How to Install an Outdoor Basketball Court

Although it takes some time and effort, installing an outdoor basketball court has many benefits. Not only does it cut down on the headache of finding an available gym or park with a court, it also provides hours of fun and exercise without much hassle. Outdoor basketball courts can include portable basketball systems that are easier to set up or in-ground basketball systems, which require more work but are more durable and reliable over time.

Things You'll Need

  • Portable basketball system or in-ground basketball system
  • Shovel
  • Tape measure
  • 850 pounds dry concrete mix
  • Screw Driver
  • Ladder
  • Wrench
  • Marker
  • Level
  • Basketball Line Tape or Pre-Cut Stenciling Kit
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Instructions

  1. How to Install an Outdoor Basketball Court

    • 1

      Dig a hole, using a shovel or other digging tool approximately 2 feet wide by 2 feet long by 2 feet deep after determining where you want to place your basketball goal If you are using a portable goal, this is not necessary.

    • 2

      Measure the basketball pole if you are installing an in-ground basketball kit. Kits include poles that are long enough to be placed in the ground. Mark the pole with a marker 18 inches from the bottom.

    • 3

      Mix all 850 pounds of concrete in a wheelbarrow, which will allow for easy handling once you have mixed it all. Concrete mix typically comes with easy-to-follow instructions. Allow the concrete to cure for 24 hours.

    • 4

      Fill the hole completely and evenly with the mixed concrete. Insert the basketball pole deep enough so that the concrete meets the 18-inch mark from step 2. Fill the pole with any remaining concrete you may have to ensure stability. Let the concrete stand for 48 hours.

    • 5

      Attach the basketball hoop to the backboard before attaching the backboard to the pole. Basketball kits come with pre-drilled holes and the appropriate nuts, bolts and screws. Follow the instructions included with the basketball kit to determine which one of these is appropriate.

    • 6

      Attach the basketball hoop to the backboard, using the appropriate screws, nuts or bolts according to the basketball kit's manual. A ladder and another person will be needed for this step.

    • 7

      Measure the playing surface with a tape measure to determine where the appropriate lines should go. The baseline should run along the end line 4 feet behind the backboard. A regulation free throw line is 15 feet from the backboard, while the lane extends all the way to the baseline, making it 19 feet long. The lane should also be 12 feet wide. The circle above the lane, behind the free-throw line has a radius of 6 feet. If you are interested in adding a three-point line, the center of the line at the top of the free-throw circle should be 19 feet 9 inches from the front of the rim.

    • 8

      Place the lines on the court either with a pre-cut stenciling kit, line-marking tape or paint. Consult your local sporting goods store for the appropriate stencil kit or tape to use.