Installing a basketball net along the edge of your driveway or porch can provide hours of fun for the basketball lover. Basketball goals are available from single pole designs for simple backboard installation to the more complicated adjustable arm goals that raise and lower the net. Whichever basketball net you choose, install it at a location that provides enough space to play safely. When setting up a basketball net, be sure to recruit a partner to help with the heavy lifting.
Step 1
Dig a 2-foot wide by 2-foot deep hole in the ground using posthole diggers or a spade shovel along the edge of your court. Check with your utility companies for the locations of buried utility lines.
Step 2
Mark a line on your pole with chalk 18 inches from the bottom of the pole. Mix 850 lbs. of concrete -- about 10 1/2 80-lb. bags -- according to the directions of the manufacturer and fill the hole to the top with the mixed concrete.
Step 3
Insert the basketball goal post into the concrete. Leave the chalk line visible just above the top of the concrete. Fill the goal post with the remaining concrete. Make sure the pole is straight by using a level and brace the pole with rope and wooden stakes to hold the pole straight as the concrete sets. Check the pole with the level a few times during the first one or two hours to confirm the pole is still straight up and down. Let the concrete continue to set for 48 to 72 hours.
Step 4
Assemble the basketball goal on the ground. Attach the rim and any mounting brackets to the backboard. Depending on the basketball goal you choose, the goal installs to a bracket attached to the pole with U-bolts or to an adjustable arm. The adjustable arm lets you raise or lower the goal to a height allowing a small child to enjoy the game as much as an adult.
Step 5
Attach the backboard and goal to the pole. Recruit a partner to help you lift the goal in place. Mount the backboard securely to the posts using the mounting bolts supplied with the goal. Tighten the bolts using an adjustable wrench. Attach the net to the rim by hooking the loops at the top of the net over the hooks on the rim.
Things You'll Need
- Posthole digger or spade shovel
- Measuring tape
- Chalk
- Concrete
- Level
- Rope
- Wooden stakes
- Adjustable wrench
References
- Half Court Sports: Pole Installation
- Basketball Hoops Unlimited: Installation Tips for Your Basketball System
- Basketball Manitoba: How To... Install a Basketball Hoop
- Lifetime.com: Universal Mounting Kit Assembly Instructions and Owner's Manual
- Basketball Goal Store: Goalrilla E1 Basketball System Owner's Manual
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