How to Install a Fixed Height In-Ground Basketball Goal

A properly installed fixed height in-ground basketball hoop will withstand the rigors of a hard played basketball came and gusting winds. When you purchase a complete basketball pole and hoop assembly the installation instructions will state general guidelines as to the depth and amount of concrete needed to secure the basketball hoop pole. If you live in an area prone to high winds (hurricanes), it is advisable to increase the size of the hole dug into the ground to secure the basketball pole.

Things You'll Need

  • Spade shovel
  • Post hole digger
  • Tape measure
  • Soapstone
  • Quick set dry concrete mix (8 bags)
  • Wood stakes (4)
  • Three-pound sledgehammer
  • Nylon rope
  • Magnetic post level
  • Socket set
  • 3/8-inch ratchet handle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a level section of ground near your driveway. You will need a section of level ground large enough to dig a hole at least 24 inches in diameter.

    • 2

      Dig a hole either 24 inches square or 24 inches in diameter with the spade shovel. Remove loose dirt from the hole with a post hole digger. Stop digging when the hole is 24 inches deep. Increase the size of the hole to 30 inches square or 30 inches in diameter if you live in an area prone to high wind speeds.

    • 3

      Measure 18 inches from one end of the pole with a tape measure and mark the length with a piece of soapstone.

    • 4

      Open and pour six bags (seven bags for high wind areas) of quick setting dry concrete mix into the hole. Add the amount of water specified for each bag into the hole. Mix the concrete thoroughly with a spade shovel.

    • 5

      Secure four wooden stakes into the ground with a three-pound sledgehammer. Keep the stakes evenly spaced and roughly 6 feet from the edge of the hole.

    • 6

      Set the pole into the concrete until the 18 inch soapstone mark sits at ground level.

    • 7

      Set the magnetic post level onto the pole. Move the pole until the level shows the pole is sitting vertically level (plumb) in all directions.

    • 8

      Tie nylon rope from the pole to each mounted wooden stake to hold the pole in position.

    • 9

      Add the two remaining bags of quick setting dry concrete mix to the hole. Mix with water. Allow the concrete to harden for 24 to 48 hours.

    • 10

      Remove the nylon ropes that run from the pole to the four wooden stakes. Pull the wooden stakes from the ground.

    • 11

      Install the backboard and basketball hoop to the mounted pole with a properly sized socket attached to a 3/8-inch ratchet handle. The bottom of the basketball hoop should sit 10 feet off the ground.

    • 12

      Hook the loops of the basketball net to the rings hanging from the bottom of the basketball hoop to complete the installation.