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Building Your Own Basketball Court |
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Love basketball? Want to shoot some hoops at your own house, whenever you
feel like it? The solution is to build your own court, or half court, so
that anytime a friend pops in, you can have a quick game without the
hassle of going to a gym or neighborhood court. And you'll avoid the
crowds, too.
Many folks would like one, but few know how to build a
basketball court. The first step is to choose an appropriate area. A
concrete area such as a driveway is best. They are usually smooth, firm,
and ready to play on. However, uneven surfaces may need to be leveled.
Such surfaces may need concrete patches or laying of an artificial
basketball surface. Both are rather expensive options.
The second
step is to properly select the equipment. Should you use a portable system
or an in-ground system? Both have pros and cons. The portable systems are
better for casual players. They are easier to install and can be wheeled
away when the court is not needed any longer. The portable systems
generally include a base with wheels, pole, backboard, and rim.
However,
portable courts do not offer the stability that in-ground systems provide.
These systems require the pole to be permanently placed in concrete. This
is a laborious and rather time-consuming process. Firstly, the ground
where the pole is to be installed must be dug. Then the pole is secured in
a rough looking cement base that is allowed to harden for 30 hours.
Some
court manufacturers also provide bolt on in-ground systems. With these
systems, the anchor, not the pole, is set in concrete. Later, the pole
will be bolted to the anchor. You may need professional help working with
the concrete needed to secure in-ground systems.
Why not consider a
wall-mounted basketball system? These systems can be attached to the side
of your garage, roof, or house wall. They normally include a mounting kit
and net, backboard, and rim. Some of the better systems even come with an
extension arm that allow the rim and net to be extended.
The next
step is to decide which of all the shapes and sizes of the basket ball
equipment suit your requirements. For example, the backboard comes in two
shapes: regular or fan-shaped. Which one is best for you? If you are fond
of using bank shots then you should buy the rectangular backboard. A
similar question should be asked when selecting the basket. Is it better
to have a basket with fixed rims or a breakaway system? The breakaway
system is obviously more suitable for players who show off by hanging onto
the rim.
Finally, you must lay out the court. For this you use
paint, chalk, or HoopLines basketball half court boundary system.
Obviously chalk is merely a temporary marking method. Courts lined with
chalk have to be fixed again and again. Paint is certainly a more
permanent solution, but you should be careful while first painting the
lines. The HoopLines are perhaps the best, but they certainly cost more.
Many
people skip the lines altogether, but you may regret this later. Take the
time to do it right at the beginning, and you will thank yourself while
you enjoy your home-grown basketball court for years to come.
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