How to Make Volleyball Poles

From backyards to gymnasiums and sandy beaches, volleyball is played for enjoyment and recreation as well as competition. Volleyball courts themselves may consist of a hard surface such as a wooden gym floor, grass or sand and will feature boundary markings to outline the court. Other features of the court include the net and net poles. When constructing a volleyball court, the poles that support the net are an important part of the construction.

Things You'll Need

  • 6 by 6 treated lumber (12 feet long)
  • Belt sander
  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • Quick-set concrete
  • Shovel
  • Post hole diggers
  • Tape measure
  • Water (amount to be determined by amount of concrete used)
  • Level
  • Eye bolt (wood screw)
  • Gravel (one bag)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay out the volleyball court using a tape measure to be sure the distances are correct. Refer to a website such as volleyballusa.com for detailed information on court layout. Keep in mind that the widest part of the court will be the net poles that must be 36 feet apart (measured from center of pole to center of pole). Mark the points where the holes should be dug.

    • 2

      Place the 6 by 6 posts on a supported work surface. Sand down the posts using a belt sander and medium grit sandpaper. Go over the entire surface of the post paying special attention to any knots, large splinters and the corners.

    • 3

      Dig a hole at each marked point in the ground. Use a pair of post-hole diggers to dig a hole that is at least 2 1/2 to 3 feet deep and 12 to 18 inches across. Refer to the website Quikrete Projects for more information on hole preparation for quick set concrete (see References).

    • 4

      Place several inches of gravel in the bottom of both holes to act as a base and help with drainage. Set the posts in the holes so that they rest on the gravel. At this point you should measure the posts to make sure 8 1/2 to 9 feet of the posts extend above the ground. Adjust the gravel or depth of the hole as necessary.

    • 5

      Pour dry quick-set concrete into each hole until it is about six inches from the top. Add water to the concrete following the manufacturer's directions. A rule of thumb is to use one gallon of water for every 50 pounds of quick-set concrete.

    • 6

      Recheck the center to center measurement of the hole and adjust the poles vertically with a level. Allow the concrete to cure for about six hours before continuing work. Test the poles by gently shaking and then cover the top of the concrete with dirt that was removed from the hole. Fill the hole until the ground around the pole is level.

    • 7

      Follow the manufacturer's directions for complete curing time, but wait at least 24 hours before continuing the installation. Refer once again to official volleyball rules for placement of the net. Insert wood eye screws into the posts to secure the net in place. Mark the points for the screws after verifying with tape measurements.