A freestanding basketball goal must be stable and relatively easy to move about at times. A goal made from steel pipe would be heavy and one made from wood would require moisture protection and regular maintenance. Schedule 80 ABS pipe makes a sound framework for the base of the freestanding goal, and it has the stability for a sturdy riser that supports the backboard and basket.
Step 1
Measure and cut 2 pieces of PVC pipe 48 inches long. Put PVC primer on the ends and swab with PVC cement. Attach 90-degree bends to each of the four ends and make sure all are pointing in the same direction when the pieces are side by side. These are the sides of the base.
Step 2
Cut four pieces of PVC 20 inches long. Cement a straight tee between two pieces to make the front rail of the frame. Cement a 45 tee between the remaining two pieces to make the back rail of the frame.
Step 3
Place the sides on a flat surface and align the front and back rails between in a square configuration. Prime and cement the front rail to the sides, making sure the opening in the tee is pointing straight up. Repeat this for the back piece, making sure the 45 tee is on top and facing toward the front of the base.
Step 4
Stand a piece of PVC in the straight tee as a riser. Insert a second piece in the 45 tee at the base and mark both pieces where the back piece intersects the riser. Cut the riser at this mark and cement it into the base tee.
Step 5
Cement a 45 tee at the top of the riser so that it is pointing downward at the 45 tee on the rear of the base. Measure the distance between the 45 tees, cut a piece of PVC and cement it into the front and rear 45 tees.
Step 6
Cement a 90-degree bend onto a length of PVC. The height from the ground to the center of the bend will be 10 feet, which is regulation for a basketball hoop. Cut the piece of PVC to arrive at the correct height once the piece is installed in the riser tee. Cement the piece into the riser tee with the bend pointing out, toward the court.
Step 7
Cut a 12-inch piece of PVC and cement it into the bend. Cement an ABS toilet hub to the end of this piece. Attach the backboard to the hub with carriage bolts, lock washers and nuts. Attach the basket to the backboard with the bolts provided in the kit.
Tips and Warnings
- Accessory wheels from a garden mower can be attached at the front of the frame for ease in moving. The base can be filled with water to stabilize the goal. Drill a 1-1/2" diameter filler hole, midway on the 45-degree brace. Drill a 7/8-inch hole on the base and insert a boat plug as a drain. Weight can also be rested against the bottom of base, if necessary, depending on where the goal is located.
- Use gloves when working with PVC primer and cement. Wear eye protection when cutting PVC pipe.
Things You'll Need
- 4-inch Schedule 80 PVC pipe
- 5 90-degree bends
- 3 Straight tees
- 2 45-degree tees
- PVC primer
- PVC cement
- 4-inch toilet hub
- 2 carriage bolts with lock washers and nuts
- Backboard and basket kit
- Tape measure
- Marking crayon
- Hand saw
- Adjustable wrench
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