How to Make an Indoor Basketball Hoop

Paying to install a basketball hoop can be expensive. An indoor basketball hoop, if you have the space for one, is one way to encourage exercise and recreation without worrying about the weather. Putting it together yourself can be one of the ways to offset the expense, plus it can be gratifying to finish the project and also allow you to add personal touches, such as painting your favorite team's logo onto the backboard.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• Paint
• Bicycle rim / Metal ring

Instructions

1. Cut out the backboard from a piece of plywood or metal. The backboard's dimensions should be 6 feet wide by 3.5 feet tall.

2. Paint a square above where the hoop should be. This is called "the shooter's square," and is a familiar aspect of any basketball hoop. The line is 2 inches wide, and the square is 2 feet wide by 1.5 feet tall. Draw an outline before painting it on.

3. Attach the hoop by welding it on or mounting it. A standard basketball hoop is 18 inches in diameter. Some builders choose to use a stripped-down bicycle rim, while others buy a basketball hoop rim directly from a sporting goods store. Most hoops have mounting accessories that can make the hoop sturdy. You can also weld the rim on if you have a lot of experience with welding equipment.

4. Fasten the net onto the hoop. You can buy a net at a sporting goods retailer or weave one yourself. Store-bought nets are usually more durable, and they aren't expensive.

5. Attach the backboard and hoop to the overhanging mount. Alternately, you can attach the backboard and hoop to a portable unit. The hoop should be 10 feet from the ground for regulation size, but it can be adjusted lower for younger players.

References

• How to Build a Basketball Court Yourself
• Basketball Hoop Backboards