Home » Misc » How much does a basketball hoop weigh
How much does a basketball hoop weigh
Average Basketball Hoop Weight (with 17 examples)
In short, an average basketball hoop weighs around 130 pounds (59 kilos) dry weight, which means the weight of the hoop when its base is not filled with sand nor water. On average, you can expect to add 400 pounds (180 kilos) of sand or 245 pounds (110 kilos) of water to that number to get a “real world” example.
Obviously, this depends dramatically on the size and construction of your portable basketball hoop so I’ll include a bunch of examples later in this article. As a general rule, you can expect your basketball hoop, filled with sand, to weigh about 550 pounds or 375 pounds filled with water.
I’m assuming you’re wondering how much does a basketball hoop weigh because you’re trying to figure out how big of a basketball hoop you need to be secure enough for kids or yourself, and occasional dunking.
In general, a portable basketball hoop with a base capacity of 35 gallons and more is suitable for older teenagers and grown men. Anything less than that and you risk crashing it down on you, your loved ones, or even your vehicle.
These are a few examples of popular basketball hoop models and how much they weigh:
54 pounds without water or sand – Lifetime 90023 (44’’ backboard, 31-gallon base)
56 pounds without water or sand – Lifetime 1269 (44’’ backboard, 27-gallon base)
78 pounds without water or sand – Lifetime 90491 (48” backboard, 31-gallon base)
83 pounds without water or sand – Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System (48″ backboard, 37-gallon base)
100 pounds without water or sand – Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop (52’’ backboard, 35-gallon base)
107 pounds without water or sand – Lifetime 71524 (54’’ backboard, 35-gallon base)
110 pounds without water or sand – Spalding Pro Slam NBA Basketball System (54’’ backboard, 37-gallon base)
113 pounds without water or sand – Spalding NBA Hercules Pro Glide Advanced Lift (52’’ backboard, 39-gallon base)
130 pounds without water or sand – Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Jr (44’’ backboard, 30+ gallon base)
145 pounds without water or sand – Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Jr (48’’ backboard, 30+ gallon base)
154 pounds without water or sand – Spalding NBA Hybrid (54’’ backboard, 40+ gallon base)
155 pounds without water or sand – Silverback NXT (50’’ backboard, 25-gallon base)
161 pounds without water or sand – Spalding NBA (54’’ backboard, 40-gallon base)
190 pounds without water or sand – Spalding Pro-Tek Basketball System (54’’ backboard, 40-gallon base)
202 pounds without water or sand – Spalding NBA Hybrid (60’’ backboard, 40+ gallon base)
240 pounds without water or sand – Spalding NBA (60’’ backboard, 40-gallon base)
348 pounds without water or sand – Spalding NBA Beast (60’’ backboard, 50+ gallon base)
Water and sand weight
Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, and an average basketball hoop has a 35-gallon base capacity. Just water will add nearly 250 pounds to the weight of your hoop.
Maybe you want to secure it even more so you’ll add sand instead of water. Sand weighs over 13 pounds per gallon, which means you’re likely to add 150 pounds of weight on average, even if you don’t fill it fully.
How the backboard material affects weight
In search of a portable basketball hoop, we’ll often notice how backboards differ in a material. Backboards are build of molded plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate and glass, and that’s going to influence the weight of the basketball hoop.
The hoops suitable for children usually feature molded plastic backboards as kids play with smaller basketballs and thus the backboard doesn’t suffer too much. These are the lightest backboards out there.
Acrylic is far more enduring and heavier than molded plastic. It allows for a more competitive game and provides a solid rebound feel. With a density of 1.19 grams per cubic centimeter, the acrylic backboard doesn’t create too much sound and its durability won’t leave you disappointed.
Polycarbonate backboards are even more long-lasting than the acrylic ones. Although they look and feel pretty much the same, polycarbonate is denser (1.2 grams per cubic centimeters) and thus stronger material. There’s not much difference in price between the two, so if you’re planning on a dunk show every now and then, polycarbonate is a better choice.
The heaviest backboard material – glass, will give you the most real and authentic rebound feel. You’ll see this type of backboard in the NBA, as well as the NCAA and even semi-pro leagues. Higher end basketball hoops feature glass backboard as its weight is more than double than polycarbonate and acrylic (density of glass – 2.53 grams per cubic centimeter).
Maximally secure your basketball hoop
When you own a portable basketball hoop, you need to do everything to keep it from falling over.
The first and most important step is fully filling the base and filling it with the densest material you can find. Most manufacturers are recommending sand instead of water, but there’s also the BaseGel. Mixed with water, this super-absorbent polymer provides the same result as around 400 pounds of sand. A good option for those who want to move their hoop often, as you can instantly turn the process just by adding table salt.
If you have a portable basketball hoop that kids use or you want to secure it from wind you can use a pair of anchors and ratchet strap. If you want to learn more about securing basketball hoop, we recently wrote an article so just follow the link.
Do you need a portable basketball hoop?
Be wary as you look for basketball hoops to make sure that you don’t get taken by the marketing. Almost every basketball hoop today, no matter how lightweight it is, is marketed as “safe, secure, fun” Check the numbers.
There is a basketball hoop for all age groups. However, if you’re limited by budget, there’s a strong chance you’ll buy whatever you run on to and hope for best. To avoid that, research just a little bit before making the choice. This is where we talked about best portable basketball hoops for older teenagers and grown-ups, and here you’ll find our reviews of smaller basketball hoops for kids.
Remember, better safe than sorry. I learned it the hard way on my first portable basketball hoop.
HOW TO SECURE YOUR MOBILE BASKETBALL COURT
FOR PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY
So you have invested in a mobile basketball hoop and are ready to set it up in the location of your choice. Well, at least it’s the location of your choice today. And that’s the beauty of the mobile system, if you need to move it later, you can.
But for now, you want to get it placed and ready for action. However, you also need to make sure your system is secure and stays put. You want it to have a firm base so that it reacts with the same action as a permanent system.
We have reviewed the various ways to secure your system and put together some pros and cons for each. Here is what we found.
Filling the Base with Water
Using water to fill the base is a common way to weigh down your portable system. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Pros
Using water is easy to do and is also easily accessible.
If you need to move your system later, filling it with water will actually make it weigh less than if filled with sand. Water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon as opposed to sand that weighs 13 pounds per gallon.
Water will cost less than using sand or another method to fill the base.
Cons
Water can evaporate which can make the unit less stable and require refilling.
If the base cracks, leaks can occur and also make the unit unstable.
Unless emptied in the winter months or antifreeze is added, water can freeze and crack the base.
Using water is actually a pro and a con. It is a pro because it is lighter and easier to move. But it’s a con in that it’s lighter weight makes it less stable than a heavier alternative.
Filling the Base with Sand
Another popular alternative is using sand to weigh down your basketball goal. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Pros
As mentioned, sand is heavier than water and weighs more. System bases can normally hold up to 35 gallons and at 13 pounds per gallon you will have over 450 pounds of support for your system.
Should the base crack, you will notice sand where the crack is located but it will not leak like water does.
Sand is recommended over water because the system will be much more stable due to the added weight.
Cons
If you need to move your system later, it will be physically more difficult due to the added weight.
The cost of filling your system with sand is obviously more expensive that if you used your garden hose to fill it with water.
Other Solution
BaseGel Basketball Goal Portable Bases Polymer. This solution is on the market in 16oz size. When mixed with water, it will absorb up to 400 pounds and turn to a leak proof gel.
Pros
Easy to add. Mix with water and fill the water to the recommended fill line.
Cost is much less than sand and can be mixed with water.
Even if the base cracks, the system will not leak.
Gel can be returned to liquid when adding a salt and water solution should you need to drain and move the system.
Cons
Still may be slightly less weight than an all sand base.
Small cost needed to buy the BaseGel product.
Other Considerations
Cinder Blocks
The use of cinder blocks has more risks than benefits. Whether you are using them to add extra weight or on their own, they can move, flip over or players could fall into them and be injured.
Bricks, Cement Bags or Sandbags
These are things that are also not recommended due to the fact that they are not secure, can be moved around during play and also cause injury.
Recent Posts
Building Your Best Basketball Court, at home!
BACKYARD VOLLEYBALL
Bringing Hockey To Your Own Backyard
Help With Building Your Own Rink
Basketball hoop size, height and diameter, mounting options
Balls
Reading 4 min Views 60.9k.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports games among both professionals and street entertainment enthusiasts. It allows you to develop speed, agility and coordination. Balls can be different in size, shape, color, weight and other parameters. Just like the size of a basketball hoop - height and diameter - differ depending on the function. It is not always possible to leave the ball in a specially equipped gym, but if you wish, equipment can be built at home from improvised materials. To do this, you only need a metal rod, plates and a white cord. 9Ol000 . It was not until the beginning of 1894 that uniform rules of the game were introduced, which also described the equipment and its characteristics. Basketball nets stretched over a metal circle located at a certain height began to be used instead of the usual basket.
Game attributes standards were created in such a way that the sports process was convenient for participants and referees, and the game became spectacular for fans.
The traditional size of a basketball hoop, its height and diameter are:
diameter - about 45 cm;
thickness - from 1. 6 to 2.0 cm;
basketball basket height - from 40 to 45 cm;
deviations from the norm - no more than 2-3 cm.
These specifications are generally accepted standard values set by the International Basketball Federation (IBF). If necessary, the parameters can be changed depending on the purpose: for sporting events, classes at the home site. For children, the size of the basketball hoop with a backboard, as well as the markings, can be adjusted according to age.
Mounting options
For safety reasons, the design must comply with the established rules. The basketball backboard is mounted only on iron mechanisms, observing the requirements of dimensions and markings. Also, backboards should be bright colors so that players can see where to throw the ball, even at night.
The most commonly used mounting options are:
View
Brief description
With shock absorber
A specialized element designed to partially or completely prevent oscillatory, shock movements. Thanks to the springs, the basketball basket does not deform during the game process. Used for sports competitions. Withstands loads up to 100 kg
Rigid
Stands are securely fixed to the floor to prevent falling or shifting - "hard mount". This method of installation is used everywhere, regardless of the destination
How high to hang a basketball hoop is regulated by the requirements prescribed in the NBA, as are the standards for the size of a basketball hoop. The mesh is attached to the circle at the same time in 12 places, avoiding the appearance of sharp edges, chips. This is necessary to prevent injury to players. Direct contact between the ring and the shield is unacceptable due to the possible appearance of external pressure, which can lead to the destruction of the structure.
The strength of the fastening must be checked using special tools. Poorly fixed parts can cause injury to athletes during the game process.
Rigid fixationShock-absorbing
Important nuances
Each game is regulated by international rules, which also apply to the parameters of inventory :
basketball backboard dimensions - height 1.05 m, width 1.8 m;
distance between the ring and the shield - 15 cm;
size of the basketball field - 28 × 15 m;
the height of the basketball hoop is also standard - from the floor 3.05 m.
Basketball stand is made of high quality steel or heavy duty tempered glass. The second option is the most used among sports equipment manufacturers. Sometimes shields are made from less quality materials - plastic, fiberglass. Such products do not have a long service life, they are intended for fans who play basketball as a hobby.
The shield must be firmly attached to the supporting base strictly perpendicular to the floor plane. The design should not move under any external influence: throw, accidental contact. In order to avoid injury, it is upholstered with soft material.
The court can hold 1 or 2 boards depending on the size of the area and the type of game. For basketball in the classical sense, the size of the backboard and hoop remains virtually unchanged. They are installed at right angles parallel to the front lines at a distance of up to 120 cm. During the installation process, the structures comply with all technical safety requirements.
The main feature of the basketball hoop is the presence of soft upholstery with a thickness of 5 to 10 cm, due to which the manufacturer extends the life of individual parts.
According to the accepted rules, the size of the backboard for fixing the basketball hoop located on the same court should not differ from another by more than 5%. That is why you should order and install sports equipment at the same time. Before starting the game, it is necessary to check the reliability of fixing all the details.
Video
( 1 estimate, average 5 out of 5 )
Share with friends
Basketball Hoop: Past and Present
Basketball is a game about which you can tell a story with exact numbers and names. In 1891 in America, in Springfield, Dr. D. Naismith came up with the idea to come up with an outdoor team game. What for?
Fig. 1. Dr. D. Naismith
Version 1
A Christian Youth Association training center teacher needed a substitute for American football so that they could play indoors in the winter.
Version 2
Naismith wanted to diversify his gymnastics.
The first rules in basketball
In the 19th century, the rules of the game were similar to those of today. Participants of two teams had to throw the ball into baskets located at a height. Each team had its own zone and its own basket. The winner is the one with the most hits in a certain time.
Certain rules for dribbling have been developed. There were fines for violations. The basketball hoop in those days did not have strict size regulations. Traditional fruit containers were used. Later, the bottom disappeared in them for a simple reason: the players were too lazy to get the abandoned balls every time. The balls also did not have an ideal shape.
Photo 1. The first basketball baskets
Baskets were hung on balconies. The people who were sitting there prevented the balls from flying in the right direction, so they had to build shields. They became a kind of protection from the fans. Then the players noticed that the ring can be hit when the ball bounces off the backboard, it was entertaining.
Basketball Hoop Dimensions
The dimensions and mounting height of the basketball hoop have not changed much over time. Fruit baskets ceased to be used in 1893. Replaced with metal rings. To avoid disputes over a successful hit, a net was attached to the ring. With her, it became more noticeable whether the ball was in the basket or not. In 1894, uniform basketball rules appeared.
The game quickly spread around the world, but in the US it has gained particular popularity. Professional basketball players began to be valued very highly, the cost of some contracts amounted to several dollars just for a minute of the athlete being on the court. The earnings were huge. This gave the players the opportunity to train even more in order to show the highest skill in matches.
For a professional player, the dimensions of the basketball hoop and the height at which it is fixed are important. Constant values allow you to better develop skills in determining the position, strength and trajectory of throws. It was decided to standardize the rules and equipment in 1893. It was then that the rings became only metal and with a grid, and the optimal height was determined.
Photo 2. Modern basketball baskets
Today the parameters are as follows:
platform 28 x 15 m;
ceiling height not less than 7 meters;
lower edge of the shield at a height of 290 cm from the floor;
shield dimensions 180 x 105 cm;
basket at a height of 305 cm, i.e. 15 cm above the lower edge of the shield;
ring diameter 45–45.7 cm;
diameter steel bar for basketball hoop 16–20 mm;
mesh 450 mm in diameter, with a mesh of 50 mm.
The ball must also have strictly defined dimensions.
Just water will add nearly 250 pounds to the weight of your hoop.
Most manufacturers are recommending sand instead of water, but there’s also the BaseGel. Mixed with water, this super-absorbent polymer provides the same result as around 400 pounds of sand. A good option for those who want to move their hoop often, as you can instantly turn the process just by adding table salt.
To avoid that, research just a little bit before making the choice. This is where we talked about best portable basketball hoops for older teenagers and grown-ups, and here you’ll find our reviews of smaller basketball hoops for kids.
Here is what we found.
It is a pro because it is lighter and easier to move. But it’s a con in that it’s lighter weight makes it less stable than a heavier alternative.
Whether you are using them to add extra weight or on their own, they can move, flip over or players could fall into them and be injured.
It allows you to develop speed, agility and coordination. Balls can be different in size, shape, color, weight and other parameters. Just like the size of a basketball hoop - height and diameter - differ depending on the function. It is not always possible to leave the ball in a specially equipped gym, but if you wish, equipment can be built at home from improvised materials. To do this, you only need a metal rod, plates and a white cord. 9Ol000 . It was not until the beginning of 1894 that uniform rules of the game were introduced, which also described the equipment and its characteristics. Basketball nets stretched over a metal circle located at a certain height began to be used instead of the usual basket. 
6 to 2.0 cm; 
Thanks to the springs, the basketball basket does not deform during the game process. Used for sports competitions. Withstands loads up to 100 kg 
In order to avoid injury, it is upholstered with soft material. 
1. Dr. D. Naismith 
The people who were sitting there prevented the balls from flying in the right direction, so they had to build shields. They became a kind of protection from the fans. Then the players noticed that the ring can be hit when the ball bounces off the backboard, it was entertaining. 
