How to Make a Basketball Hoop for Outside

Basketball is a sport enjoyed by millions across the United States. Every fall, teams assemble and play into early spring.The lifelong lessons learned while on the court are etched into the minds of the players, and basketball, for some, becomes more than just a game. While some may be able to enjoy the convenience of a gym, others must build their own hoop for outdoor play at home. Making a basketball hoop for outside is simple and won't cost much.

Things You'll Need

  • Laundry basket
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Utility knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a round, plastic laundry basket. Make sure that the basket is not in use and that you have permission to transform it into a hoop. If you do not have an extra laundry basket at home, purchase an inexpensive one from a discount or department store.

    • 2

      Use a tape measure to determine the diameter of the laundry basket. A regulation basketball hoop is 18 inches in diameter, so the diameter of your laundry basket should measure at least 18 inches. This will ensure that a standard size basketball will fit through the hoop.

    • 3

      Cut out the bottom of the basket carefully using a utility knife. Sand off the rough edges with a piece of heavy grit sandpaper. For thicker plastic, use a handsaw to cut through the bottom of the basket.

    • 4

      Construct the backboard for your hoop. Nail a sheet of plywood to a solid outdoor surface (i.e. telephone pole, tree, wall). Keep in mind that a regulation hoop is 10 feet off the ground, so your backboard should be placed 10 feet off the ground. Make sure that the surface is on your property or that you have permission to hang something on it. Paint the plywood white, if you prefer, and include a red rectangle in the center. On a traditional backboard, the red rectangle measures 1.5 feet by 2 feet. Attach the laundry basket to the plywood with nails.