Basketball goals can be assembled by compiling the individual parts or by obtaining a complete kit. With either approach, a concrete footing near the end of the basketball court supports the goal post, and the backboard mounts on arms that attach to the post. Typically, the post and arms are square steel tubes. A steel plate at the base of the post mounts on anchor bolts in the concrete footing. If you're compiling the parts, welded connections may prove to be easier than drilling the tube steel for bolts. A backboard kit can be obtained through most sporting goods outlets. Complete goal kits have pre-drilled components and most include the backboard, hoop and net.
Step 1
Use a post-hole tool to dig a 16-inch diameter footing 48 inches deep near the end of the basketball court. Mix the concrete in a mixing tub and pour the footing for the goal post. The footing should top off even with the surface of the court. Reinforcing steel bars should be used in sandy soil conditions.
Step 2
Lay out the locations for the anchor bolts using a piece of cardboard as a template to mark the holes in the steel plate at the base of the goal post. Install 5/8-inch diameter anchor bolts in the footing with 2 inches of thread exposed. Allow the concrete to cure overnight.
Step 3
Lay the 12-foot goal post on two sawhorses. Use the provided bolts and nuts or welding equipment to attach the lower extension arm to the post. The lower arm should be 10 feet from the underside of the post base. Weld the upper extension arm even with the top of the goal post or attach it at the pre-drilled location.
Step 4
Attach the upper and lower backboard supports perpendicular to the ends of the extension arms. Remove the protective packaging from the backboard and attach the hoop to the backboard using the provided bolts, washers and nuts.
Step 5
Place the backboard on the upper and lower supports. Measure from the underside of the post base and position the backboard so the top of the hoop is 10 feet from the underside of the post base. Attach the backboard to the upper and lower supports using the provided bolts, washers and nuts.
Step 6
Have several assistants raise the goal post and install it on the anchor bolts. Plumb the post in all directions with a 4-foot level. Use 1-inch diameter steel washers under the base plate as needed to plumb the goal post. Thread machine nuts on the anchor bolts and tighten them with a socket and ratchet.
Step 7
Position an A-frame ladder near the hoop. Have an assistant spot the ladder. Refer to the instructions for the correct method of looping the net on the hoop hooks and attach the basketball net to the hoop.
Things You'll Need
- Post-hole tool
- Concrete mix
- Mixing tub
- Cardboard
- 5/8-inch anchor bolts
- Sawhorses
- 4-foot level
- 1-inch diameter steel washers
- Socket and ratchet
- A-frame ladder
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