How to Make Your Own Portable Basketball Goal

Basketball is often limited to established courts. There are portable goals available, but they are large, bulky, heavy and strain the term "portable" to the breaking point. It is quite easy to build a truly portable basketball goal, one that fits in the trunk of a car and needs only to be attached to a tree, fence or light pole. Suddenly a game of basketball can be played just about anywhere.

Things You'll Need

  • basketball backboard (made of acrylic of fiberglass), rim and net
  • measuring tape
  • marker
  • drill with 1/4-inch bit
  • 3-inch ratchet strap
  • utility knife
  • four 1/4 inch bolts, 3 inches long, with matching nuts
  • wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure from the bottom of the backboard to the top in order to find the halfway point.

    • 2

      Draw a line across the back, from side to side, halfway up the backboard.

    • 3

      From either side, drill two holes: one 5 inches from the edge and another 6 inches from the edge.

    • 4

      Mark two dots, 1 inch apart, on the two hook ends of the ratchet strap.

    • 5

      Line the dots up with the holes in the backboard. Adjust them if they don't match.

    • 6

      Cut holes in the dots with the utility knife.

    • 7

      Attach the straps to the back of the backboard using the bolts and nuts, two per side.

    • 8

      Attach the rim to the backboard if this is not already done.

    • 9

      Hold the completed goal against a tree, fence or light pole as a friend ratchets it in place. The rim should be 10 feet above the ground for a regulation game, or a different height if desired.