How To Install A Basketball Hoop On A Garage, House, Or Wall – Backyard Sidekick
Setting up a new basketball hoop can be a bit of a challenge. If you’ve decided to go with a more permanent approach as opposed to a mobile hoop, there are a couple options. Installing a permanent pole in the ground, or getting a wall mount for the hoop and installing it on the garage, the house, or a wall.
To install a basketball hoop on the garage, you will need a basketball hoop wall mount and compatible basketball backboard and rim. Set the height of the rim to the ground at 10 feet, and draw a free throw line 15 feet from the hoop to comply with NBA regulations for a more realistic practice.
That sounds simple enough right? Well, there’s a bit more to it so I will go into more detail about the planning, set up, and installation so keep reading.
If you already have a basketball wall mount set, then great, let’s jump into the steps. If you haven’t selected a hoop yet, I recommend at least a 54″ wide backboard for a two car driveway sized area, like this Silverback 54″ Wall Mounted Basketball Hoop Set (link to Amazon).
Smaller areas can get away with smaller backboards, but it’s best to get as close to regulation size as possible for training purposes.
Plan Hoop Location
This might be the most important step starting right away. You want to make sure the location you pick will be suitable for playing basketball, but also that players won’t be in the way of other things going on in the area.
Centered on playing area
Out of the way if possible
Highest hoop adjustment will set the top of the rim 10 feet from the ground
Enough area to draw a free throw line 15 feet from the backboard
If at all possible try to mount the hoop in the center of the playing area, for example if you plan on playing on a concrete slab or a driveway. Keep in mind the height you will want the hoop to be at. It’s recommended for 4th and 5th graders to play on an 8 ft hoop, 6th graders to play on a 9 ft hoop, and everything above should play on the regulation height 10 ft hoop.
The hoop I recommended above has a 2.5 foot adjustment range to cover all of those heights. It’s best to make sure that the top of the rim will be 10 feet from the ground wherever you plan on installing the hoop if you want to be within high school, NCAA, and NBA court regulations.
A regulation free throw line is 15 feet from the front of the backboard. If you plan on practicing for an actual basketball game, It’d be nice to have at least that much space on the court. We will get into the other markings later on, but up front, it’s good to have a plan to fit your needs.
Tools And Set Up Equipment
Now that you’ve decided where you want the hoop to be mounted, it’s time gather the tools and equipment. Most of the wall mount basketball hoops will come with lag bolts meant to mount the bracket, and I was able to do so with just an impact drill and the correct size socket.
Tools Required:
Lag bolts (if not included) or nuts and bolts
Socket set and drill, or a set of wrenches
Stud finder (recommended)
Ladder (or two if you have help)
The equipment you will need should all come in a set if you got it from a decent company. For example, the Silverback 54″ Wall Mounted Basketball Hoop Set (link to Amazon) comes with everything you need. The wall mount, backboard, and rim.
If you’re piecing these parts together yourself, be careful that not all companies make the equipment to the same specs. The holes won’t line up or you’ll need to make modifications and things like that. That being said, they do make a Universal Mounting Bracket from Amazon, but still make sure it will work with your backboard before buying.
Find Studs To Install The Wall Mount
We’ve got all the tools, equipment, and know where to mount the hoop now. I recommend finding a wall stud to drill the wall mount into. This is easy to do on an unfinished garage usually, because you can look on the inside of the wall and find a stud to use. I’ve actually added pieces of 2×4 into the wall to keep the hoop centered where I wanted it.
On the side of a house, or a wall that is covered on the other side, this may be a little tougher. In that case, use a stud finder and do your best to install the wall mount securely into a frame stud.
For a concrete or brick wall, I would simply not use the lag bolts and use concrete anchors of an appropriate size to install the wall mount.
Install The Wall Mount
Hopefully you were able to find a stud, or add 2×4’s where you want to mount, without too much trouble. Before trying to just drill the lag bolts into the stud, you should drill a pilot hole first. This will help the lag bolt seat correctly and lower the chances of splitting the stud.
Some sets will come with a nut and bolt rather than a set of lag bolts. If that’s the case, drill a hole the size of the bolt, and simple bolt the mount into place using the bolt, nuts, and washers.
Here’s a video of the steps we’ve covered so far that might help you out if you prefer a visual. This guy was piecing together a backboard he got that didn’t come with a wall mount, but it might help to see the issues he had.
Install The Backboard And Rim
Some sets come with backboard and rim already installed onto the wall mount, and some come in all separate pieces. If they come in separate pieces, I found it easier to install the wall mount when it was a standalone piece by itself. Then attaching the backboard and rim with the included bolts.
On the other hand, I then had to make three trips up and down the ladder to install each part individually. It’s all personal preference which approach you take here.
If you feel like you could use some help on any of those steps, I suggest looking somewhere like HomeAdvisor Handyman Services where you can find a local helper to give you a hand.
Check Tightness Of Equipment
Once the wall mount is secure and everything’s in place, I like to do a once over check on all the equipment, moving parts, and bolts to make sure everything’s nice and tightened down properly. If you did a good job, this step will be quick, easy, and will give you a little peace of mind.
This is also a good time to make sure the adjustable action of the hoop mount is functioning properly. Simply move from it’s lowest setting to its highest and confirm everything’s in working order.
Mark The Basketball Court
I wrote a whole article about Basketball Court Dimensions for high school, College, and NBA regulation courts. So if you have the space, and you’re picky, you can check out all the official measurements. But for the average backyard or driveway basketball court set up, you’ll probably be fine with a simple key and free throw line.
I recommend using a decent kit like this Easy Basketball Court Stencil Kit (link to Amazon) to map out the court under the hoop. I think it adds a nice touch to the feel of the court, even if it’s simply in a driveway.
Here’s the instructional video for the stencil kit above, so you can see if it’s a project you want to tackle.
Play Basketball
That’s it! You now a have a sweet basketball hoop set up to play basketball on. Check out these 14 Fun Basketball Games For All Ages to get some ideas for the different games you can play on your new hoop.
There shouldn’t be too much maintenance for these types of wall mount basketball hoop set ups. Once a year I like to go out and check the tightness of all the bolts again, usually when spring starts before the hoop starts getting a lot use.
Helpful Links:
Silverback 54″ Wall Mounted Basketball Hoop Set (link to Amazon)
Easy Basketball Court Stencil Kit (link to Amazon)
10 At Home Basketball Training Drills
How To Get Better At Basketball: Skills Improvement
Sharing is caring!
Facebook
Twitter
How To Install Your Own Inground Basketball Hoop
Home > Guide to Hoops / Goals > How To Install Your Own Inground Basketball Hoop
If you love basketball and want to practice your shots any time of the day, purchasing your own basketball hoop is the best option.
There are a number of different basketball hoops available, but in-ground hoops are a better option because they provide you with stability and professional-level experience.
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a basketball hoop e.g. choosing the right seller, the perfect location, the ideal backboard size and the type of pole etc.
If you are having trouble knowing what suits you best, check out our Home Hoops Guide.
Know what you want, but don't know where to find it? Check out some high-quality stuff here.
This article is a step-by-step guide on in-ground basketball hoop installation.
Before You Begin with The First step, Keep A Few Things In Mind
Find a suitable ground where you can fit your basketball hoop. The area must ideally be flat and paved e.g. driveways. The ideal scenario should be to have enough space to accommodate your hoop and the number of players.
Overhang is the distance between the pole and the backboard, and affects how much room you have to land after you shoot layups. For good balance and safety, 2 feet to 4 feet of overhang is ideal. Anything greater than that could cause shaking because the weight of the backboard would
be suspended too far.
Take into consideration the position of the sun when installing your basketball hoop. Face the hoop towards the north, so the sun does not get in your eyes.
Make sure the goal is at least 20 ft. (7m) from any overhead power lines, and no overhead power lines are within a 20 ft. (7m) radius of the goal.
Make sure you have enough room to shoot 3pt shots at tops, wings and corners. If you want to have a regulation three point line as well as some room behind it, 28 - 30 ft from the pole is what you need. For a full three-point arch, you need around 40 ft of width.
Before you dig a hole, you must contact Call Before You Dig (dial 811) to check for any underground power, gas, telephone, water and other utility lines.
Digging the perfect hole for your basketball hoop is vital.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that the hole is deep enough, and of the right size, so the metal bars that form the anchor fit perfectly. This will provide stability to your basketball hoop.
You can dig by hand with a shovel, or use an auger or other digging equipment.
The hole should be 48" to 50" (1.2 m - 1.3 m) deep and 16-18" (0.4 m - 0.5 m). Follow the instructions manual to check the exact measurements required for the hole.
Remember, a strong foundation is your key to success!
2. Pour The Concrete
Now that you have dug the hole, the next step is to pour the concrete.
Installing an in-ground hoop would require 10-14 60lb bags of concrete, but it is recommended that you buy an extra bag or two just in case you need them.
Mixing the concrete can be a tricky procedure. You need to make sure that the right amount of dry concrete and water is used. If the mixture is too thin, it will lack the strength required to hold the pole, and if it is too thick, you will struggle to fill voids.
For a 60lb concrete bag, 1.9 liters of water is PERFECT!
To prepare the concrete mix, pour dry concrete in a container and create a depression at the center of the dry mix. Add water, and mix thoroughly until it's firm enough. Do not allow the mix to sit for a long period of time or it might dry out.
Fill half of the hole with concrete, and insert steel bars inside. Make sure the bars are properly aligned. Once the bars are aligned, fill the hole with concrete and level it using a trowel tool. Make sure the surface is smooth and there are no pockets of air.
When the above is done, place the assembled anchor in concrete, and push it down the concrete solution. It must be fixed deep enough so it provides stability to the basketball hoop.
It is important to make sure the assembled anchor is completely level!
Give the concrete at least 72 hours to cure, in case the weather is warm. For cooler surroundings, wait an extra day or two.
3. Fix The Main Pole
In-ground basketball hoops come with one-piece, two-piece and three-piece poles. A one-piece pole is highly recommended because it minimizes vibration and shake. It is also rust and corrosion resistant.
A 4"-6" diameter pole provides excellent performance and stability. Shape-wise, square poles are preferred over round ones because they are more rigid.
A 7-gauge thickness on the pole is preferred over 11-gauge because the former is the STRONGER choice. A thicker pole provides you with a better playing experience. It is stronger, causes less shake, and provides greater durability and professional experience.
Fixing a pole depends on the type of anchor being used.
There are two types of anchors used in in-ground basketball hoops: the threaded j-bolt and the hinge anchor system.
The latter is easier to install.
With a j-bolt anchor system, you will have to lift the pole above the anchor, position it rightly, and then bolt it down to the j-bolt anchor. This process will require greater physical effort as you will have to go up and down a ladder to attach the backboard,
extension arms and the hoop.
The hinge ground anchor system, on the other hand, is simpler to install, and does not require much physical effort. You can assemble the pole, extension arms and the backboard on ground, and then align the pole using the hinge mechanism. The pole is then placed
in an upright position, and secured with a bolt.
A huge advantage of the hinge ground anchor system is that it can be easily moved from one place to another. When you move, you can take the fully-assembled pole with you and relocate it without much hassle.
Do not forget to follow the instructions manual.
4. Install The Backboard
There are three main types of backboards: acrylic, tempered glass, and polycarbonate. For a professional experience, tempered glass is the BEST CHOICE!
Out of the three, the tempered glass provides the best bounce and spin. It is also shatter proof, and therefore safe.
Acrylic backboard is suitable to use in public places. However, it does not provide the same bounce and spin as the tempered glass backboard.
In some basketball hoop setups, the backboard is already attached to the pole, but for hoops with a separate backboard, there are a few things that one must keep in mind before installation.
Since the backboards are heavy, it is advised to use additional manpower to lift and install the backboards, while taking safety precautions. Lift the backboard up in place to the support arms, and secure it to the top mount.
5. Install The Rim And Net
Choosing the best rim for your hoop is another important step. This piece of the system absorbs the greatest physical impact, and therefore, must be durable.
A breakaway rim is recommended. It consists of a hinge and spring at the point where it attaches to the backboard, and can bend downward when a player dunks. It is DURABLE.
Once you have chosen the perfect rim, installing it would not be much of a problem.
All you have to do is fix it with screws to the backboard. Then loop the net around each of the hooks on the rim to have your net fully installed, and you are all ready to SHOOT!
Hire A Professional To Do The Job
If you have prior experience in installing a basketball hoop, or doing similar work, you might consider installing the hoop yourself.
However, hiring a professional to do the job can save you from damages, injuries and unpleasant situations since installing a basketball hoop requires a number of tools, and expertise.
Consider this: if you are going to install it yourself, you will have to buy or rent the tools, request for additional manpower, and the overall process will likely be slower than when done by a professional.
Knowing that you have spent quite a lot of money on purchasing the setup, you would not want to risk damages to save a few dollars.
Need Help?
Contact us if you have any questions, need help with installation or need any help choosing a basketball hoop. Our experts are here to help.
What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...
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. Screw the ring to the shield, hang a net on the ring.
Step 8: Install
A DIY basketball stand is great for mounting on a garage or house wall, but if you want to mount it on a pole, you can create one too.
For example, the Silverback 54″ Wall Mounted Basketball Hoop Set (link to Amazon) comes with everything you need. The wall mount, backboard, and rim. 
In that case, use a stud finder and do your best to install the wall mount securely into a frame stud.
I think it adds a nice touch to the feel of the court, even if it’s simply in a driveway.
For good balance and safety, 2 feet to 4 feet of overhang is ideal. Anything greater than that could cause shaking because the weight of the backboard would
be suspended too far.
If the mixture is too thin, it will lack the strength required to hold the pole, and if it is too thick, you will struggle to fill voids.
For cooler surroundings, wait an extra day or two.
This process will require greater physical effort as you will have to go up and down a ladder to attach the backboard,
extension arms and the hoop.
It is also shatter proof, and therefore safe. 
(You don't have to be that size.) 
(You don't have to be that size.) 
