In-ground basketball hoops can be seen in schoolyards and parks around the world. Children and adults alike gather for a lively game of hoops, sometimes as often as every day, in places where all you have to bring is a ball and a drive to win.
With this type of gear, there is no base that can get in the way of that slam dunk landing. The materials used to construct the posts are rigid and strong as well as weather resistant, often featuring a strong powder coat finish that is resistant to rust and scratches. Backboards are available in a variety of sizes, from the standard 72″ to 54″ for smaller spaces. Tabletops are also available in a variety of construction materials, from new technology polycarbonate that boasts shatterproof properties to traditional tempered glass that is still used in professional settings. Materials like steel, fiberglass, and acrylic are also used to make backboards.
Many posts are adjustable, making it easy to play with children of all ages. Finding a unit with a range of up to 4 feet helps offer something for everyone. Some come in pieces, and others are single unit, solid style. Solid posts will be sturdier and will incredibly withstand all the knocks the board will take. The flexible spring-loaded rims also help cushion the impact of the ball and hands that can grab after a dunk.
Once installed, a buried hoop is ready to be used for multiple seasons! It may only take a few days to get it completely ready. The first step in setting up a floor hoop is to be sure of the location you want to place it in. Once inside, it will be there forever. For this reason, you want to be absolutely certain that the location is exactly what you want and what will work best for your space and lifestyle.
When you have chosen the location for your hoop and have the necessary concrete from your local home improvement store, you will cut a hole in the existing concrete 24″ diameter by 36″ deep. You will then place the plate and J-bolts in the hole and pour cement into the hole. You’ll want at least 15″ of the post to be buried in concrete, so marking the post 15″ from the bottom can help. Using a level will help you know if your post is inserted correctly, up and down. If your post is in pieces, you will need to wait 72 hours before attaching the remaining post pieces to the piece that goes into the concrete.
Aside from a little more prep work, an in-ground unit offers many of the same options as other hoops. With the benefit of longevity and sturdiness, it may be a hoop enthusiast’s biggest addition to their local court!