How To Draw A Basketball Goal

basketball post Fast-setting concrete mix makes quick work of installing a basketball goal.

Playing basketball is a great way to get some exercise, and installing your own goal means you can shoot hoops whenever you want.

If you can't wait to hit the 'court,' Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete is the speedy solution for setting a strong foundation.

Here's how to set an in-ground basketball goal.

1. Dig the hole.

A post hole digger is the most efficient tool for digging a hole.

First, call 811 to make sure there are no underground utilities where you want the basketball goal. If your goal post comes with a set of instructions for hole depth and width, make sure you follow those guidelines.

Once you get the all-clear, grab a post hole digger and dig a hole — the edge of the hole should be, at most, 6 inches away from your playing surface. A hole that is 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep should give your post the necessary stability it needs for everyday use.
The bottom 6 inches will be used for something other than concrete. (You'll see why in a second.)

2. Add the base.

GRAVEL Concrete is porous, so it's important to add a layer of gravel for proper drainage.

Pour 6 inches of gravel or crushed stone into the hole — then use a 2-by-4 to compact and level the base. This creates a strong barrier between the concrete and the ground, ensures proper drainage and prevents the concrete's erosion.

Tip: If the soil is sandy, use a building form
. The tubular form, made of ridged fiber, is used for pouring cylinder-shaped concrete foundations.

3. Set the post.

Place the basketball pole in the hole and use a level to make sure it's perfectly vertical. Then pour Fast-Setting Concrete into the hole, just four inches below ground level.

You'll need those four inches for the next step: pouring water inside the hole to saturate the concrete. Ensure the water reaches the bottom of the concrete by stirring or stabbing the mixture with a stick.

Check the basketball goal's instructions for any special steps you need to take. We're pouring concrete around a pole for this how-to, but some in-ground basketball goals require a different installation process.

Either way, the concrete sets hard in 20 to 40 minutes, and you can attach the backboard after four hours — and shoot hoops before the day is done!

basketball goal web Installing an in-ground basketball goal takes no time compared to the countless hours of use that goal will get.
(DepositPhotos)