Between the two of us, we have eight children and eight grandchildren. With our wives we can field four basketball teams. Young or old, boys or girls, basketball is an American favorite.
If you're interested in having your own hoop, mounting one over the garage door is relatively easy and inexpensive, but the roof and garage door take quite a beating. The best installation involves a freestanding pole mounted in a concrete-filled hole in the ground. Using a pole instead of the house makes it easier to select a location that is safe, level and comfortable (as in shady).
Three styles of poles are available: a three-piece sectional lightweight, round steel tube, a much thicker and heavier one-piece square steel tube and a wooden post. The sectional steel tube is the easiest to handle and install because the individual sections are smaller and so much lighter than the alternatives. Wood or steel, mounting a 12-foot pole in the ground and getting it straight up and down can be a chore even for the handiest do-it-yourselfer. There is an extra step with the lighter-weight, sectional pole: it must be filled with concrete for strength. Despite this step, we feel it is still the easiest option to install.
If a steel pole is not available at the sporting goods store, the local lumber yard will more than likely have an 8x8 wooden post, which is the proper size for the height required. Fir is a bit stronger than pine, but either will work. If possible, use pressure-treated material. A pressure-treated post buried in concrete will last a lot longer than untreated lumber.
Whether the pole is made of wood or steel, use padding. An old rug, plain foam rubber or carpet padding will help to prevent bruises and broken teeth.
The concrete base that holds the pole should be at least 2 1/2 feet in diameter and 2 feet deep. If a wood pole is used, dig the hole six to 12 inches deeper, and fill it with gravel or rock. This will act as a drain field and reduce the chance of wood-rot.
Most backboards either bolt directly into place or are held onto a pole with a U-bolt or U-shaped-collar. However, there are fancier models that can be adjusted up and down a pole by releasing an integral lever with a broom handle or a long stick. This option can increase the cost of the project by 40 percent. Remember, the best height for a basketball hoop is 10 feet. The most difficult part of the project is digging the hole. This shouldn't become a pick and shovel job for two reasons: 1) digging with a pick is very hard work, and 2) digging with a pick can damage underground utilities ranging from phone, power and cable lines to sprinkler, gas and sewer pipes. Soaking the area with water and waiting for it to soften the soil will make light work of any small digging project. Wet the soil with a slow trickle of water for an hour or two. Let the moisture soak in, then dig until reaching hard pan. Repeat the process as often as needed.
Ready-mix concrete in bags is not the strongest kind. Stronger concrete can be acquired from a concrete mixing plant, and is recommended if budget allows. To save big on a small delivery, ask the batch plant clerk if you can be scheduled for a standby delivery of leftovers from one of their other customers. And, don't add water. Use it just as it comes from the truck. Wet concrete doesn't cure as strong as concrete with less water content.
Finally, be prepared to spend between $125 and $375 dollars for the hoop and pole, not including the cost of an asphalt or concrete court. Also, for additional dollars, a clear acrylic backstop is available. Use caution here. Acrylic, although attractive, will not hold up to the sun as well as painted boards. That's why you normally see acrylic in indoor arenas.
