How to Install In Ground Basketball Hoop: 7 Quick and Easy Steps!
Ever since I was a kid, my dad has taught me to learn how to do things myself. Or at least to try to learn how to do things myself.
“You don’t want to hire someone to do things unless you want to pay an arm and a leg,” he told me.
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably thinking the same thing.
While your new basketball hoop is big and heavy, it really is pretty straightforward how to install it yourself.
This guide will help the basketball hoop installation process be quick and easy so that you and your kids and friends can get some shots up!
So if you’re wondering how to install in ground basketball hoop, I’ll walk you through it so you can get started sooner rather than later!
What Is An In Ground Basketball Hoop?
While a portable basketball hoop stays above ground and can move from place to place, an in ground hoop is a higher-quality hoop that goes directly into the ground.
An in ground hoop is better stabilized, so it doesn’t feel like there’s an earthquake every time the ball hits the rim.
In ground basketball hoops also last much longer, so while the assembly takes a little bit longer than portable basketball hoops, you will be enjoying it for years to come without the worry of needing a new one!
Plus, a lot of high-quality hoops come with lifetime warranties if, for some reason, you do need to have it replaced!
Reasons You Need to Know How to Install An In Ground Basketball Hoop
It’s cheaper!
Installation fees for anything can sometimes be harsh on the pocketbook.
By installing the hoop yourself, you won’t need much more than a few bags of concrete (depending on hoop instructions, around 10 bags), a rented concrete mixer, a level, a few wrenches, and a can-do attitude with elbow grease!
If my dad could do it with the help of an 8 and 12-year-old, anyone can do it. (Trust me.)
You can do it. I believe in you!
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Install In Ground Basketball Hoop
Again, installing an in ground basketball hoop is pretty straightforward.
Just imagine putting together a really heavy IKEA bookcase, and you’ll have an idea of what it’s like.
Like baking a cake, it’s all about following directions.
So here is the recipe. Let’s get started!
1. Choose The Right Location
Make sure the location for your in ground basketball hoop installation is planned out.
You’ll want the hoop right off the edge of the driveway or playing surface. You may want to leave a little space between the driveway and the concrete so that when those little ones start driving, they’re not backing into the hoop.
Also, make sure there is plenty of room on both sides of the hoop so that when someone’s shooting on the hoop, they can shoot from both sides of it, and it’s not too close to the house or some other structure.
Make sure that there are no obstacles in the way, such as trees, power lines, or other equipment. The ideal location should be flat, level, and free of any obstructions.
Also, make sure to steer clear of utility lines!
2. Dig the Hole
Once you have chosen the location for your basketball hoop, it’s time to dig the hole!
So pretend you’re a mole for a bit and get digging.
A lot of times, the instructions will let you know how deep to dig. For ours, the hole was about 21 inches wide and 30 inches deep.
Grab a can of spray paint to help you stay inside the lines.
Make sure that the depth is consistent throughout the hole, and use a level to ensure that the hole is completely flat.
3. Make Sure It’s Level!
I wanted to add this step to really pound it into your noggin – make sure everything is level!
The worst thing you can do is get done with the installation and realize the hoop is slanted. Imagine the process of redoing everything. It hurts my head just to think of it!
If you don’t have a level, get one. They’re pretty darn cheap.
Measure twice, cut once.
4. Pour The Concrete Mix
Rent out a concrete mixer from your local hardware store and mix up the concrete. Make sure you’re not pouring concrete too high so that you cover up the brackets.
It takes a bit to solidify, so don’t worry too much about it hardening immediately.
Also, make sure to keep Michael Scott away from the wet concrete.
Again, make sure it is level when you leave it to dry!
5. Assemble The Hoop
While the concrete is drying, assemble the hoop. All of the hoop assembly is done before you prop it up onto the concrete base mentioned earlier.
This is where your IKEA assembling skills come in handy. Follow the directions given and make sure every last nut and bolt is tightened.
Wait for the concrete to be completely dry before putting the assembled hoop up.
6. Put Assembled Hoop On Concrete Base
I’d like to say this is the easy part, but you’re putting a pretty heavy hoop onto a small square of concrete, so you be the judge.
I recommend having three able-bodied individuals for this.
Lift the hoop so that the holes are lined up with the concrete brackets. Then have two people hold the hoop in place while one screws the nuts on to secure it in place.
7. Enjoy Your New Basketball Hoop!
Throw on a basketball net if you haven’t already, and get some shots up!
Some of you may want to grab a beer and relax after a good day’s work. Grab that brewski, my friend. It was well earned.
Key Considerations for Successfully Installing In Ground Basketball Hoops
Keep it level!
I hate to say it over and over, but I don’t want you crying to me that the hoop was on a slant. All I’ll say back is, “I told ya so.”
Don’t do this by yourself. Even if you just have a couple of kids at your disposal, use them. That’s why you had them in the first place, right?
In all seriousness, this is not a job for one person. Plus, it helps kids build character. Just watch your curse words if you can. There are a lot of pinch points on a basketball hoop.
Taking It to The Next Level: How to Put A Net On A Basketball Hoop
Lower the hoop if you can, or grab a ladder so you’re at eye level with the hoop. (This will help save your shoulders.)
Take a loop of the net and put it near the metal insert on the hoop. Wrap the loop around the broad point of the metal, then, keeping that part of the net where it is, take a small chunk and wrap that chunk around the metal tip.
Continue for each loop and hoop attachment all the way around.
Alternatives to Installing An In Ground Basketball Hoop
If this all seems like too much, feel free to hire someone to install the hoop for you.
You’d rather have it done right since it is something that will be in the ground next to your beautiful house for years and years to come.
Again, some of these directions, including hole size, may be different from the directions of the hoop you bought. Bigger hoops may need bigger holes. Read the directions before you do anything.
Sometimes it seems like I know everything, but trust me, I don’t.
Conclusion
Got it all?
Good.
Props to you for taking on the challenge of installing a basketball hoop yourself. Things are only hard the first time. If you follow these steps, you’ll have one of the best basketball hoop setups in town!
Unfortunately, you’ll only be installing your own basketball hoop one time. Unless you’re a professional basketball hoop installer.
Just remember to choose the right location, dig the hole, prepare the pole, install the backboard and hoop, and then enjoy your new basketball hoop to the fullest.
If you haven’t already, go grab a top-of-the-line basketball hoop and get that thing installed!
FAQ
How hard is it to install an in ground basketball hoop?
Not hard at all. There’s tons of literature out there about how to install basketball hoops.
In the time of DIY, why not try this out and save some money?
How deep does concrete need to be for a basketball hoop?
It depends on the hoop. For ours, the hole was 30 inches deep.
Just make sure it’s level!
Where do you put a basketball hoop in the driveway?
Right off the edge of the driveway, not too close to the house.
You don’t want the hoop too far off the driveway, or else the ball will be falling into the grass after every made shot.
Can I Move An In Ground Basketball Hoop Once It’s Installed?
Yes!
Just undo the bolts at the base of the hoop that connects to the concrete.
Of course, you’ll have to dig another hole and fill it with concrete in the place desired.
