There are a number of advantages to using portable basketball hoops falling over. Aside from providing some convenience, it is much cheaper to set up and requires very little space when compared to its in-ground counterpart. A portable basketball hoop does, however, come with a few disadvantages.
Portable hoops may lean or at worst, fall over when bombarded by strong winds. Also, it can be dangerous if it’s dunked heavily, which can pose a serious safety risk.
Despite the strong base and reliable support system that comes with many basketball systems, sometimes they are not enough. You can keep your basketball hoops from falling over with these top tips if you’re concerned about your family’s safety.
Add Sandbags for Extra Weight
Even though portable basketball hoops are generally fairly stable, sometimes additional reinforcement is necessary to prevent them from tipping over.
You can easily fix the problem by purchasing a few bags of sand (preferably 60-pound bags) and placing them over the ground. The hoop will be more stable in light winds if you use this method, but it’s generally not ideal for prolonged use.
Sand should Replace the Water in the Base
People ignore it like it is nothing even though all the manufacturers say it in their manuals. However, when the wind blows, it causes the hoop to fall.
The density of sand is 45% greater than that of water, which gives the material more weight. A gallon of gasoline weighs approximately 13 pounds, while a gallon of water weighs approximately 8 pounds.
Therefore, I would say that this should be a very strong argument in support of this. If you are not planning on moving this hoop often, you should do this first so that you don’t have to do it later.
Moreover, you will not be exposed to the risk of the water freezing in a base if you use this method. Sand is only problematic because it cannot be taken out so quickly and will be difficult to move due to its weight.
You may be able to prevent it from being moved if you protect it in other ways, for example, by providing pads to secure the pole and rim. You will not be required to move it and it will be extremely safe.
Also Read: What Is the Baseline in Basketball?
Water should be replaced with Base Gel
There is no doubt that Base Gel provides more of an effect than water, and is definitely better than sand. The super-absorbent polymer in this product absorbs water up to 400 times its weight when submerged in it. Even better, it won’t need to be replaced for years.
Consider using a base gel instead of water in your basketball system to improve firmness. Water and base gel can also be mixed in half of the unit. As well as preventing leaks, it’s a great solution if your base has some cracks. Below is a quick overview of how to use the product (Base Gel 16oz):
- Your portable basketball hoop base should be filled with a two-thirds BaseGel polymer packet.
- Use your garden hose to fill the base halfway with water.
- Continue filling the base with the remaining BaseGel packet, leaving a 1/2″ gap at the bottom.
- If there is a firm gel after 5-10 minutes, the water has been absorbed.
- Add table salt and water to the gel to deactivate it. Rinse the base in the storm drain after flushing it with water.
Use anchors and a Ratchet Strap (the best option)
Anchoring down portable basketball hoops falling over is probably the best option. A portable hoop is basically made up of two anchors hammered down on opposite sides. Lastly, you tighten the strap by threading through it, attaching it to one end, and threading through it again.
You can hammer down the anchors if your hoop is on a soft surface. If you’re cracking asphalt, you’ll need a hammer drill to crack the crack, while you’re drilling concrete with a cordless drill and concrete bit.
Make sure it is drilled at least 6 feet into the ground. There’s no question that this strap and anchor combination is the best on Amazon, and it’s not even too expensive.
The anchors should not be placed on grass or similar surfaces if you have a dog. Furthermore, the possibility of a hoop falling is greater than when it is on concrete, so it might be a good idea to secure it well.
Upgrade to an In-Ground Hoop
You don’t have to sacrifice your love of the game because your hoop can’t hold up when needed, especially if it’s very windy (ground anchor and ratchet straps are your best bet). A basketball hoop installed in the ground is an alternative.
There are a few advantages to in-ground hoops, including their stability and ability to take anything thrown at them, including wind and vigorous dunks. The downside of this, however, is that it is not free!
As a result, these kinds of hoops tend to be considerably more expensive (especially if you opt for the top-of-the-line model), but they are a great option if you plan to play in one location for the foreseeable future.
Focus on Safety First
People often think of all kinds of things to make their portable basketball hoops firmer. Some people use duct tape to secure the base, while others stack bricks on top. At first glance, these ideas may seem like good ideas, but they can pose a safety risk to you and your family.
If you follow the tips above, you will not have to worry about your portable basketball hoops falling over when you play basketball.
Frequently Ask a Question:
The hoops present a serious risk when they fall, whether from an attempt to dunk or just from a gust of wind. It is common for basketball hoops to fall onto children, causing serious injuries, and even death in some cases.
Having the base adequately weighed down enhances basketball’s stability and safety. You should check your basketball goal’s owner’s manual to determine what size your base is.
Almost all portable basketball goal systems come with a 35-gallon base. A home-supply store will sell you 10 50-pound sandbags that will make your base 35 gallons.
Water or sand are the most common methods for filling a basketball hoop. The owner’s manual that comes with your hoop will tell you how much to use. Mixing water with a base gel can also result in a solid.
Conclusion
So In the past couple of paragraphs, we’ve discussed several methods for securing your basketball hoop. If you ask me, I’d use the pole collar strapping method, which secures the pole and base simultaneously. Besides, I don’t want to take any chances with water. Sand will be used instead of concrete to fill the base.
Some guys like putting extra weight on top of the base, but I’m not one of them. You don’t have to worry about extra reinforcements if the weather requires them.
So Using these methods, you can prevent portable basketball hoops from falling over. Stabilizing a basketball hoop is as simple as this. You can also find additional useful information in our basketball hoop maintenance guide.
