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How To Install Your Own Inground Basketball Hoop

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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

1. 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.


2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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.


6. 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.

Tools and Materials: Spade, Wheelbarrow, Shovel, Cement Trowel, Tape Measure, Stir Rod, Level, Auger, Hoe, 10-14 60 lb Bags of Dry Concrete Mix, Water, Rubber Mallet, 1/2" Drive Torque Wrench, Steel Punch, Screwdriver, Stepladder.

1. Dig A Hole

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.

The Top 7 Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops in 2022

A high-quality basketball hoop will bring you years of fun. It’s a great place for the kids of the neighborhood to meet up, practice their skills, and compete in shooting games.

But, that doesn’t mean adults can’t have fun with it, too. After a hard day of work, being able to relax and shoot hoops in your own driveway or backyard is just absolutely priceless.

Nowadays, most homeowners opt for the versatility of portable basketball hoops, but those tend to rattle and shake after every shot. If you have enough space to install a permanent basketball hoop, go for it – you will have a lot more fun!

This article aims to help you find the in-ground basketball hoop that’s perfect for you. I am going to explain what you need to look for and show you some of the most popular basketball hoops on the market:

The best in-ground basketball hoops for every budget:

Permanent basketball hoops are not cheap, and, once they are installed, they often stay for decades, so it makes sense to plan the installation carefully. Here is all you need to know:

Before buying an in-ground basketball hoop:

Legal restrictions:

If you plan to install the basketball hoop in your driveway or backyard, make sure you are legally allowed to do so. Unfortunately, many HOA or municipalities have strict rules against “unsightly nuisances”. You really don’t want to install an expensive basketball hoop just to find out you have to remove it again a few days later. If permanent basketball hoops are not allowed, check out my article about portable basketball hoops.

Check for underground utility lines:

Permanent basketball hoops require you to dig a pretty deep hole (usually 48 inches) for the goal post. Make sure there are no underground utility lines where you want to put the hoop. There is a free service that can tell you where you can dig safely. Find out more at www.call811.com.

Dimensions of the court

Measure your driveway, backyard, or wherever you want to install the hoop. A regulation NBA basketball half-court is 50ft x 47ft ( 50ft x 42ft for high school), but of course, your court doesn’t have to be that big. Let’s assume a typical overhang of 2ft (distance from goal post to backboard) plus another 2ft of clearance behind the hoop for the height adjustment mechanism. The distance of the high school 3-point line is 19’9″, so if you want to have at least 3 feet space behind the three-point line, you will need a court about 27 feet long.

If you don’t have that much space, however, and the dimensions of your court are going to be significantly smaller, it might make sense to stick with a smaller hoop with less overhang and a smaller backboard. This way, your court doesn’t shrink even more and the dimensions don’t look completely out of whack.

What to look for when buying an in-ground basketball:

If you have decided to buy an in-ground basketball there are a lot of options to choose from. The main differences are the thickness of the goal post, the size, material, and overhang of the backboard as well as the quality of the rim. Let’s take a closer look:

Support Pole

Installation of the Support Pole:

The support pole is the foundation of every basketball hoop and responsible for its stability. Cheaper hoops often come with a multi-piece support pole where the bottom pole is directly inserted into a 24″ hole filled with fresh concrete. This installation can be a bit tricky because you need to make sure the pole is perfectly vertical as you won’t be able to adjust the support pole later.

More expensive hoops come with an anchor kit. The construction of the anchor kits is pretty much the same for all in-ground basketball hoops and usually requires a digging depth of 48″. This means you will need anywhere between 8-25 bags (80lbs) of concrete!

One big advantage of this construction is you can later level the backboard by adjusting the nuts of the J-Bolts beneath the anchor plate.

example anchor kit

You can check out an example of anchor plate installation in this instructional video.

Goalrilla Basketball Goal Installation - Part 1

Watch this video on YouTube

Thickness of Support Pole:

You want the pole to be as sturdy as possible to keep the shaking of the hoop after shots (or dunks) to a minimum. Cheaper hoops often come with thinner support poles (3.5″ round diameter) lacking the necessary stability for a professional playing experience.

The top-of-the-class hoop in this article needs a massive 6″ x 6″ pole to support its heavy 72-inch tempered glass backboard. A support pole like that eliminates almost all wobbling. Even Shaquille O’Neal himself could dunk on this hoop!

Height Adjustment:

Most of the basketball hoops sold today are height-adjustable and allow you to lower the rim to 7.5 feet. This is very useful for kids who are not yet strong enough to shoot on a regular 10ft goal and it’s also great fun for adults who want to feel like Russell Westbrook destroying a 9ft rim. 🙂

However, the height adjustment mechanic is also a source of instability. If you don’t plan to adjust the height, it might make sense to pass on this feature and go for a fixed height hoop.

Backboard

Size of the Backboard:

The regulation backboard used in the NBA and NCAA is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. These huge backboards weigh a ton and are therefore reserved for the most expensive and massive basketball hoops.

More affordable basketball hoops usually start with backboards that are 48 inches wide, but the most common dimensions are 54 or 60 inches. These backboards allow you more than enough space for bank shots and layups – 72 inches is only necessary for the most advanced basketball purists out there.

Material of Backboard:

Entry-level backboards are often made from Polycarbonate because this material is very light and durable. Unfortunately, as polycarbonate is so light and soft, the rebound response of polycarbonate backboards just doesn’t feel right.

This is especially true if you are used to high-quality indoor hoops. Another weakness of Polycarbonate is that it tends to discolor and get yellow after being exposed to the sun for too long.

Acrylic backboards are a little more expensive and their transparency offers a much more professional look. Unfortunately, acrylic is a very soft material and will pick up scratches over time, which will slowly spoil the great look.

Acrylic is very popular with hoops in the moderate price range because it weighs considerably less than tempered glass. This reduction of weight means that the support structure doesn’t have to be as sturdy in order to support the weight of the backboard. Unfortunately, lighter basketball hoops are more susceptible to wind, and the rebound response of the backboard is only average.

Professional backboards, on the other hand, are made of tempered glass. This material is very hard, scratch-resistant, and offers the best rebound response. You also won’t find any discoloration, even after years.

Because of the heavy weight of tempered glass, moderately priced hoops often use relatively thin layers of glass (1/4″). The top-notch hoops feature glass backboards that are up to twice as thick.

A 72-inch wide backboard will easily weigh over 100lbs and will be completely unfazed by the impact of a basketball, offering a playing experience like no other. If you want to see an example of a basketball hoop like that, check out the Goalrilla GS 72 .

Overhang of the backboard:

On an official NBA basketball court, the distance between the baseline and the backboard is defined to be 4 feet. This allows players to attack the rim without crashing into the support pole. It also enables them to dribble underneath the basket. If you want to do the same, you need a hoop featuring a large overhang (distance between backboard and goal post).

Cheaper hoops like the Lifetime 90020 offer a relatively small overhang of only 22″. However, if you only have a small driveway, this can actually be an advantage as it saves a lot of space.

More expensive (and heavier) hoops offer up to 4 feet of overhang and allow for much more under-the-basket action. 3ft of overhang is a good compromise between stability and enough space for reverse layups.

Rim

Almost all in-ground basketball hoops come with breakaway rims. Rims like that dampen the impact of shots and make rebounds a bit shorter. They are also much more comfortable if you want to hang on the rim after a powerful dunk.

If you are buying a hoop, make sure the springs of the breakaway mechanism are covered to prevent rust and ensure longer durability.

covered breakaway rim

Alright, let’s take a look at the features of some of the most popular in-ground basketball hoops:

Build Quality: starstar_borderstar_border

• Very affordable beginner hoop
• Installation is easy
• Works best for young kids

Price: $324.99

Buy on Amazon

Build Quality: starstar_halfstar_border

• Kids can adjust height on their own
• 54-inch backboard allows bank shots and layups
• Good option in the affordable price range

Price: $386. 14

Buy on Amazon

Build Quality: starstarstar_border

• 54-inch backboard made from lightweight acrylic
• Support pole is installed directly into the ground and secured with concrete
• Entry-level basketball hoop with very good build-quaility

Price: $499.99

Buy from DICK's

Build Quality: starstarstar_border

• Big 60-inch tempered glass backboard
• Affordable option for serious basketball players
• Challenging installation

out of stock

Buy on Amazon

Build Quality: starstarstar_half

• Big 60-inch backboard at an affordable price
• Anchor mounting system gives you the option to move the hoop
• Instructions are very clear and installation is a breeze

Price: $799. 99

Buy on Amazon

Build Quality: starstarstar

• Premium build quality with no shaking at all
• Thicker 54-inch tempered glass backboard
• High-quality basketball hoop at a fair price

Price: $1,449.99

Buy from DICK's

+1 more store

Build Quality: starstarstar

• Regulation-sized 72-inch tempered glass backboard
• Very sturdy one-piece 6″x6″ pole supports the 3ft overhang
• Premium basketball hoop that offers an experience as close as possible to professional indoor hoops

Price: $1,999.99

Buy from DICK's

Amazon Prices were last updated on 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

The Best In-ground Basketball Hoops:

In the following paragraphs we will take a closer look and talk about the pros and cons of each basket:

Lifetime 90020

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	48 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Height:	7. 5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	22 inches
Support Pole:	3.5-inch round
Price:	$324.99 on Amazon *

* as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

Lifetime is a company known for producing very affordable basketball hoops of good quality. The 90020 is on the lower end of their price spectrum and a great option if you are looking for a first basketball hoop for your kids. Compared to their cheaper portable models, the overhang of 22 inches allows a decent amount of under-the-basket play and reduces the danger of crashing into the goal post.

The backboard of the Lifetime 90200 makes bank shots a bit tricky because it is only 48 inches wide and much smaller than a professional 72″ backboard. The small size, combined with the very light material (Polycarbonate), makes the required digging depth (24″) very manageable and a massive support pole unnecessary.

Compared to heavier and more expensive hoops, the stability and sturdiness of this hoop can be a bit disappointing. The hoop will rattle for a few seconds after every shot, especially after long three-pointers. At this affordable price, you just can’t expect to get a completely rattle-free hoop.

Overall, the Lifetime 90200 is a good option for kids who want to shoot a few baskets in their driveway. If you are looking for a more professional playing experience, you will want to look into sturdier, more stable basketball hoops.

Price: $324.99

Buy on Amazon

as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

Lifetime 71525

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	22 inches
Support Pole:	3. 5-inch round
Price:	$386.14 on Amazon *

* as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

The Lifetime 71525 improves on one of the biggest weaknesses of the 90020 and comes with a bigger 54-inch backboard. This is a welcome change and allows players to make bank shots and layups more easily. Apart from the size of the backboard, the tech specs are pretty similar. The backboard is also made from the same Polycarbonate, the overhang of 22″ is identical and the support pole is equally thick (3.5″).

What is different, however, is the height adjustment mechanism. While the 90020 Action Grip adjustment allows you to adjust the height in 6″ increments, the 71525 allows you to adjust the height between 7.5′ to 10′ in infinite increments. The power lift pole is easy to use and allows kids to adjust the hoop on their own. Great news if you have kids of different ages! Unfortunately, the adjustment mechanism is also a source of instability, so don’t expect this hoop to be as stable as fixed-height baskets you know from the gym.

Overall, the Lifetime 71525 is a great option if you are looking for a beginner, in-ground hoop with a decent-sized backboard.

Price: $386.14

Buy on Amazon

as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

Goaliath 54″ GoTek

* as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

Goalrilla, one of the industry-leading basketball hoop manufacturers, was founded in 1991 and is known for producing some of the highest quality basketball goals available on the market.

When you start your research, their product range might be a bit confusing as it is split into three different brands: Goaliath, Silverback, and Goalrilla. Of these three brands, Goaliath is focused on entry-level products that offer a good playing experience while remaining affordable – the Goaliath 54″ GoTek is just that!

The 54-inch Acrylic backboard has a very sleek look and provides a decent rebound response while being much lighter than more expensive tempered glass backboards. This reduction of weight means that the Goaliath GoTek gets away with a much thinner support pole (only 3.5 inches in diameter) compared to other hoops.

Installation is a breeze as the hoop comes partially assembled and you don’t have to dig such a massive hole as you need for heavier basketball goals. The support pole is directly installed into the concrete which removes a source of instability, but has one big downside: If you need to move in the near future, it will be very hard to take the hoop with you.

Overall, the Goaliath 54″ GoTek is a perfect choice if you are looking for a high-quality product that doesn’t break the bank. This hoop will last you a long time and is especially well-suited for kids or beginner-to-intermediate basketball players who don’t rely on the authentic experience of a heavy glass backboard, large overhang and perfect rebound response.

Price: $499.99

Buy from DICK's

Spalding NBA Aluminium Trim Glass

* as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

This Spalding basketball hoop is one of the cheapest options with a big 60-inch backboard made of tempered glass. And believe me, a backboard like this makes all the difference. The size is very close to professional dimensions and the additional weight and rigidity of the tempered glass make the rebound response much more satisfying. If you like to finish your layups high off the glass, this hoop is for you!

The adjustment mechanism is very stable, but a bit difficult to use. Kids probably can’t adjust the height of this basket on their own. Combine the sturdy 4″x4″ support pole with the heavyweight and stable adjustment mechanism and you have a basketball hoop that restricts rattling and shaking to very acceptable levels.

The overhang of 24″ is still far away from allowing the official 4ft distance between backboard and baseline, but this also means you don’t need a huge backyard for this hoop.

If you are looking for a moderately-priced basketball hoop with a big backboard and good build quality, the Spalding NBA system is a great option.

Price:

Buy on Amazon

as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

Silverback SB 60

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	60 inches
Backboard Material:	5/16″ tempered glass
Height:	7. 5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	30 inches
Support Pole:	4x4 inches
Price:	$799.99 on Amazon *

* as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

In Goalrilla’s lineup of brands, Silverback is a step up from Goaliath and focuses on mid-range products that offer great bang-for-the-buck. Compared to the Goaliath Go Tek, the Silverback SB 60 is a bit more expensive but also offers more advanced features:

The heavy 60-inch tempered glass backboard gives you a much nicer rebound experience, and the added 6 inches make it much easier to practice your “Tim Duncan” angled bank shots.

The heavier backboard is supported by a 4″ x 4″ support pole that comes with an anchor kit. If you ever need to move, you just install a new anchor kit, and moving the basketball hoop will be no problem!

The 2.5-foot overhang allows for more action under the rim and makes it harder to crash into the pole after a driving layup.

The installation of the Silverback SB60 is pretty easy but you should plan for enough time to let the concrete cure and get two buddies to help with the assembly of the heavy backboard. If done right – you will have a basketball hoop that is super stable and will keep shaking within very acceptable levels.

Check this Youtube video to get an impression of the build quality:

Silverback - SB60 and SB54

Watch this video on YouTube

Overall, the Silverback SB 60 is a great pickup in the moderate price range and perfect for intermediate to more advanced basketball players who are okay with a little bit of shaking if it saves them $500. If you are looking for the full premium experience keep reading and check out the Goalrilla hoops coming next!

Price: $799.99

Buy on Amazon

as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

Goalrilla GS 54

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	3/8-inch tempered glass
Height:	7. 5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	30 inches
Support Pole:	5x5 inches
Price:	from $1,449.99 *

* as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

The Goalrilla brand is known for the premium quality of its basketball hoops. The GS 54 is their entry model and comes with a heavy 54″ backboard made of thicker 3/8th-inch tempered glass.

Now you might wonder: why is the GS54 much more expensive than the Silverback SB 60 even though it comes with a smaller backboard?

The answer is simple: the backboard is made of thicker glass which makes it heavier and gives you a much nicer rebound response. The support pole is made from a single, 5″x5″ (compared to 4″x4″) piece of solid steel connected to the 48″ (compared to 36″) deep concrete base via an anchor kit.

This super-solid construction ensures there is pretty much no shaking or wobbling. While the SB60 is meant to provide great bang-for-the-buck, the GS54 offers a true premium experience for basketball players who don’t want to compromise.

The Goalrilla GS 54 fits perfectly in smaller backyards or driveways where a giant 72-inch basketball hoop would look completely out of place. It’s the go-to-pick if you are looking for a hoop that will last you for years and keep rattling and shaking to an absolute minimum!

Price: $1,449.99

Buy from DICK's

+1 more store

Goalrilla GS 72

* as of 11/29/2022 5:17 PM EST

The Goalrilla GS72 is for the basketball purists out there! It comes with a giant (and incredibly heavy) 72-inch backboard – the same dimensions are used in the NBA!

This heavy backboard is supported by a massive 6″ x 6″ support pole that makes sure there is no rattling and shaking even though the hoop features a generous 3-feet overhang.

Currently, there are two versions of the GS72 on the market: the older GS72 and the newer GS72C. The only difference between the two versions is that the GS72 backboard is held with two “H brackets” while the GS72C moved the arms to the outside of the backboard giving it a clearview backboard.

There really isn’t that much more to tell! The GS 72 comes with all the features of the GS 54 but takes it to the next level in terms of dimensions. This is the cream of the crop! Get two of these and your backyard is ready for MTV cribs:-)

Price: $1,999.99

Buy from DICK's

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a hoop for your young kids or beginner basketball players I recommend the Goaliath GoTek It’s affordable, high quality, and will offer years of fun!

More advanced players looking for great bang for the buck should look into the Silverback SB 60 or Spalding Aluminum Trim .

If you are looking for the premium, authentic NBA experience then the Goalrilla GS 72 is your pick!

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

1. 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.
2. Don't forget the markup. It should be in a contrasting color. Bright colors will interest children and cheer them up.
3. It is necessary to install a protective net so as not to constantly run after the ball to the other end of the area.
4. 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.
5. When choosing a basketball, you need to focus on the players. For games involving children and adults, balls of different sizes are needed.
6. 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.
7. 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.

vtech 80-541601 Instruction Manual for KidiGo Basketball Hoop

vtech 80-541601 Instruction Manual for KidiGo Basketball Hoop

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the KidiGo™ basketball hoop.
Make your gaming experience unforgettable with this digital scoreboard and basketball. Playable alone or with up to five players, five games are enhanced by lights and encouraging phrases on an interactive scoreboard. The game has begun!
NOTE: Additional inflation may be required for accurate scoring.

INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

• Basketball ring Kidigo ™
• Basketball
• 2 door hooks with a soft lining
• Guide to a fast start

Wet Cords and packing screws are not part of this toy and should be discarded for your child's safety.
NOTE
Please keep this manual as it contains important information.