Friday, February 25, 2011
Imagine being able to walk outside of your home and practice your lay ups and jump shots. Instead of having to head out to the gym or park to practice your basketball game, why not add your very own in-ground basketball hoop? This way you'll be able to practice anytime you want and for as long as you want!
An in-ground basketball hoop is the most authentic hoop to have in a home. There are other options, such as a garage hoop, but if you can spend a bit extra on an in-ground hoop it's easily the better option. Many people are intimidated when it comes to installing an in-ground hoop so I've created this article to help you understand how simple it can actually be.
Before you begin to unload any of the parts of the hoop, make sure you have all the right tools and materials. You'll need concrete mix (850lbs of concrete) and a wheel barrel to mix it in. You'll also need water, to make the mix. Other tools include a ladder, several screwdrivers, a tape measure, a shovel and a wrench. You'll also need a marker.
If you do not have all these tools you should either buy them or borrow from a friend. In order to make sure your hoop is properly installed and safe, you'll need each of these tools/materials. The last thing you want to do is re-install the hoop or have it fall down and injury someone.
The next step, which you've probably already planned out, is finding the right place to install the hoop. Some people will go as far as finding a grass area and making a court, but it's most common to position the hoop on the driveway. The most important part is that the area is flat. By playing with slopes, bumps or holes, it's just an injury about to happen.
Once you're comfortable with the area, you may begin working on the hoop. It's not very easy to move the hoop once it's down, so it's important you're sure about the placement.
First mark a spot on the pole 18 inches from the bottom. This will help you indicate how deep the pole will go into the concrete hole. Then dig a hole. The hole should be 2 x 2 feet and 2 feet deep. Then proceed by mixing the concrete and filling the hole. Make sure the concrete mix is firm in the hole by patting it down. Then take the pole and place it in the hole. It should only go to the point on the pole in which you marked (18 inches). After the pole is in the ground, take your level and make sure it's straight. Continue by filling in more concrete.
Now that you've placed the pole in and it's secure, you'll need to add the hoop and backboard. Make sure the hoop and backboard are secure. Then place these two parts over the pole at 10 feet. Always wait about 48 hours before adding these parts to the pole, as the concrete needs some time to dry. Once it's in place, you're all set to get out and enjoy!
An in-ground basketball hoop is the most authentic hoop to have in a home. There are other options, such as a garage hoop, but if you can spend a bit extra on an in-ground hoop it's easily the better option. Many people are intimidated when it comes to installing an in-ground hoop so I've created this article to help you understand how simple it can actually be.
Before you begin to unload any of the parts of the hoop, make sure you have all the right tools and materials. You'll need concrete mix (850lbs of concrete) and a wheel barrel to mix it in. You'll also need water, to make the mix. Other tools include a ladder, several screwdrivers, a tape measure, a shovel and a wrench. You'll also need a marker.
If you do not have all these tools you should either buy them or borrow from a friend. In order to make sure your hoop is properly installed and safe, you'll need each of these tools/materials. The last thing you want to do is re-install the hoop or have it fall down and injury someone.
The next step, which you've probably already planned out, is finding the right place to install the hoop. Some people will go as far as finding a grass area and making a court, but it's most common to position the hoop on the driveway. The most important part is that the area is flat. By playing with slopes, bumps or holes, it's just an injury about to happen.
Once you're comfortable with the area, you may begin working on the hoop. It's not very easy to move the hoop once it's down, so it's important you're sure about the placement.
First mark a spot on the pole 18 inches from the bottom. This will help you indicate how deep the pole will go into the concrete hole. Then dig a hole. The hole should be 2 x 2 feet and 2 feet deep. Then proceed by mixing the concrete and filling the hole. Make sure the concrete mix is firm in the hole by patting it down. Then take the pole and place it in the hole. It should only go to the point on the pole in which you marked (18 inches). After the pole is in the ground, take your level and make sure it's straight. Continue by filling in more concrete.
Now that you've placed the pole in and it's secure, you'll need to add the hoop and backboard. Make sure the hoop and backboard are secure. Then place these two parts over the pole at 10 feet. Always wait about 48 hours before adding these parts to the pole, as the concrete needs some time to dry. Once it's in place, you're all set to get out and enjoy!
About the Author:
Check out more of this author's work regarding items such as the mini basketball hoop set and inground basketball systems.