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How to Set an In-Ground Basketball Hoop

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Home Home Improvement DIY Projects How to Set an In-Ground Basketball Hoop

Fast-setting concrete mix makes quick work of installing a basketball goal.

Playing basketball is a great way to get some exercise, and installing your own goal means you can shoot hoops whenever you want.

If you can’t wait to hit the ‘court,’ Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete is the speedy solution for setting a strong foundation.

Here’s how to set an in-ground basketball goal.

A post hole digger is the most efficient tool for digging a hole.

First, call 811 to make sure there are no underground utilities where you want the basketball goal. If your goal post comes with a set of instructions for hole depth and width, make sure you follow those guidelines.

Once you get the all-clear, grab a post hole digger and dig a hole — the edge of the hole should be, at most, 6 inches away from your playing surface. A hole that is 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep should give your post the necessary stability it needs for everyday use.
The bottom 6 inches will be used for something other than concrete. (You’ll see why in a second.)

Concrete is porous, so it’s important to add a layer of gravel for proper drainage.

Pour 6 inches of gravel or crushed stone into the hole — then use a 2-by-4 to compact and level the base. This creates a strong barrier between the concrete and the ground, ensures proper drainage and prevents the concrete’s erosion.

Tip: If the soil is sandy, use a building form
. The tubular form, made of ridged fiber, is used for pouring cylinder-shaped concrete foundations.

Place the basketball pole in the hole and use a level to make sure it’s perfectly vertical. Then pour Fast-Setting Concrete into the hole, just four inches below ground level.

You’ll need those four inches for the next step: pouring water inside the hole to saturate the concrete. Ensure the water reaches the bottom of the concrete by stirring or stabbing the mixture with a stick.

Check the basketball goal’s instructions for any special steps you need to take. We’re pouring concrete around a pole for this how-to, but some in-ground basketball goals require a different installation process.

Either way, the concrete sets hard in 20 to 40 minutes, and you can attach the backboard after four hours — and shoot hoops before the day is done!

Installing an in-ground basketball goal takes no time compared to the countless hours of use that goal will get.
(DepositPhotos)

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DANNY LIPFORD

https://www. aboutdannylipford.com/

Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons.

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Basketball Hoop Installation – Goalrilla

INSTALLING YOUR GOAL

Never installed a basketball goal before and not sure where to start? Not a problem. Regardless of where you purchased your hoop, you’ll have the option of installing it yourself or paying a professional to do it for you. The following article will walk you through the steps.

The following videos will walk you step-by-step through the process of installing an in-ground basketball goal.

Installing the anchor kit

Part 2

Goal Installation

MIXING CONCRETE FOR AN IN-GROUND INSTALLATION

The secret to a long-lasting basketball hoop is in foundation. Achieving the correct mixture of dry concrete and water can give your goal additional years of life!

A mixture that is too thin lacks the strength needed to properly hold the steel pole in place. A mixture that is too thick will leave you struggling to fill voids that can’t be seen below, again compromising strength. So how do you achieve the perfect balance? Let’s find out!

Compressive Strength

Concrete is rated by its compressive strength, which means: how much pressure per square inch can a standard cylinder of concrete withstand before breaking. These ratings are derived from standardized machines which can evenly apply pressure across the surface of a concrete cylinder.

Compressive strength is largely determined by the composition of the mix. Walk into any home improvement store and you’ll see a variety of mixes that advertise ‘fast setting,’ ‘high-strength,’ ‘crack resistant,’ etc. The main difference between each of these is some mixes may contain additional ingredients, such as fiberglass, to provide even greater bond strength.

If you have a specific mix you’re looking for, then great, you already know what to get. However, if you’re simply trying to follow the instructions for your hoop, your standard ‘High-Strength’ mix will do just fine.

What Does Goalrilla Recommend?

Goalrilla recommends purchasing 12-13 bags of Quikrete concrete mix. This concrete meets the ASTM C387 Standard Specifications for concrete.

While directions state you only need 11 bags, it’s not a bad idea to have an extra bag or two on hand in the event the installation gets a little messy. As you’ll find out, concrete mix can be difficult to move and it’s very easy to accidentally tear a bag open.

Mixing the Concrete

Once you have all the appropriate materials, start by opening 1-2 bags and pouring them into a large container. Add water according to what the instructions dictate.

For an 80 lb. bag, you’ll want to use 6 pints or 2.8 L of water, or for a 60 lb. bag, you’ll want to use 4 pints or 1.9 L per bag of concrete. If you don’t have measuring bucket around, a 2 L soda pop bottle will work to get a close enough estimation.

Create a depression in the center of the dry mix and add your water here. Work the mix with a hoe or other tool and ensure consistency across the batch. Properly mixed concrete should be wet, but firm enough to hold its shape and in an oatmeal-like consistency. You can test its consistency by picking up a handful while wearing gloves.

Do not let the mix sit for extended periods of time or you run the risk of letting it dry out. Move the mix to the freshly dug hole as soon as possible and agitate as you pour to help alleviate any voids. A trench shovel and extra set of hands will be helpful here.

On especially hot days you may need to add more water to the mix as water will evaporate. Always keep the mix moving and ensure the mix maintains its consistency.

Repeat these steps as necessary until you have the appropriate amount of concrete.

Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather

Installing your basketball hoop in winter is possible but has a few caveats. If the outside temperature is below 40° F (4.44° C) for an extended period of time, you will want to reconsider your install date. Temperatures below this threshold can cause all sorts of problems your average DIY installer is most likely not equipped to handle, nor would want to.

If you choose to pour concrete during the winter months, there are few things you or your installer will want to remember.

1. If the ground is frozen, you will need to wait until it thaws before you can even consider starting. You should NEVER place concrete in frozen ground, since it poses a number of problems from cracking, crusting, and settling unevenly.
2. Use a fast-setting mix with hot water. As the name implies, a fast-setting mix will usually set in under an hour. While it may set in under an hour, it will still take several days to cure. When mixing concrete in these temperatures, regardless of type, use hot water.
3. Use an accelerator. If you don’t have access to fast-setting concrete or have already purchased regular concrete, you can purchase an accelerator that helps increase the concrete hydration rate. This helps to shorten the setting time and gets the concrete to a higher strength earlier. Avoid any accelerators or additives containing calcium chloride as this will cause the rebar to rust and could potentially cause the concrete to crack. Do not mix fast-setting concrete and an accelerator.
4. Use curing blankets. Specifically, for cold-weather applications, concrete curing blankets help to trap in the heat and moisture, so the concrete can reach its proper strength. Additionally, these “blankets” protect the concrete from freezing. Blankets can be purchased from your local home improvement store for around $50-$60 depending on your area. Keep in mind they do not look like the blankets you would use in your home. These blankets look more tarp-like and usually come in rolls.

In addition to these tips, some professional installers may have other methods or tricks they use to set concrete in colder weather. In this case, it may be better to hire a professional to do the job as they will often have the necessary supplies, like curing blankets, already on hand.

As the cost of additional materials begins to add up, combined with the inconvenience of working in the cold, you may find it’s better to have someone else do it.

The recommended hole size is 16 inches in diameter and 48 inches deep. You will need eleven 80-lb bags of concrete for the installation.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION: Before you dig, call your local utilities to rule out the presence of buried cables including power, water, gas and phone lines. Failure to do so could result in serious or fatal injury.

For safety purposes, we recommend you have at least three capable persons to assist you.

For best results with less vibration, your Goalrilla Anchor System should be independent of your court. If pouring concrete for both at the same time, add an expansion joint in between.

The anchor system is set in concrete on Day 1 and requires at least 72 hours to cure. We recommend erecting your system on Day 5 to ensure the superior rock-solid performance for which Goalrilla is famous.

Too much overhang can reduce the amount of court space and cause excessive shaking due to the weight of the backboard being suspended too far from the main pole. Look for approximately 2 feet to 4 feet of overhang for the best balance of safety and performance. A basketball hoop with an overhang of 5 feet or more can compromise performance because the weight of the glass backboard will increase shake in the system. A basketball hoop with an overhang of 5 feet will actually encroach on the play surface by more than 7 feet once you add the 25 inches of rim that come out from the backboard surface.

 Overhang changes as the basketball goal is adjusted. Goalrilla basketball hoops are adjustable from the safety-approved height of 7.5 feet to the NBA and NCAA regulation height of 10 feet. Use the Goalrilla basketball goal overhang chart here to find your model and learn the distance in overhang at each height.

Not feeling up to the job? You can always hire a professional to install your basketball hoop for you. While you might be tempted to call a local construction company or handyman, and although some of these businesses might offer basketball goal installation, we recommend contacting a Goalrilla installation specialist. Installing a goal requires exact precision and specialized processes to ensure your goal is level and operating at peak performance. No one knows how to do this better than a Goalrilla specialist!

CHECK FOR GOALRILLA AUTHORIZED DEALERS

Step one should always be to see if there is an authorized dealer in your area, particularly a Goalrilla Platinum Dealer. Goalrillas are sold through a network of full service dealers throughout the country, and these Goalrilla specialists can not only help you find the best goal to purchase, but they can install it too. These dealers are installing hundreds of Goalrillas every year, and know our exact specifications, so you can trust that they will get it done right!

OTHER INSTALLERS TO CONSIDER

For some people living in more remote areas of the country, you may not have a Goalrilla dealer nearby. In that case, you might opt to purchase your Goalrilla online. Luckily, you can still find an installer by performing a Google search of “National installation and assembly service.” That will give you a good place to start.

If you don’t have a local Goalrilla dealer or installer in your area, then you may consider contacting a general contractor. A simple Google search for “basketball goal installers + [YOUR CITY],” should turn up some places to start. In this case, you may want to direct this service provider to our installation guide to make sure they have the correct information for a successful installation.

HOW MUCH SHOULD IT COST?

Managing the installation yourself has its own merit, but if you’re paying somebody to do it, you should expect professional quality. Professional installations should generally range anywhere from $400 to $600 from beginning to end. Especially if you are working with an installation company or local contractor, be sure to get a couple different quotes before committing to a purchase.

If you are considering a service provider that is not a Goalrilla authorized dealer for the installation of your basketball goal, you may want to consider asking the following questions…

This is by far the most important question to ask when evaluating an installer. It’s a no-brainer that if someone hasn’t done many other installations, you probably don’t want to be their first guinea pig. Most professional installers will have a gallery on their website showcasing their work. If they do not, it may be a good idea to see if they have a Facebook or other social media page where these photos are posted.

Installing a full in-ground system is a multi-step, multi-day process. The first day involves digging the hole and installing the concrete, followed by 3 days for the concrete to cure, and then final assembly of the goal. Make sure the quote you receive covers the concrete installation AND the assembly of the goal, as well as the materials to do the job.

Most installers have multiple projects running simultaneously, and this is especially true during the spring and summer months. You will likely not be the only project on the schedule.

Before committing to the installation, be sure to find out when they will start and when it will be completed. The installation for any Goalrilla will take at least 4 days, and a particularly busy installation schedule may delay your install date even further. Make sure your selected installer can get your goal installed in a timeline that works for you, so you can start playing as soon as possible!

Disregarding an installer’s other jobs, an installation may take more than 4 days depending on the weather. The concrete takes 3 days to cure in warm temperatures, so when the mercury begins to drop, the curing process can take significantly longer. Additionally, if the ground is frozen, it’ll be almost impossible to dig a hole.

More on cold-weather installations can be learned here. Be sure to discuss these conditions and other alternative options with the installer.

A botched installation can cause you and your family a lot of frustration and money. Check with the installer to see what their warranty policy is in the event of an error in installation. Be sure to make a note on the specifics of the warranty and get a copy if possible. If after the installation something seems wrong, immediately take notes and pictures to have as documentation when calling.

<>Accidents do happen and when there’s a several hundred-pound steel pole or backboard involved, the severity of some accidents can escalate quickly. If an independent contractor (aka the installer) ends up getting injured while doing an installation on your property, you could be responsible.

This is one of the major reasons hiring a professional from a reputable company is a must for this type of project. A reputable company will carry insurance for these types of accidents and injuries, so you don’t have to worry about a lawsuit. Always be sure to ask before agreeing to any installation and see the certificate of insurance for general liability.

For some people, there may be additional steps you need to take before an installer can begin work. The major task that needs to be completed is having the utility lines marked. Since there is a 4-foot deep hole that must be dug at the installation site, you and the installer need to be aware of any buried cables. Call 811 at least a few days ahead of the dig date to have the cables marked.

Additionally, most installers will need to have the area around the installation mowed, the driveway free of any cars, toys, or other debris, and the boxed goal easily accessible at the installation site (If you purchase your goal from a Goalrilla authorized dealer, they will likely deliver the goal themselves for installation).

Also, be sure to ask the installer if you need to be present for the installation. Even if you don’t have to be, being on-site during installation can help to resolve any questions that may arise.

Once the goal installed, there are a few final clean-up notes to consider. Be sure to ask how any excess dirt will be handled or disposed of. If you would like to reuse the dirt, agree upon where the excess dirt will be placed. A request to have the dirt placed on the side of the house or in a designated corner in the backyard shouldn’t be a problem.

Also, if you purchased your Goalrilla goal online, it will be delivered on a pallet via a freight shipment. Ask if your installer can take care of disposing of this pallet as well.

Find A Local Installer

Not feeling up to the job yourself? No problem. View our list below of Goalrilla basketball goal installers to get the help you need.

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maintenance

In the following blog post, we will share basketball court ideas, basketball court dimensions, and basketball court size so you could start playing...

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maintenance

After purchasing a Goalrilla basketball goal online from our website, here are the steps to expect.

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maintenance

It’s important to know how to store your basketball goal and its accessories in the winter. Read our tips here!

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How to equip a basketball court in the country or in the yard

Basketball develops the child's physical abilities - coordination, endurance, develops strong-willed qualities, concentration, attentiveness and teaches non-standard thinking. Professionals recommend sending a child to the basketball section from the age of 8-9, but outside the city or in the yard, you can “chase the ball” from an early age.

I myself equipped a basketball court in my country house and now I am ready to share the secrets of its arrangement. I'll tell you what you need to do, how to choose the right equipment and how to care for it.

Prepare basketball court surface

To create a basketball court in accordance with all the rules, you need to select a flat horizontal surface for it and fill it with concrete. After that, I recommend applying a special rubber coating, like on playgrounds in the yard. There is a more expensive coating option - from rubber.

The coating will provide cushioning - the ball will bounce well.

If it is not possible to organize a special platform, you can simply place a rack or hanging basket on a dirt surface. In this case, the ball bounce will not be so strong. An important requirement for safety: the surface must be flat, without holes and bumps.

The dimensions of the site depend on the features of your yard or plot in the country. A full-fledged basketball court has dimensions of 28 × 15 meters. However, not everyone has the opportunity to build such a site in the country.

It is necessary to take into account the technical features of the game. The three-point line in basketball is 6.75 meters from the hoop. Therefore, it is necessary that the size of the site be at least 10 × 13 meters. If you are not going to train three-point shots, a 5 × 5 meter court will do.

Mark out

The second step is to mark up. It is important to use paints of contrasting colors. It is better to buy paints with a high content of rubber or polymer.

If you are equipping a basketball court for children, make the markings bright so that they cheer you up and attract attention. For the game of teenagers and adults, it is better to immediately apply technically correct markings.

Place a small fence or protective net on the site. Thanks to them, you do not have to constantly run after the ball to the other end of the site.

Buy stand or backboard

It is difficult to answer the question of what is better - a basketball stand or a backboard. It all depends on taste, tasks and opportunities. Each of these types of equipment has its pros and cons.

There are two types of racks: mobile and static. The static one is mounted in the ground.

The base of the mobile rack is filled with sand or water - for stability. The main advantage of a mobile rack is that it can be moved from place to place. This is convenient when there is no dedicated basketball court or if you are going to play other games in this area, such as tennis or football.

The main requirement for racks is their stability. It will be much more comfortable and safer to play if you are sure that the stance will withstand a blow of any force.

Pay attention to the materials from which the racks are made. A static rack will be outdoors throughout the year, which means it must be made of reliable materials. It is better to buy racks from well-known manufacturers. So, the American companies Spalding or Royal Fitness guarantee high quality, durability and safety.

Basketball backboards can be made in the country with your own hands from a board, chipboard or plywood remnants. If this option does not suit you, you can purchase semi-professional or professional options in stores.

There are four types of materials from which the shield surface is made: composite, polycarbonate, acrylic and tempered glass. The first one is the cheapest. It is intended for entry-level players. Now manufacturers offer a large selection of colors. A carbonate backboard will provide a good bounce of the ball. An acrylic shield is bought to hold competitions or intense games.

The mobile stand can be moved, so it is suitable for a playground in the country and for those who want to play other games besides basketball

Shields and racks made of tempered glass look solid. They will be appreciated by experienced basketball players

Pay attention to rings

You can buy cheap rings, but I don't recommend doing that. In a year they will deteriorate and you will have to buy new ones. Basketball hoops from Spalding and Royal Fitness are made from quality metal that won't rust in the rain.

The ring must have a springy structure - no rigid attachment to the shield.

According to NBA rules, the ring must be fixed at a distance of about three meters from the ground. For a game with the participation of younger students, it can be hung lower so that it is not very easy to hit it, but at the same time it is quite possible.

Choose rings made from high quality metal to last for many years. For a game involving adults and teenagers, metal chain rings are suitable. They are distinguished by durability and strength.

Know what types of basketballs exist

Success in the game depends on the basketball.

They are divided by size. Size 7 is for men, 5 for women. Even smaller balls are bought for children. The size 6 ball is suitable for street ball or street basketball where the game is played on half the field.

You also need to take into account where you will play the ball: on the street or in the hall. The street ball has a stronger bounce, it is harder and more wear-resistant, but the indoor ball is more convenient to hold in your hands.

It is important to pay attention to the composition of the basketball. Well-known companies use complex polymer compositions for its production. The more expensive the ball, the more complex the polymer composition. The quality of the material determines how comfortable it will be for the players to hold the ball, what kind of rebound it has from the floor and from the bow of the ring.

Another important nuance: do not forget to purchase a pump with any needle.

If you want the ball to have good grip and bounce well, you need to choose polymer models from world famous manufacturers

Proper care

Professional athletes are ready to play in any weather, but it is better for amateurs not to follow their example. If you store, use and care for your basketball arsenal in the wrong way, its lifespan will be shortened. Humidity will ruin the ball and all equipment, so you can’t leave them outside during rain and snow.

Balls should only be stored in a dry and ventilated room at a temperature of 10 to 20 °C.

Before winter storage, water must be poured out of the base of the mobile rack, and then removed from the street. If you don't feel like doing this every time, fill the rack with sand. Then it will not need to be constantly moved. Basketball stands from Royal Fitness can be left outside in the winter.

Points to remember when setting up a basketball court

1. The area needs to be determined. The classic version - 28 × 15 meters - is not suitable for everyone. For a dacha, a 5 × 5 meter area will be enough if you want to train three-point shots.
2. Don't forget the markup. It should be in a contrasting color. Bright colors will interest children and cheer them up.
3. It is necessary to install a protective net so as not to constantly run after the ball to the other end of the area.
4. If the shield is stable, then it is safe. A mobile stand from a well-known manufacturer will also not let you down, and it can be moved around the site.
5. When choosing a basketball, you need to focus on the players. For games involving children and adults, balls of different sizes are needed.
6. If you want a basketball ring that doesn't rot in a year and you don't have to spend money on buying a new one, choose rings from well-known manufacturers made of high quality metal.
7. Don't forget about care. Do not leave equipment and inventory on the street. Racks need to be removed to the house for the winter.

Reliable support for a strong fence - Realnoe Vremya

Real Estate

00:00, 06/29/2022 Plot: House in focus

5 questions about how to choose and properly install support posts for a quality fence

If the fence falls, bulges out of the ground or shows other signs of "unstable nature" - as a rule, the pillars are to blame. Or rather, not they themselves, but those who chose and installed them incorrectly. We understand what pillars are, what they can be made of and what to provide for when installing them.

Guardrail posts can be divided into three main groups according to the material from which they are made.

Wooden poles are made from solid logs or skinned logs. This is a rather capricious material, because the tree will have to be reliably protected from rot and moisture - after all, such a pillar is dug directly into the ground. This is done either by means of special impregnations, or by simple wrapping with roofing material. Therefore, as a rule, such supports are installed by those who have unlimited access to cheap wood - after a while, wooden supports will need to be changed. The cross section of the beam should be at least 10x10 cm if the fence is low (up to one and a half meters), and 15x15 cm if the height is 2 m or more.

Metal supports are the most popular option. As a rule, pipes of the most diverse profile are used (both round, and rectangular, and square). Most often, on the sites, metal poles stand straight as they are, in their original form. But if the highest decorative effect is important, then they are covered with stone or brick - a stone pillar reinforced with a metal core is obtained.

Stone pillars - not the cheapest option and not the easiest to arrange. If it is not reinforced with a metal core, then this option is possible if the entire fence is assembled from stone (laid into a form of metal mesh).

This is an intermediate option between a wooden post and a metal one. If you really want a beautiful wooden beam, but you don’t want to process it and change it every five years, then shoes come to the rescue. These are short metal poles, the upper part of which is hollow and is a kind of "shaft" - a wooden bar is inserted into it. Thus, all the moisture from the ground does not get on the tree - the pole is reliably protected by a metal shoe. In this case, waterproofing is performed between metal and wood. Such wooden poles can last quite a long time - up to 15 years.

The wall thickness of the metal post is important. It should be at least 2 mm, and even better 3. But the thickness of the profile section can be arbitrary. True, it determines the maximum width of the span between the pillars. For example, you can buy a pipe with a section of 60x60 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm - and then the spans will be two or three meters long. If the parameters of the metal pole are smaller, you will have to put them every one and a half meters, and this will cost both more and more labor-intensive.

At the same time, it must be remembered that the entrance group must be reinforced, because the operational load on the gate and gate is higher than on the rest of the fence. So the pillars for these zones should be more massive. For example, it is desirable to make gate posts with a rectangular profile, with a section of at least 100x120 mm.

The installation depth of the poles depends on how deep the soil in our area freezes. Another important parameter is how much windage the main material of the fence will have. For example, a profiled sheet is a material of amazing windage, so the supports need to be dug in deeper than if you have a picket fence between the posts, which quietly passes the wind.

The depth of soil freezing is a standard value, it is in the tables for each region. For example, in Kazan it is determined on average as 170 cm. But it also depends on the type of soil - for example, sandy loam freezes deeper than loam.

So, the fence post must be lowered below the freezing depth - if the fence is made of mesh, for example, then 10 cm below the freezing level is enough. And if there is a profiled sheet, you will need to go deeper by about half a meter.

This is optional.

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