Thinking of installing a basketball hoop? Before you do, learn some tips to help it go more smoothly.
Installing a basketball hoop may seem like an easy task,
but if you do it incorrectly, you will have a dangerous, heavy hazard in your yard. Always follow the installation instructions that come with the system you buy to the letter, and consider these tips as you install it.
If you are installing the system outdoors, you will need to dig a hole. A post hole digger is an excellent tool to use. Dig the hole approximately eight to 10 inches around and 30 inches deep. A digging bar will also help you.
Once you have the hole in place, you will need to cement the pole in place. With four to six 60-pound bags of concrete, you should be in good shape. However, you will need to devise a brace for the pole or have a friend help you hold it while you pour the concrete in.
Mix a bag at a time in a five-gallon bucket, and pour it around the base of the pole in the ground. Fill the hole until it is four to six inches from ground level. You need the pole to be straight, so check it with a level several times during the first hour while the concrete is in place. Once you are certain it is level, do not allow anyone to touch it for the first 12 hours. You will want to leave the pole in place for at least 48 hours before installing the basketball hoop and any other parts of the system. Once the 48 hours have passed, fill in the remainder of the hole with dirt.
Once the cement is dry, you will need to install all of the extension arms that came with your system. Follow the instructions on the system to ensure that you do this correctly.
The backboard can be the trickiest part to install if the system is a fixed height system. You can get some friends and a bunch of ladders and try to do this, but a better way is to rent a hand crank lift at a local hardware store. This allows one person to install the backboard alone. Still, use caution, because backboards are heavy and will be high in the air, making them dangerous.
Another thing you will need to consider is the location of your basketball hoop. You will want it close to the playing surface, whether that is the cul-de-sac in front of your home or your own driveway. Placing it too far back will create difficulty when you play. However, you want to consider the placement as well so that you have sufficient playing space for whatever game you anticipate playing.
Remember, every basketball hoop system is going to be a little bit different, but these basic tips will help you with your installation. If you feel that you lack the skills to install it properly, consider having someone do it for you professionally. This will ensure that you have it done right the first time, with no risk to your family or your property.
