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How to make a basketball stand
How to make a basketball stand
How to Make a Basketball Hoop Stand
A basketball hoop can provide countless hours of at-home fun, a way to get exercise or a means to hone one's skills for team play. Buying one from a manufacturer, though, can be expensive. Building your own stand can be significantly cheaper.
Whether you're building the entire apparatus from scratch or just need to make a stand for a manufacturer-made hoop, the process is doable with the right equipment and some patience. For the sake of practicality, as well as to cut down on your labor, use an already-assembled hoop and focus on making a sturdy stand.
Preparing the Foundation
A basketball hoop must be two things above all else: sturdy and level. To make sure yours will be both, give it a solid base. Use the post-hole diggers to create two 12-inch-wide holes, 3 feet deep, and make them 4 feet apart. Align the holes so that the rim side of the backboard is parallel with the line the holes form. Ideally, these holes would be alongside an already-existing concrete slab (a driveway, for example) so the rim will hang over it.![]()
Pour a small amount of water (about a half gallon) into each post hole to soften the surfaces at the bottom (unless the bottom is muddy or wet already). This will help support both the building forms and the posts when it comes time to set the forms.
Make sure the rest of your equipment is near the post holes, as the process of setting the posts goes fairly quickly. All concrete bags, posting forms and posts should be within reach of the holes and readily accessible. Using the level, make sure the holes you dug are on level ground -- this is an important step, as a slope at the foundation of the hoop can make for an uneven apparatus.
Setting the Posts
Place the posting forms in the post holes firmly at the bottom, even digging them into the ground slightly if possible.
Get another person's help to ensure the posts are level vertically and to hold the post in level position while you set the concrete. One post at a time, have your helper stand on the ladder and hold the top of the post as it stands in the post hole.
The post should have one of its flat sides facing away from where the backboard will be.
As your helper holds the post in the post hole, be sure that it is level vertically, measuring it on all four sides. Once you adjust the post correctly so that it is level, instruct your partner to hold the post as still as possible.
Pour five bags of the quick-setting concrete into the post holes, starting inside of the posting forms and filling the hole.
Add water to the concrete, filling the rest of the hole. Fast-setting concrete does not require mixing, as the water should soak into it. The concrete should set in 20 to 40 minutes.
Repeat Step 5 for the other post, making sure that the front of it is flush with the front of the first post. When both posts are set, you should have two posts parallel to each other, standing straight up, 13 feet tall from the ground. Let the concrete set fully before going further.
Attaching the Backboard
Assuming you bought a regulation-size backboard--72 inches wide by 42 inches tall--you should have just enough excess post to attach it and make the rim 10 feet off the ground.
Screw the four brackets onto the back of the backboard. Two should be fastened low on the backboard, each 24 inches from the exact horizontal middle of the backboard so that they are 48 inches apart (just like the posts).
Two feet above those lower brackets, fasten the other two, also 48 inches apart. This should form four "corners" on the back.
Using a measuring tape, measure out to 10 feet from the ground, then have your helper mark on one of the posts where the backboard needs to be for the rim to be at 10 feet. That mark will be where the lower brackets of the backboard will be screwed in tightly
Fasten the top brackets to the posts as well to complete the process.
Tips
For added stability, you can pour a layer of concrete around the bases of the posts after they're set.
Warnings
Wearing heavy-duty gloves is advisable. If at all possible, avoid mixing the concrete in cold temperatures (less than 72 degrees), as this slows the pace at which it sets.
Be sure to routinely use the level to check that all your surfaces and edges are flush. Anything less than perfectly straight will produce an undesirable result and a crooked backboard.
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.
- 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
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.
