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How to make a basketball hoop out of household items
How to make a basketball hoop out of household items
STEAM@Home: Make Your Own Basketball Hoop!
No application or registration needed.
Location
- Only virtual (online or over the phone).
Find an area where you can lay out materials and do some hands-on construction.
Additional information
Materials:
- A wire hanger. It cannot be a partially metal hanger made substantially of wood or plastic.
- A large, flat piece of cardboard.
- The tape of your choosing. Masking tape may be the easiest to work with; duct tape would certainly make the hoop durable.
- Markers or paint.
- Scissors.
- String (optional).
Instructions:
- Bend the wire hanger into a circle. You do not even have to dismantle the hanger, but just reshape it into a hoop.
- Bend the hook of the hanger so that it is at a 90 degree angle with the hoop. Do not cut away the hook, as it still can be of some use.
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- Cut the cardboard to the size and shape of your liking. Standard high school, college, and NBA backboards are rectangular, if you are looking to replicate that appearance. Try to make sure the relative scale of the hoop and backboard seem reasonable. For comparative purposes, an NBA backboard is 6 feet wide, while the basket opening is 18 inches (1.5 feet). That means the basket width is 1/4 (or 25%) as wide.
- Decorate the hoop and backboard to your liking. Traditional hoops are painted red, but you can certainly customize it to fit whatever you desire. The backboard of most high schools, colleges, and all NBA franchises are now made of transparent glass; as there is no transparent cardboard, you can really be as creative as you want.
- Tape the hoop to the backboard. You can attach the hook (which you bent up earlier) to lower back side of the backboard. Make sure the rim is as close to the backboard as possible.
- Attach a net to the basketball rim (optional). You can make make a net out of string, or even out of twisted tape.
- Hang the completed basket to a wall or door. Masking tape will work well for this purpose, as it will not leave a sticky mess behind like duct tape would. There are two different taping methods you can employ.
This activity supports the practice of these STEAM Habits of Mind: Develop craft, engage & persist, observe, reflect, stretch & explore.
Tips for Supporting Your Children's Learning
Get your child actively involved in their own learning and having their questions drive the learning. Let them observe and figure out, and try to hold back from answering questions for them. Instead, try to ask: What do we know? What else can we find out? How might we figure that out? Don't be afraid to ask your child questions. Also, don't be afraid to say "I don't know--let's find out together!" as a way to respond to their questions.
Here's an article to help you support this kind of learning: Of the Value of Saying I Don’t Know
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Want to learn more about making your own sports equipment?
- Science Club for Girls at Home - Make you own sports equipment challenge
- Instructables - MYO Basketball hoops
More hands on activities and learning opportunities:
- Homecourt - basketball skill building app
-
Cambridge Public Schools Virtual Enrichment Recommendations
-
Parkour Generations - Classes
-
Department of Human Services Sports Leagues
More STEAM@Home suggestions!
STEAM Habits of Mind - observe, reflect, engage & persist, stretch & explore, imagine, develop craft
Article
5 Things to Know Before Buying a Basketball Hoop
August 17, 2011
CLEARFIELD, UTAH — Playing basketball outside is a great way to have fun, burn calories, and improve coordination.
But, purchasing a residential basketball hoop can be overwhelming and confusing. Whether you plan to shoot hoops for fun, play competitive games of 3-on-3, or practice team drills, these quick tips will help you decide which hoop is right for you.
1. Determining Your Basketball Hoop Location
Before you buy, make sure you have ample space to play. A large, flat, paved surface like a driveway is ideal. Keep in mind it is unsafe (and often illegal) to place a basketball hoop on a street or sidewalk. Whether you have the space in your driveway or backyard, location is going to be the first place to map out when determining the best hoop for your home.
2. Portable Basketball Hoop or In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Now that you have a location, it’s time to evaluate whether a portable or in-ground basketball hoop is best for that space. A portable basketball hoop has a large plastic base with wheels that provide the flexibility of rolling it to a different area. If you determined you’d like more flexibility with location, a portable hoop gives you the option to easily move your hoop.
It is also easier to take with you to a new home if you ever decide to move.
In-ground basketball systems take up less ground space and provide more stability for aggressive players. There are several different options for in-ground systems. You can either cement the pole directly into the ground, use a ground sleeve for your system, or opt for a bolt-down system. Opting for a ground sleeve or a bolt-down pole will make it easier to remove the system and move it in the future. This is a great option for those who move to new homes but want to keep their basketball hoop when they do so.
3. Backboard Material
Once you have settled on the location and type of hoop, it’s time to determine the specifics for the hoop to find the appropriate level for the player. Lifetime has a large variety of backboards available for any skill level. Impact backboards are ideal for young players who are learning to play basketball. Shatterproof Fusion™ and Acrylic Fusion™ backboards are virtually unbreakable and are great for beginning to intermediate players.
They can be a great long-term option through childhood.
Lifetime also has many options for intermediate to advanced players. The Shatterproof V-Framed, Shatterproof Steel-Framed, and Acrylic Steel-Framed backboards give a much more professional look and feel. If you want arena-style performance, Tempered Glass backboards give you professional quality for advanced players. Determine the level that best suits the players in your household, and you can enjoy your hoop for years.
4. Backboard Size
There are different sized backboards that cater to players at different levels. For kids, 32-inch backboards provide a great foundation for learning the game. 44-inch backboards are excellent for young players learning to shoot. Young teens practicing drives to the basket and a wide range of bank shots will benefit from the rebound space of a 48-52" backboards.
For more advanced players looking for realistic arena-styled play, larger backboards can provide that type of playing surface.
Large 54 to 60-inch backboards and regulation sized 72-inch backboards give players a surface designed for high level play.
5. Height Adjustment Mechanism
All Lifetime Basketball Hoops come with height adjustment mechanisms. While some are designed for shorter, more child friendly heights, the majority can be raised from 7.5 feet to the regulation height of 10 feet. Some hoops raise and lower in 6 inch increments, but others give you the ability to raise and lower the hoop in infinite increments. The biggest advantage of height adjustment is having a hoop that grows with the player. As they develop their skills, they can raise the hoop and continuously challenge themselves to improve.
Find Your Basketball Hoop Today
Lifetime is a leading manufacturer of residential basketball systems and offers a wide variety of basketball hoops that will fit your needs. From portable and in-ground hoops to backboard sizes and adjustment mechanisms, we’ve got a wide variety of selections that allow you to get the best basketball hoop for your home.
Take a look at Lifetime’s selection of basketball hoops today!
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Basketball hoop - how to make a stand with a backboard with your own hands
Love basketball and want to make a hoop? I wanted to make it myself, not buy it, and I ended up making it. It's pretty cheap, especially if you have some of the stuff you need to assemble.
Let's start assembling the basketball hoop with our own hands.
Step 1: Shape the Ring
The first thing you will need is a ring, I made it with 12mm rod, but it doesn't have to be that size.
The standard diameter of a basketball hoop is 450 mm.
To make it flat you need something to wrap it around, this thing should be about 400mm in diameter.
I found an old car rim of the right size, you will need to clamp it to the table with a clamp using a piece of wood.
As shown in photo 2, place another clamp a little further from the first with a rod between them.
As shown in photo 3, slowly wrap the rod around the disk, once you wrap the rod and its edges overlap, cut off the straight ends.
Use a clamp to press the ends together, then weld them together.
To complete this part, place the ring on the ground and straighten out all the curves.
Step 2: Frame
- Bend a piece of flat metal, mine was 4mm thick.
- Weld it to a flat point in the ring.
- Cut two rods 320 mm long.
- Weld them as shown in the photo.
- Drill four holes to match your existing bolts.
- If you need a netball ring, you can simply attach it to the pole and skip the rest of the steps.
Step 3: Mesh Staples (Optional)
Show 7 More Images
Do this step if you need mesh. If you need a network, you will have to buy it.
This step is not as difficult as it seems.
- cut 12 pieces of wire 90 mm long (I would recommend making a few spare parts, as they are easy to ruin.)
- bend them in the middle (it doesn't matter if the tips are the same length)
- clamp the wire in a vise with a steel rod at one end
- bend wire over rod
- repeat this with all parts of
- retighten the wire wrapped around the rod (see photo)
- bend it
- repeat with all parts
- retighten the wire wrapped around the rod
- bend it (at this point you can't just remove the wire from the rod - you will need to slide it to one of its edges and remove it from the edge)
- repeat with all parts of
- divide into 12 pieces and weld on the brackets
Step 4: Backboard
Cut the board to size.
My board does not fit the full size of basketball boards. (the second picture shows the dimensions of a standard shield).
My measurements are 1100mm wide, 700mm high and 25mm thick. (You don't have to be that size.)
Step 5: Paint the Shield
Once you've drawn all the lines on the shield, lay masking tape over them. If you try, everything will look neat.
If you are using MDF, you will need to take care to protect the edges from moisture (as shown in photo 2).
Carefully paint over the areas around the masking tape.
Remove masking tape after enough coats of paint have been applied and the board looks complete.
Step 6: Paint the ring
First you need to sand the metal. I used a grinding disc on a grinder.
The ring must not be black or white, it must stand out from the shield. Usually the ring is painted orange or red.
The easiest way to paint inventory is from a can.
Step 7: Assemble
Put it all together.
Screw the ring to the shield, hang a net on the ring.
Step 8: Installation
DIY Basketball Post is great to mount on a garage or house wall, but if you want to mount it on a pole, you can create one too.
I installed my ring in the yard using heavy duty wood screws.
A standard basketball hoop must be placed 3 meters from the ground.
I am not responsible for any damage you cause to yourself or your property - you make your own ring.
Successful throws!
Basketball hoop - how to make a stand with a backboard with your own hands
Love basketball and want to make a hoop? I wanted to make it myself, not buy it, and I ended up making it. It's pretty cheap, especially if you have some of the stuff you need to assemble.
Let's start assembling the basketball hoop with our own hands.
Step 1: Shape the ring
The first thing you need is a ring, I made it with 12mm rod, but it doesn't have to be that size.
The standard diameter of a basketball hoop is 450 mm.
To make it flat, you need something to wrap it around, this thing should be about 400mm in diameter.
I found an old car rim of the right size, you will need to clamp it to the table with a clamp using a piece of wood.
As shown in photo 2, place another clamp a little further from the first with a rod in between.
As shown in photo 3, slowly wrap the rod around the disk, once you wrap the rod and its edges overlap, cut off the straight ends.
Use a clamp to press the ends together, then weld them together.
To complete this part, place the ring on the ground and straighten out all the curves.
Step 2: Frame
- Bend a piece of flat metal, mine was 4mm thick.
- Weld it to a flat point in the ring.
- Cut two rods 320 mm long.
- Weld them as shown in the photo.
- Drill four holes to match your existing bolts.
- If you need a netball ring, you can simply attach it to the pole and skip the rest of the steps.
Step 3: Mesh Staples (Optional)
Show 7 More Images
Do this step if you need mesh. If you need a network, you will have to buy it.
This step is not as difficult as it seems.
- cut 12 pieces of wire 90 mm long (I would recommend making a few spare parts, as they are easy to ruin.)
- bend them in the middle (it doesn't matter if the tips are the same length)
- clamp the wire in a vise with a steel rod at one end
- bend wire over rod
- repeat this with all parts of
- retighten the wire wrapped around the rod (see photo)
- bend it
- repeat with all parts
- retighten the wire wrapped around the rod
- bend it (at this point you can't just remove the wire from the rod - you will need to slide it to one of its edges and remove it from the edge)
- repeat with all parts of
- divide into 12 pieces and weld on the brackets
Step 4: Backboard
Cut the board to size.
My board does not fit the full size of basketball boards. (the second picture shows the dimensions of a standard shield).
My measurements are 1100 mm wide, 700 mm high and 25 mm thick. (You don't have to be that size.)
Step 5: Paint the Shield
Once you've drawn all the lines on the shield, lay masking tape over them. If you try, everything will look neat.
If you are using MDF, you will need to take care to protect the edges from moisture (as shown in photo 2).
Carefully paint over the areas around the masking tape.
Remove masking tape after enough coats of paint have been applied and the board looks complete.
Step 6: Paint the ring
First you need to sand the metal. I used a grinding disc on a grinder.
The ring must not be black or white, it must stand out from the shield. Usually the ring is painted orange or red.
The easiest way to paint inventory is from a can.
Step 7: Assemble
Put it all together.
