Here's who you can call to haul away an old basketball hoop
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Who can you call when a basketball hoop is all dunked out? Removing a basketball hoop because you'rereplacing it with something better (like upgrading and installing an outdoor basketball court) can take a team effort if it's anchored with concrete. Luckily, you don't have to spend a day courtside battling a jackhammer to get rid of an old basketball hoop. Take a look at who to call to remove a basketball hoop to get the project done with net gain!
Who Can You Hire to Remove a Basketball Hoop?
Photo: Jessica Klaus/Stocksy / Adobe Stock
A number of different pros can assist with hoop removal. However, your hoop specifics can make some professionals better than others for the job.
Getting Rid of a Portable Basketball Hoop
While getting rid of a portable hoop is easier than tossing a basketball hoop that's fixed in concrete, the task can still be cumbersome. Any local junk-removal company should be able to swing by to remove the hoop.
You can also consider calling local charities that haul away items if the hoop is in usable condition.
Removing a Fixed Basketball Hoop
If your hoop is fixed to the ground with concrete, removal is more challenging. You'll need to hire a handyperson, contractor, cement mason, or concrete specialist to tackle the job.
There are two ways to remove a fixed basketball hoop from the ground. The first option is to cut the metal attached to the pole sticking into the concrete. However, this "quick fix" leaves remnants behind that hinder the appearance and usability of the area where your hoop used to be.
The better long-term option is to dig the pole out from the ground. This is a labor-intensive task that involves digging 2.5 to 3 feet under the surface to pull the pole from the ground without leaving behind anything.
Next, they’ll remove the concrete surrounding the pole with either a sledgehammer or jackhammer. In some cases, the pro you hire may need to destroy the concrete surrounding the pole before freeing the pole from the ground.
Can You Remove a Basketball Hoop on Your Own?
Yes, DIY hoop removal is possible. However, this project can be overwhelming for someone without experience with digging, breaking up concrete, using a sledgehammer, or operating a jackhammer. Digging can take hours.
Handling the weight of the pole can also be difficult for one person.
You'll need several helpers if you decide to do a DIY hoop removal. In addition, you check the area for buried utilities for gas, phone lines, electricity, Internet, and cable before digging. A benefit of using a pro is that they will be familiar with the process of clearing the area before digging.
The time, equipment, dangers of flying debris, labor intensity, and weight involved with getting rid of a basketball hoop can all make hiring a professional to get the job done correctly appealing.
A neat, professional job makes it easier for you to restore the landscape after the hoop is gone!
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How to Remove a Basketball Pole in 7 Steps (Guide)
Do you have an old in-ground basketball pole on your court that needs to be replaced or removed? Maybe its an eye-sore, or it’s in a bad spot. Or do you have a great in-ground basketball hoop and you are moving to a new house and want to take the hoop with you?
Either way, if you have an in-ground (mounted in concrete) basketball pole, it may seem like an almost impossible task to remove it, but don’t worry. It is possible with some simple engineering and a little elbow grease, to remove an inground basketball pole.
Unless you own or rent a backhoe or a bulldozer to knock the poll over, this can be a little labor-intensive so if your not up for the challenge and hard work you may want to hire someone to do this for you, but if you have basic DIY skills and don’t mind a little digging, then you can definitely do this job.
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My Personal Experience
When I was a young kid, we had a great basketball hoop on our driveway that we used all the time. My father got a job transfer and we had to move, but we wanted to take the great hoop with us to our new house. I can still remember my father using a method similar to the one I will describe here to remove that basketball post. We took that basketball pole and installed it in our new house and used it for many years after that.
I have also had some experience in removing old fence posts. The method I will describe below is very similar and can really work for any type of post or pole that is cemented into the ground.
Resources You’ll Need
Below is a list of things you may need to remove the basketball pole:
Phone number of the local utility company (if you have inground utilities).
One or more helpers – the more helpers the better. You will be digging and you will also need lots of hands and strength to bring the pole gently to the ground.
A shovel.
Safety goggles.
Sledgehammer – if you are going to relocate the pole, you will need this to break the old concrete off of the pole.
How to Remove a Basketball Pole: A Step by Step Guide
The following are some general steps on how to remove an in-ground basketball pole. Keep in mind that this is a labor-intensive process and that basketball poles can be extremely heavy. Please use caution and make sure that the area surrounding the pole is clear. Use your helpers to try and gently bring the pole down.
While there are many ways to remove a pole set in concrete, the following method, in my opinion, is the one that requires the least amount of tools and resources. While it may take a little longer, you will not need tools like a jackhammer, bulldozer or other heavy equipment.
One last note before we start. If you would like you can remove the backboard and rim before you start. This will lighten the pole and make it easier to lower down once it is loosened and possibly prevent damage to the backboard and rim. Keep in mind that if you do remove the backboard you will need helpers to unfasten it and lower it down to the ground.
Step 1: Check for buried utilities.
If you have any buried utilities in your area such as gas, phone, electric, internet or cable, it is very important to ensure that you do not hit any of them when digging. Most cities provide free service to check for buried utilities before you dig. If you have any doubt call your local utility companies and ask them if they can mark all the buried services near your work area before you start digging.
Step 2: Clear the area.
Ensure that the area around the basketball pole is clear. Make sure people are out of the way and move any vehicles or other things that can be damaged.
Step 3: Begin digging.
Begin digging on each side of the pole next to the playing surface. See the diagram below.
Where to dig around the basketball pole. Photo by Melissa Medina
Step 4: Dig to the bottom of the pole.
Continue digging the holes until you reach the bottom of the pole and concrete. It will probably be at least 2 to 2.5 feet below the surface.
Step 5: Rock the pole back and forth.
Once the holes are dug. Get your helpers and begin pushing the pole back and forth in the direction of the holes that you have dug to try to loosen it. Be careful, because once it loosens, it is possible that it will fall to one side or the other.
Step 6: Walk the pole down to the ground.
Once it is loose enough to fall over, you and your helpers can slowly walk the pole down to the ground.
Step 7: (Optional) Remove the concrete.
If you are going to relocate the pole, take your sledgehammer and hammer the concrete on the bottom of the pole to crack and remove it from the pole. Be sure to wear your safety goggles for this part as there will be lots of debris flying around.
Additional Resources
There is a method in which you can use a truck and a tow rope to pull the pole down. This video shows how that can be done. This method may be faster but keep in mind that this method can be dangerous and you could risk damage to your truck if the pole falls on it.
If you are not going to reuse the pole, another option that can make the job a little easier is to use a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade and cut the pole off four or five feet from the ground. This requires some intense metal cutting and the use of a power tool, so this method may not be for everyone.
If you do choose to cut the pole first, please take all safety precautions. Make sure that you know how to use the tool and that you wear proper safety equipment at all times. Remember when you cut the pole it is going to fall like a tree, so make sure the area is clear and that it won’t hit anyone or anything.
Final Words
Removing a basketball pole can be difficult, but it is something that can be done with a little hard work and some help from friends and family. Remember to use caution, ensure the space is clear and make sure you use helpers, this is not a one-person job. Once you have that basketball pole removed you can relocate it or put in a brand new top of the line hoop if you want.
Have you ever removed a pole or post set in concrete? Do you have any other tips or advice? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave your comments if you would like.
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 amateurs are better off not following their example. If you don't properly store, use and care for your basketball arsenal, 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 be stored only 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
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.
Don't forget the markup. It should be in a contrasting color. Bright colors will interest children and cheer them up.
It is necessary to install a protective net so as not to constantly run after the ball to the other end of the area.
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.
When choosing a basketball, you need to focus on the players. For games involving children and adults, balls of different sizes are needed.
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.
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.
Check Basketball Hoops Before Buying
Today, it is easier to buy a basketball hoop with a "walking" geometry than a normal one, although the verification is quite simple and does not require special skills. So, in order.
A fixed basketball hoop (aka “ordinary” or “the simplest”) is perhaps the most inexpensive element of a basketball structure (after the net, of course), almost a consumable. It is not customary to pay attention to him when buying. But in vain. Indeed, the effectiveness of training, the accuracy of skills, the correctness of the results and the final amount of pleasure from games and training depend on the correct geometry and the general quality of the ring. And also, the absence or presence of problems with the installation of the basketball hoop, the need for adjustment, refinement and other intervention in the design during installation.
Let's look at the main geometric characteristic of a basketball hoop: the diameter. According to the Official Basketball Rules, - 45 cm on the inside of the ring. Unfortunately, in pursuit of a low price, many manufacturers reduce this parameter. Well, in fact, what's the difference, 45 or 43 centimeters? Is it imperceptible? Imperceptibly. Non-professional and amateur. Yes, and a player from a distance of 2-3 meters may no longer notice, but the results will be different. With the same success, you can put the player in sneakers one size smaller. Visually it will be imperceptible, but the result of training and games will be quite predictable.
The second thing I would like to pay attention to is the distance from the backboard to the outer edge of the basketball hoop and the horizontal plane of the hoop. The distance, according to the same Rules, must be 15 cm.
Another important parameter is the alignment of the holes during installation. Moreover, not only a coincidence “to assemble without drilling and fitting”, but also that as a result the general geometry of the “basketball backboard with a hoop” design is observed. Handmade rings are usually unique. Each basketball hoop is handmade. In a bad way, of course. Rings, the brackets of which are manufactured using CNC machines and the latest metalworking technologies, are devoid of these shortcomings. Vertically between the centers of the holes is always 110 mm, horizontally always 100. The distance from the edge of the bracket is a constant parameter. Deviation - no more than 0.1 mm. These advantages are possessed by products of well-known world manufacturers, as well as AVIX basketball hoops.
Basketball hoop with safety grip
Well, another serious point - the injury safety of the rim of the basketball hoop. According to the Rules, the ring must have a tubular mesh grip.
Such elements have a play damping ring, an ordinary simple ring would not be simple if it had a tubular grip. But you need to strive for the ideal. On cheap rings, the very ones in which the diameter and other dimensions are “lame”, mesh grippers made of thin wire are used, according to the “simpler” principle.
This is a labor-intensive task that involves digging 2.5 to 3 feet under the surface to pull the pole from the ground without leaving behind anything.
It is possible with some simple engineering and a little elbow grease, to remove an inground basketball pole.
While it may take a little longer, you will not need tools like a jackhammer, bulldozer or other heavy equipment.
Make sure people are out of the way and move any vehicles or other things that can be damaged.
This requires some intense metal cutting and the use of a power tool, so this method may not be for everyone.
It is better to buy paints with a high content of rubber or polymer. 
A carbonate backboard will provide a good bounce of the ball. An acrylic shield is bought to hold competitions or intense games. 
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. 
Then it will not need to be constantly moved. Basketball stands from Royal Fitness can be left outside in the winter. 
Handmade rings are usually unique. Each basketball hoop is handmade. In a bad way, of course. Rings, the brackets of which are manufactured using CNC machines and the latest metalworking technologies, are devoid of these shortcomings. Vertically between the centers of the holes is always 110 mm, horizontally always 100. The distance from the edge of the bracket is a constant parameter. Deviation - no more than 0.1 mm. These advantages are possessed by products of well-known world manufacturers, as well as AVIX basketball hoops. 
