Basketball is America’s sport! It’s been around since the late 1800s and the very first hoop was made from nailing a peach basket to a wall. The sport has come a long way with three-point shots, state of the art footware, and million dollar contracts. Besides all that, basketball is great fun and exercise! You can find a court almost anywhere- school yards and parts. However, if you are tired of pick-up games in the park, you can play at home. If you don’t want or can’t afford to buy one of those expensive outdoor hoops systems, you and your friends can have a great time making your own basketball hoop.
FIRST STEP
Decide where you want to build your hoop and get started. Collect all the materials you need and the proper tools- saws, drills and screw drivers. You will need a basketball net, a metal ring about 18 inches or larger in diameter. Find something to make a backboard. Plywood, metal and/or plastic are your best choices. You will need screws or a mount to attach your finished goal. And, don’t forget stains and paint.
Most of your supplies can be obtained from local thrift or sporting good stores. A basic basketball net, which is simply optional, can be found for less than $ 50.00 in most stores. The metal ring could be obtained from a store or things that are around your house. If you can’t find a metal hoop at the local store or don’t want to spend a lot of money, think metal and round. If you have old bicycle, the old rim will do just fine.
SECOND STEP
Prepare your backboard. If you want to make your piece look more like the NBA standard, cut your backboard material to be about 5 by 3. If you are not concerned about the size, cut your piece into a square and round the top edges.
Paint your backboard. If your backboard is outside and made of wood, you may want to treat it with a protective coat of varnish first. If your backboard is metal, think rust resistance paint. Spray paint is a great option since many brands don’t run and they are easier and cheaper to apply.
Be sure to create the shooter square in the center which will be no larger than 2 feet wide and 1½ feet high. If you have a steady hand or craftier friends, this should not take you too long.
THIRD STEP
It’s time to make the hoop. Whether store bought or made from a discarded rim, your ring has to be sturdy. Attach your netting to your goal’s rim.
Devise how you will attach it to the backboard. You can use a metal mount accessory which is available at your local store, if you do want the rim to have direct contact with the backboard. If this is not a concern, can rivet or screw the hoop directly onto your homemade backboard.
FOURTH STEP
Attach your hoop to your backboard. This will be easy if you have all your tools and a few friends on hand. Make sure it is securely attached.
Your goal is ready to be posted on a backyard tree, freestanding post or on a garage wall. Make you the goal is properly supported. Once done, you are ready to play.
With your new goal, you can enjoy lots of hours of hoops action with family and friends. And, you also have the satisfaction of knowing the you made it yourself.
For more resources on how to make a homemade basketball hoop, check out the following web sites:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4904855_basketball-hoop.html
http://www.ecollo.com/post/2008/06/DIY-Projects-Make-a-basketball-hoop-from-recycled-bicycle-parts.aspx
http://naysi.blogspot.com/2008/09/faq-homemade-basketball-goal.html
