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.
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