If you have purchased an in ground basketball hoop, you also need to install it somewhere on your property.   One option is to simply hire some local help to install it for you, and almost any handyman or fence installer can handle just this sort of job.  But if you want to get your hands dirty and do it yourself, here is what you are going to need to know before you get started.

Choose a Location for your Basketball Hoop

Where you put the hoop is essential, because you want to make sure that you have playing area for games. Most people who install on their driveway cement the basketball pole in their lawn right on the edge of the driveway.  If you will have to install the pole somewhere on a hard surface (like blacktop or concrete) you may need to remove a small area of it in order to make room for the pole.

Buy Four Bags of Concrete

This might seem like a lot, but you will almost certainly need all of it in order to get a stable pole.  Get the quick drying kind so that you can be playing on your basketball hoop as soon as possible.

Dig Your Hole

The instructions for your particular hoop may vary, but you will probably have to dig a hole that is three to four feet deep and eighteen inches in diameter.  Digging that far down can be tricky with a regular shovel, so you might have to get a post hole digger in order to make the hole appropriate for your basketball pole.

Position The Base Section in the Hole

Your basketball goal with either come with a base pole or a base plate.  Position it inside the hole, and try to stay as level as possible. To ensure that it is level, you are going to need a bubble level (also sometimes called a spirit level).  To keep it that way, you may need to use some guide wires, wood bracing, or just pack in some dirt around the base.

Mix the Concrete

The easiest way for someone at home to mix concrete is just with a wheelbarrow and a hard rake.  Pour the concrete into the wheel barrow and slowly add water, mixing it in a little bit at a time.  You want the concrete to be as “dry” as possible while still being all wet.  That way it will dry faster and be much harder once it dries.

Pour the Concrete

Pour the concrete into the hole a little bit at a time, make sure to get it as even as possible.  As you are pouring, make sure to check the pole or anchor plate to ensure that it is level.

Let Dry

Let the concrete dry for forty eight to seventy two hours.  After it is dry, you can pack whatever remains of the hole with dirt.

Attach Basketball System

According to the instructions provided to you by the basketball hoop manufacturer,  assemble and attach the system to the base pole or plate.  Now it's time to shoot some hoops!