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How to remove a basketball pole from the ground
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 Get Rid of Your Old Basketball Goal
For many basketball lovers, having a basketball hoop in their backyard can be a dream come true! Walking out your front door to play basketball whenever you like is amazing.
However, if you’re no longer using the basketball hoop, then it’s simply taking up space and can become a real eyesore. Even worse, it can become dangerous. When it blocks your driveway, front yard or the cul-de-sac, it can lead to accidents or wrecks.
At the end of the day, if no one is using your basketball hoop, then it may be time to remove it. But the first step is figuring out how to get rid of your old basketball goal.
How to Take Down a Basketball Hoop
When you begin the disassembly process, it is best to begin from the top for both safety and ease of use. Always remove all other parts, before attempting to remove the pole.
Remove the net.
Loosen all nuts and bolts that hold up the board.
Remove the board from the pole.
🏀 Pro Tip: Beware of rust and mold! Portable basketball hoops don’t age well. The poles can rust, the net will get worn and torn and the sand or water bottom can get moldy.
Is your goal portable or fixed?
A fixed basketball hoop has been set into the ground while the concrete was still wet, meaning that it is embedded into the concrete. Removing a fixed basketball hoop is a greater challenge than removing a portable basketball hoop and probably best left to a professional.
A portable basketball hoop has its own base that provides support since they are often filled with sand or water. While getting rid of a portable basketball hoop is still pretty cumbersome, it is likely going to be a easier project.
Removing your basketball pole can be a challenge.
In many ways, removing the hoop from the ground represents the largest problem. You may be able to deal with this yourself. But this will likely mean cutting the metal that fixes the pole into the concrete. Then you’ll need to remove the concrete fragments and refill the hole left in the concrete.
Using a sledgehammer to remove your basketball pole.
If you decide to remove the pole, you’ll want to first cut the pole and make sure there are no sharp edges that could potentially cut you. Next, you’ll have to break out the “big guns” – a sledgehammer to help you get rid of your basketball hoop.
If you’ve never used a sledgehammer before, then be prepared for a very loud and demanding workout. The sledgehammer is not for the faint of heart. Therefore, it is best to opt for a professional removal company to handle the removal process for you. Once the concrete has been smashed up and removed, you can fill the hole with new concrete.
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Using the cut and file method for basketball pole removal.
Another option is to cut at the base of the pole and then file down the metal pole so that there are no sharp edges. This option may leave behind an unsightly pole remnant in the ground, but at least you’ll avoid the hassle and expense of using a sledgehammer.
Note: Cutting a metal basketball pole yourself is dangerous. We strongly recommended hiring a demolition professional.
Get Professional Basketball Goal Removal Help
If you opt to hire a professional company to remove a portable basketball hoop from your home or office, then you have come to the right place! You can look at other website pricing, but LoadUp is known for offering 20-30% cheaper removal and disposal prices than others.
We also haul away basketball goals that have been cemented into the ground, but ONLY after they have been removed from the cement. We cannot remove anything that is cemented in.
Who can you hire to remove your basketball hoop?
If you are having trouble finding someone to remove your basketball hoop, try doing an internet search for “basketball hoop removal” in your city. Most likely LoadUp is one of the top spots on Google because we are a nationwide removal company that will not only handle lifetime basketball hoop disassembly but also get rid of almost anything for you!
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Always think about safety.
Another major concern, and one that is easily overlooked, is whether or not your basketball hoop is near a power-line. If your basketball hoop is near a power-line, you’ll want to check with your utility company regarding safety issues. In the end, the basketball removal cost will depend on the level of complexity involved with the job.
Disposing of Your Basketball Goal
In terms of recycling your basketball hoop, trash pickup or recycling may pick up the backboard and base of the portable basketball hoop, but there is no guarantee. For this reason, it is best to check with your local trash and recycling company and see what their policies are regarding basketball hoops before you decide to go this route.
Likewise, you’ll have to check with your trash and recycling company to see if they will pick up your metal pole, as every recycling company has its own rules. It is quite likely that you’ll have to cut the pole in half before it has any chance of being picked up.
Hiring LoadUp to Take Your Basketball Goal
Getting rid of a basketball hoop, especially an in-ground basketball hoop, can be a time-consuming, stressful, and even potentially dangerous endeavor. At LoadUp, we’ve been removing basketball goals in your area for a while and have the service down pat. We will get rid of your basketball hoop and dispose of it in an environmentally sound fashion.
Hiring LoadUp is the fastest way to get rid of your basketball hoop and for the best price.
Why go through the considerable hassle and expense of removing your old and rusty basketball hoop when LoadUp can do the job for you?
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Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2. Make shield rolls
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3. Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6. Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7.
Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
11. Do not throw the ball from a full height stand
This is the biggest newbie mistake!
Before the throw, bend your knees slightly and at the moment of the throw, straighten your body, making a jump. You need to straighten up and push off the ground at the same time. When squatting, keep the elbow of the throwing arm close to the body and towards the ring.
The jump will give momentum to the ball and will allow you not to make sudden movements with the brush.
***
And to be a long-term player, do not forget about your health: take care of your joints and muscles, use tapes, do a warm-up. And be sure to strengthen your arms, legs and shoulder girdle, develop coordination. Regular exercises on uneven bars and horizontal bars will help you with this.
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.
It will probably be at least 2 to 2.5 feet below the surface.
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.
The sledgehammer is not for the faint of heart. Therefore, it is best to opt for a professional removal company to handle the removal process for you. Once the concrete has been smashed up and removed, you can fill the hole with new concrete.
Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective. 
Don't look back 
The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball. 
And be sure to strengthen your arms, legs and shoulder girdle, develop coordination. Regular exercises on uneven bars and horizontal bars will help you with this. 
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 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 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. 
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. 
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. 
