Last updated: by Thanassis Koukoutselos
Short answer: installing an in-ground basketball hoop takes about 5 days, but only 2 of them are work. On day 1 you dig a hole about 16 inches wide and 48 inches deep, pour roughly eleven 80-lb bags of concrete and set the anchor kit level. The concrete then cures for at least 72 hours, and on day 5 you bolt on the pole and backboard with at least three people. A professional install costs about $400 to $600. These figures are Goalrilla’s for its anchor-kit hoops; always follow your own hoop’s manual, which overrides any general guide.
| Day | Task | Who |
|---|---|---|
| A few days before | Call 811 to have buried utility lines marked | You |
| Day 1 | Dig the hole, set the anchor kit, pour and level the concrete | 2 people |
| Days 2 to 4 | Let the concrete cure (at least 72 hours) | Nobody |
| Day 5 | Assemble and mount the pole, backboard and rim | At least 3 people |
Before you dig
- Call 811. It is free in the US, and the utility companies mark buried power, gas, water and cable lines. Do it a few days before you dig.
- Check the weather. Do not pour concrete into frozen ground, and reschedule if temperatures will stay below 40°F (about 4°C). In cold weather use curing blankets.
- Read the manual first. Hole size, concrete amount and anchor position differ between brands and models, and some areas need a deeper hole because of frost depth.
- Get help. Mixing a dozen heavy bags of concrete is a two-person job, and lifting the backboard and pole onto the anchor needs at least three people.
Where to put the hoop
- Measure the overhang. The overhang is the distance from the pole to the face of the backboard (it is listed in every hoop’s specs). Put the pole far enough off the playing surface that the rim sits where you want the basket, with room to play under it.
- Keep the pole off the court. Players should not run into the pole on a drive; the longer the overhang, the safer.
- Mind the street. Missed shots go long. If the hoop faces the street, consider a rebound net such as the Silverback Yard Guard.
- Keep the footing separate from a new court slab, or put an expansion joint between them, so the slab and the footing can move independently.
Step by step: installing an anchor-kit hoop
- Mark the spot using the overhang measurement from the hoop’s manual.
- Dig the hole, about 16 inches in diameter and 48 inches deep for a Goalrilla anchor. A 16-inch hole is wider than a manual post hole digger makes, so plan on a trench shovel or a rented power auger.
- Assemble the anchor kit (the J-bolts and plate that the pole will bolt onto) and set it in the hole at the height the manual gives.
- Mix and pour the concrete. Goalrilla specifies eleven 80-lb bags of a standard high-strength mix (ASTM C387) and suggests buying 12 to 13 in case of spills; use about 6 pints (2.8 L) of water per 80-lb bag. Mix to a thick, oatmeal-like consistency.
- Level the anchor on both axes while the concrete is wet, and check that it faces the court squarely. This is the step you cannot fix later.
- Let it cure for at least 72 hours. Keep kids and cars away from it.
- Mount the pole on the anchor bolts and plumb it.
- Attach the backboard and rim with at least three people, then set the rim height and tighten everything.
Anchor kit or pole set in concrete?
Premium hoops such as Goalrilla bolt onto an anchor kit buried in the concrete. The upside: you can unbolt the hoop and take it with you when you move, and buy an extra anchor for the new house. Many budget in-ground hoops instead have the bottom pole section set straight into the concrete. That is simpler but permanent, and removing it later means breaking out the footing. Check the product page or manual to see which system a hoop uses.
DIY or hire someone?
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Concrete, tool rental if needed, a weekend of work | About $400 to $600 for concrete and assembly |
| Time | 2 working days spread over 5 | Same 5-day cure, but no work for you |
| Risk | An anchor set out of level or facing the wrong way is hard to fix | Ask about installation warranty and insurance |
If you hire, Goalrilla suggests an authorized dealer first. Make sure the quote covers both the concrete and the assembly, ask about previous installs and warranty, and ask for proof of liability insurance. Agree in advance who removes the excess dirt and the shipping pallet.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the 811 call.
- Pouring into frozen ground or right before a hard frost.
- Too little concrete: running out halfway through the pour leaves a weak joint.
- Not leveling the anchor in both directions before the concrete sets.
- Mounting the hoop before the concrete has cured for at least 72 hours.
- Lifting the backboard with only two people.
Picking the hoop
Installation is the same work whatever hoop you choose, so it pays to buy one that will last. Our best in-ground basketball hoops guide compares six, from the Lifetime 52″ Power Lift to the Goalrilla FT series, and our backboard size guide helps you choose the size. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ
How deep should a basketball hoop pole be in the ground?
For a Goalrilla anchor kit, the hole is about 48 inches deep and 16 inches wide. Other brands differ, and frost depth in your area may require more, so follow your hoop’s manual.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a basketball hoop?
Goalrilla specifies eleven 80-lb bags for its anchor system and recommends having 12 to 13 on hand. Smaller hoops may need less; the manual lists the exact amount.
How long before I can use the hoop?
Let the concrete cure at least 72 hours before mounting the hoop. Goalrilla recommends assembling on day 5.
How much does it cost to install an in-ground basketball hoop?
About $400 to $600 for a professional install including concrete and assembly, according to Goalrilla. Doing it yourself costs the concrete plus any tool rental.
Can I install a basketball hoop by myself?
You can dig and pour with one helper, but mounting the backboard needs at least three people for safety.
Sources
- How to Pass a Basketball (5 effective tips) - August 25, 2022
- Learn How to Spin a Basketball on your Finger in less than 3 minutes - July 18, 2022
- Where Are Basketballs Made? Spalding, Wilson and Molten (2026) - June 10, 2022