How To... Install a Basketball Hoop

Improve your basketball skills at home with your own practice
basketball hoop. Here are instructions for installing the free standing
kind...

The following information is simply a guide to
assist you with your project.  It is best to refer to the installation
instructions you were provided with your equipment. 

POLE INSTALLATION 

Steps

1. Choose a location near the surface
   you plan to use as the court. Driveways and patios work well.
2. Purchase a post-mount
   basketball goal kit from a sporting goods or department stores, home
   improvement center or lumberyard. The kit should include the backboard,
   rim, net, post mounting bracket and possibly the mounting post. (In some
   cases you'll have to purchase the post separately. If so, obtain the
   specifics for the size of the post from the instructions provided with the
   goal kit.)
3. Buy four 80-lb. bags of concrete
   from a lumberyard.
4. Dig a hole adjacent to the
   playing surface at least 36 inches deep and 18 inches in diameter.
5. Place the base of the post
   into the hole. You'll need guide wires, wooden bracing or a friend to help
   hold the post in a vertical position while working. Use a level to check
   its position often.
6. Mix the concrete according to
   the instructions on the bags. (Remember to keep the mix fairly dry. It
   will dry more quickly and will help support the post better as it dries.)
7. Fill the hole gently and
   evenly with the concrete mix to a level about 4 to 6 inches below ground
   level.
8. Allow cement to dry for at
   least 48 hours.
9. Fill the rest of the hole
   with dirt and pack it in tightly.
10. Attach the backboard to the
    post according to the instructions provided with the goal kit, and then
    mount the rim to the backboard.
11. Hang the net and you're ready
    to play.

Tips: 

1. Mobile basketball hoops are a
   fantastic, less permanent alternative. These units, which can be moved
   around on their wheeled bases, require little assembly and cost a bit more
   than standard poles.
2. Retractable poles are
   available; they allow easy adjustment of basket height for different skill
   levels.

Warnings: 

1. Some of the materials are
   fairly heavy and awkward. This is a project that might be a good
   two-person job.

Alternatives:

1. If you are looking for a
   professional to do the installation for you, contact some local concrete
   companies to get a quote on what it would cost.
2. Check with the place you
   purchased the hoop from about any installation services they may have too!

MOUNTING HOOP ONTO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE 

Practice your moves at home with your own basketball goal. You can install
one on an existing structure, such as a garage, quickly and inexpensively, here's how:

Steps:

1. Examine the playing surface
   near the structure you're planning to mount your goal on. The ideal court
   is level and smooth with plenty of room to play. Patios and driveways
   usually work well.
2. Purchase a rim, backboard and
   net. You'll find these at sporting goods or department stores.
3. Choose a set designed for
   rooftop or wall-mount applications. Some setups require that you buy the
   adjustable mounting bracket separately.
4. Secure the adjustable
   mounting bracket onto the structure according to the manufacturer's
   instructions. The mounting bracket should allow for adjustment to any roof
   pitch or structure face, or even a combination of the two, with the use of
   slide assembly and nut-and-bolt lockdowns.
5. Mount the backboard and rim
   according to the instructions included with your backboard/rim kit. This
   will primarily entail attaching the backboard to the bracket with a series
   of nuts and bolts.
6. Check the vertical attitude
   of the backboard with a small level. (An out-of-plumb backboard can make
   for some wild rebounding.)
7. Attach the net to the rim.

Tips:

• It's a good idea to coat any
  bolts that penetrate the structure's roof or wall with latex caulk to help
  seal out moisture, thus preventing premature rusting. The exposed heads of
  the bolts can be sealed the same way.    
• Regulation height of the rim
  is 10 feet from the playing surface; regulation rims measure 18 inches in
  diameter; and regulation nets hang 15 to 18 inches from the rim's hooks.
• Regulation backboards are 6
  feet by 3 1/2 feet. Smaller, fan-shaped backboards are also
  available.     

Warnings:   

• Use caution when handling
  mounting materials; some can be fairly heavy. You may want to have a
  friend help.
• Ensure the mounting structure
  is extremely secure and a full solid wall is recommended.