Basketball gameplay has a heavy impact on the basketball hoop. Not only are the rim and backboard regularly struck with force by the ball, but there is often contact between the players and the hoop components as well, especially players hanging from the rim during dunks. To support the constant impact and weight, a basketball hoop needs a strong, secure base that not only keeps it upright, but completely stationary so that players can practice on the system without holding back.
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Most outdoor basketball hoops are attached to a pole which connects them to the base. These hoops use three main types of anchoring systems: portable, in-ground, and bolt-down bases. By contrast, backboard and rim combo systems are mounted directly to a wall, roof, or existing pole and don’t require a base.
Portable Bases
A portable base is a wide-set, hollow vessel attached securely at the bottom of the pole. This base is filled with sand or water to grant it substantial weight. When the base is empty, is can be moved easily, and when it is full, it is extremely heavy and stable. There is also no requirement for cement work, making setup and relocation quick and easy. Heavy-duty wheels permit the bases to be moved at any time and at the owner’s convenience. These qualities make portable bases the most popular option for families that want a basketball hoop at home. These bases also allow for quick setup and play so new owners can enjoy using their hoop immediately after acquiring it. Portable bases are common with small, medium, and large systems. Lifetime ensures that each portable base is the optimal size for safety and balance for the backboard that the base supports. We strive to exceed the ASTM standards set as the baseline for basketball hoop performance. While many cheaply-made basketball hoops have bases that often leak, potentially causing hoops to tip over and cause major damage, Lifetime’s high-quality blow molded bases perform much better than the competition and exceed safety standards.
In-Ground Bases
An in-ground base system sees the pole cemented directly into the ground, resulting in extraordinarily stable and secure hoops. They do not tip, lean, or fall over. In order to properly anchor these, between 420 and 640 pounds of cement is required, depending on the size of the system. In preparation for the cement, an appropriately-sized hole needs to be dug as described in the hoop’s instruction manual. After an in-ground base is cemented in, owners need to allow several days for the cement to cure before playing on the hoop. Since the pole is established directly in the ground via cement, they are not generally portable once installed. However, using a ground sleeve can allow for the future removal and relocation of the hoop. The ground sleeve is placed directly into the cement instead of the pole, and then acts as the entry point for the basketball system’s pole. This is the best way to securely move an in-ground system around multiple locations. In-ground bases are usually used with medium- and large-sized systems.
Bolt-Down Systems
Like an in-ground system, bolt-down systems involve planting an anchor system into cement—usually between 1,040 and 1,680 pounds of it. The bottom of the pole is then securely bolted onto the cemented-in anchor system. Therefore, it can be removed, relocated, and re-bolted in another existing anchor system, allowing for some mobility for the hoop. Bolt-down systems have incredible stability and will not tip, lean, or fall over. Like in-ground systems, once the cement is poured, it needs several days to cure before the hoop can be used. This type of base is most common with large and Mammoth basketball systems.
Mounted Backboard and Rim Combo
Sometimes, when playing space is limited, a combo system is most effective. This system consists of a rim and backboard combined together, with no pole or base. Instead, a mounting kit can be used to attach the system to a wall, roof, or existing pole. By fastening the hoop to a wall or roof, owners can maximize playing space and not obstruct their court with a base.
Lifetime offers two combo mounting kits: the Fixed Mounting Kit and the Adjustable Mounting Kit. The Universal (Fixed) Mounting Kit mounts a Lifetime Backboard and Rim Combo to a wall, roof, or 3.5” diameter pole. The Adjustable Mounting Kit mounts a Lifetime Backboard and Rim Combo to a wall or 3.5” diameter pole and can be adjusted from 8 to 10 feet of height.
Mounting kits are separate components from combo systems. They offer locational versatility but do not have the stability and strength of a portable, in-ground, or bolt-down base, so dunking on them is not recommended.
The following videos will walk you step-by-step through the process of installing an in-ground basketball goal.
The secret to a long-lasting basketball hoop is in foundation. Achieving the correct mixture of dry concrete and water can give your goal additional years of life!
A mixture that is too thin lacks the strength needed to properly hold the steel pole in place. A mixture that is too thick will leave you struggling to fill voids that can’t be seen below, again compromising strength. So how do you achieve the perfect balance? Let’s find out!
Concrete is rated by its compressive strength, which means: how much pressure per square inch can a standard cylinder of concrete withstand before breaking. These ratings are derived from standardized machines which can evenly apply pressure across the surface of a concrete cylinder.
Compressive strength is largely determined by the composition of the mix. Walk into any home improvement store and you’ll see a variety of mixes that advertise ‘fast setting,’ ‘high-strength,’ ‘crack resistant,’ etc. The main difference between each of these is some mixes may contain additional ingredients, such as fiberglass, to provide even greater bond strength.
If you have a specific mix you’re looking for, then great, you already know what to get. However, if you’re simply trying to follow the instructions for your hoop, your standard ‘High-Strength’ mix will do just fine.
Goalrilla recommends purchasing 12-13 bags of concrete mix. This concrete meets the ASTM C387 Standard Specifications for concrete.
While directions state you only need 11 bags, it’s not a bad idea to have an extra bag or two on hand in the event the installation gets a little messy. As you’ll find out, concrete mix can be difficult to move and it’s very easy to accidentally tear a bag open.
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Once you have all the appropriate materials, start by opening 1-2 bags and pouring them into a large container. Add water according to what the instructions dictate.
For an 80 lb. bag, you’ll want to use 6 pints or 2.8 L of water, or for a 60 lb. bag, you’ll want to use 4 pints or 1.9 L per bag of concrete. If you don’t have measuring bucket around, a 2 L soda pop bottle will work to get a close enough estimation.
Create a depression in the center of the dry mix and add your water here. Work the mix with a hoe or other tool and ensure consistency across the batch. Properly mixed concrete should be wet, but firm enough to hold its shape and in an oatmeal-like consistency. You can test its consistency by picking up a handful while wearing gloves.
Do not let the mix sit for extended periods of time or you run the risk of letting it dry out. Move the mix to the freshly dug hole as soon as possible and agitate as you pour to help alleviate any voids. A trench shovel and extra set of hands will be helpful here.
On especially hot days you may need to add more water to the mix as water will evaporate. Always keep the mix moving and ensure the mix maintains its consistency.
Repeat these steps as necessary until you have the appropriate amount of concrete.
Installing your basketball hoop in winter is possible but has a few caveats. If the outside temperature is below 40° F (4.44° C) for an extended period of time, you will want to reconsider your install date. Temperatures below this threshold can cause all sorts of problems your average DIY installer is most likely not equipped to handle, nor would want to.
If you choose to pour concrete during the winter months, there are few things you or your installer will want to remember.
In addition to these tips, some professional installers may have other methods or tricks they use to set concrete in colder weather. In this case, it may be better to hire a professional to do the job as they will often have the necessary supplies, like curing blankets, already on hand.
As the cost of additional materials begins to add up, combined with the inconvenience of working in the cold, you may find it’s better to have someone else do it. If that's the case, please see our Hire Someone tab.
Not feeling up to the job? Do not worry, Goalrilla can do the job for you! Of course, you can always hire a professional to install your basketball hoop for you. While you might be tempted to call a local construction company or handyman, and although some of these businesses might offer basketball goal installation, we recommend contacting a Goalrilla installation specialist. Installing a basketball goal requires exact precision and specialized processes to ensure your hoop is level and operating at peak performance. No one knows how to do this better than a Goalrilla specialist!
CHECK FOR GOALRILLA AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION SERVICES
Step one should always be to see if there is an authorized dealer in your area, particularly a Goalrilla Platinum Dealer. Goalrillas are sold through a network of full service dealers throughout the country, and these Goalrilla specialists can not only help you find the best goal to purchase, but they can install it too. These dealers are installing hundreds of Goalrillas every year, and know our exact specifications, so you can trust that they will get it done right!
OTHER BASKETBALL GOAL INSTALLERS TO CONSIDER
For some people living in more remote areas of the country, you may not have a Goalrilla dealer nearby. In that case, you might opt to purchase your Goalrilla online. Luckily, you can still find an installer by performing a Google search of “National installation and assembly service.” That will give you a good place to start.
A simple Google search for “basketball goal installers + [YOUR CITY],” should turn up some places to start. In this case, you may want to direct this service provider to our installation guide to make sure they have the correct information for a successful installation.
HOW MUCH SHOULD A BASKETBALL HOOP INSTALLATON COST?
Managing the basketball hoop installation yourself has its own merit, but if you’re paying somebody to do it, you should expect professional quality. Professional installations should generally range anywhere from $400 to $600 from beginning to end. Especially if you are working with an installation company or local contractor, be sure to get a couple different quotes before committing to a purchase.
If you are considering a service provider that is not a Goalrilla authorized dealer for the installation of your basketball goal, you may want to consider asking the following questions…
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