How to Mount a Basketball Hoop to a Garage

Countless kids who grew up watching Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant dreamed of being basketball superstars themselves one day. However, not everyone has access to a gym, so practicing basketball shots sometimes requires a makeshift court at home. While full hoops, backboards and poles can be purchased and cemented into the ground by a driveway, anyone with a garage can leave the pole and cement at the store and get by with just the backboard and hoop, by mounting it above the garage doors.

Things You'll Need

  • Ladder
  • Tape measure
  • Power drill
  • Crescent wrench
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Latex caulk
  • Basketball backboard
  • Basketball rim
  • Basketball net
  • Mounting brackets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure the "basketball court" area in your driveway is level, well-paved and preferably roomy. Find an area above your garage that is ideal for the backboard mounting --- flat, free of obstructions and secure.

    • 2

      Purchase a basketball backboard, rim and net. These often come as kits at sporting-goods stores or can be purchased secondhand at garage sales. Professional regulation basketball hoop standard backboards are 72 inches by 42 inches; however, backboards come in smaller sizes, if desired. Make sure you purchase a kit or backboard that is made for wall-mounting.

    • 3

      Measure the area above the garage where the backboard is to be mounted, marking the bracket locations with a pencil. Try to find areas with studs, as this will ensure a more stable backboard. Secure the mounting brackets into the marked spots above the garage as per the manufacturer's instructions.

    • 4

      Attach the backboard to the mounting brackets with the included nuts and bolts, and seal up any holes with the latex caulk to prevent movement, rot and rusting. Use the level to make sure the backboard is straight. Attach the rim to the backboard in the preset rim holes, and attach the net to the rim. Adjust the backboard, using the sliding mounting brackets, as necessary (regulation rims are 10 feet above the playing surface).

    • 5

      Test the backboard with a series of basketball shots. If the ball bounces off the rim at odd angles, check the backboard with the level to ensure straightness on each side.