9 m × 9 m.

The octagon has eight equal 2.4 m sides and measures about 5.8 m from one flat wall to the opposite one. Add roughly 1.5 m of clear space all the way around for the entry and for players to move, and you need a level area of about 9 m by 9 m.

It does not need a concrete slab. Grass, mulch or compacted gravel all work if the ground is level and drains well, and it also sits happily on asphalt or paving. See what base to use for a gaga pit.

about 5.8 m across8 sides, 2.4 m eachallow about 9 m × 9 m in total
60 cm kit80 cm kit
Best forPrimary schools, younger playersHigh schools, older students
Wall height60 cm (3 sleepers)80 cm (4 sleepers)
Sleepers to source locallyAbout 24About 32
Across the pitAbout 5.8 mAbout 5.8 m
Site allowanceAbout 9 m × 9 mAbout 9 m × 9 m
Kit price$499$549

60 cm or 80 cm?

Pick the wall height by the age of your players.

The footprint is the same for both kits, so the only decision is how tall the wall is. Taller is not always better.

Choose 60 cm (3 sleepers) for primary schools and younger children. It is easier to step over, easy to see across, and keeps the ball low and the games friendly.

Choose 80 cm (4 sleepers) for high schools, older students and youth groups. A taller wall keeps a harder-hit ball in play and suits faster, stronger players.

Mixed ages? If the pit will be used by a wide range, say Year 6 up to Year 9, 80 cm is usually the better pick.

Compare the two kits

The timber

It is built around standard 2.4 m sleepers.

The standard build uses H4 treated pine, 200 × 75 mm, bought from a local timber supplier. The kit comes with the brackets, hardware, printed instructions and a timber list. See the shopping list for Bunnings and Bowens for quantities.

An 80 cm octagonal gaga pit of hardwood sleepers on a school yard, showing its eight-sided shape

Players

How many can play at once?

A pit this size is big enough for the ball to travel and small enough to keep games quick. Most groups play with about 8 to 12 players at a time, and fewer for younger children. Start small and add players if the games stay fun.

Something different?

Need a different layout?

Tell us about your site on the quote form and we will reply personally.

Frequently asked questions.

How big is a gaga pit?

Our standard gaga pit is a regular octagon about 5.8 m across, with eight 2.4 m sides. Allow a level area of about 9 m × 9 m including space around it.

How many players fit in a gaga pit?

Most groups play with about 8 to 12 players at a time. Younger children often do better in smaller groups of 4 to 6.

How high should the walls be?

60 cm suits primary schools and younger players. 80 cm suits high schools and older students.

Can we make the pit a different size?

The standard kit builds the 5.8 m octagon. If your site is unusual, tell us on the quote form and we will reply personally.

Does it need a concrete slab?

No. It can sit on grass, mulch, compacted gravel or crushed rock, or on existing asphalt or paving, as long as the ground is level and drains well.

Ready to plan?

Get the paperwork for your organisation.

Get a quote