Portable basketball hoops are great but sometimes they just aren’t as safe, sturdy and effective as in-ground systems. With the right strategy you can convert your favourite portable hoop to an in-ground goal. We will show you how to do this quickly, easily and safely.
Why Convert Your Portable Hoop To An In-Ground Goal?
Besides the fact that the best in-ground basketball hoops are more fun to play with and better replicate the look and feel of a regulation court, there several reasons why you would want to convert your portable hoop in to an in-ground one.
For starters, in-ground basketball hoops are safer! Even if you fill your portable hoops base with the heaviest materials available, generally sand, there is still the chance that it will fall over if the wind is strong enough.
Whenever a portable hoops topples over, there is risk of injury or damage to the player(s) or the surrounding area or property. This is especially worrying if you are a parent purchasing a portable hoop for your child.
Making your transportable hoop in to an in-ground one also offers the opportunity position it on less level ground. Bare in mind that you will need to level it with cement whilst installing the hoop in the ground if this is the case. You might want to do this if the surface on the uneven ground would make for a better playing environment.
Sometimes you just fancy a change and want your own in-ground hoop to practise with. However high-quality portable hoops aren’t always cheap with some fetching up to $600. In this case you might well want to convert your current hoop in to an in-ground one instead of splashing out $1000+ on a new system (the average cost of some basketball hoops).
How To Convert Your Portable Hoop In To An In-Ground One
The process of installing your portable hoop as an in-ground one is not so different from the process of installing a traditional in-ground basketball hoop yourself.
However there other ways to secure your portable goal in the ground which might work better depending on your property and situation.
Below we will go into detail each option so you can select the best one for you.
Please note: Before digging any holes and pouring any concrete, call 811 to check your works wont damage any utility lines or disrupt any essential services.
1. Mount Your Portable Backboard & Hoop On An In-Ground Support Pole
This is a good option for those looking for the cleanest, sharpest finish possible. You will need to get your hands on a support pole of some sort (rounded or square) and make sure that you can safely attach your backboard to it.
The first step is sourcing the support pole. You can either buy a new in-ground pole from the manufacturer directly (ideally the same brand that made your portable hoop) or use a mounting bracket to attach your backboard and hoop to any support pole.
Once you have the support pole you are going to use, you need to take your backboard, rim and net off your portable hoop.
Grab the dimensions of your backboard to make sure it will work with the mount you buy and support pole you want to attach it to.
If you do not have a portable basketball hoop already, you can check out the one below:
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
2. Cement The Pole in To The Ground
This is a good option for those looking to get the portable hoop in the ground ASAP.
You will need to remove the base and use dry mix cement mixed with water to secure it in a hold or in a constructed container (technically this would no make it an in-ground hoop though!).
You should remove the backboard and hoop from the pole before removing the base and starting the installation.
Next, you should dig a hold big enough to accommodate and secure the support pole.
Or alternatively craft or source a container (e.g. a wooden box which can comfortably house the support pole with enough surface area to keep it from toppling over).
Use a level to position the hoop properly before pouring the cement and then reattaching the backboard and hoop.
3. Install The Support Pole In a Short Wall
You will also have the option to cut your portable hoops support pole (to shorten it) and install it in a short wall.
This is a good option if you already have such a wall in your front or back yard which is located where you want your hoop to be.
Measure the height of the wall and the pole, and work out how much you need to chop off in order to end up with a regulation height hoop (or however tall a hoop you want).
You will have to remove the necessary bricks or stone and use a cement mix to secure the pole in to the wall.
4. Mount Your Backboard on a Roof , Wall or Garage
This is the best option for those who don’t want to dramatically alter their property.
Although it sounds more challenging, this method means that you don’t have to dig any holes, pour and mix any cement and/or saw any support poles in half.
Of course this will only be suitable for those with a roof, wall or garage which can accommodate a basketball hoop. Again this won’t turn your portable hoop in to an in-ground one but it will at least turn it into a permanent one.
First measure the size and dimensions of your backboard. You will need this in a minute.
Next measure the dimensions of your wall, roof or garage and note them down.
You will then need to buy a mounting bracket which will fit both your wall, roof or garage and your backboard.
Once that arrives simply follow the instructions to install it (likely just a screwdriver and a latter) then secure your backboard and hoop to the mount.
5. Cement Your Portable Hoops Base & Support Pole In The Ground
This is one of the easiest options for those looking for maximum stability and permanence.
Either dig a hold which will fit the base in comfortably with some space around it for the cement (keep in mind how burying it below ground will effect the hoops height and see if you can get an extension arm if needed) or create a base with a few pieces of wood.
Mix and pour the concrete in after placing the base and support pole in and allow enough time for it to dry (approx. 72 hours minimum).
Hire a Professional
Basketball hoops can be tricky to install, especially when this involves digging holes in your ground. Of course you don’t want to damage your property and take unnecessary risks. If you aren’t confident converting and installing the portable hoop as an in-ground one yourself, call a contractor or expert to help!
Summary
So now you know how you can convert your portable basketball hoop in to an in-ground one, the next step is to decide if this is the right option for you.
Feel free to get in touch with the Sportarly team with any questions you might have, or leave a comment below so we can get back to you.
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