Early on in the basketball goal shopping process, you’ll want to consider the best location to install your basketball hoop. This will be an important factor in which hoop you choose. If you plan to purchase a portable hoop, where you position the goal is not as crucial since the hoop can be moved fairly easily. If, however, you decide to invest in a more permanent goal such as a semi-portable in-ground unit or wall-mount hoop, the installation location becomes significantly more important.

Location, Location, Location!

You’ve probably heard this phrase a time or two in reference to purchasing a home or other property. The same holds true for installing your basketball hoop, especially if you’ve chosen to invest in a hoop that will, at least in part, be cemented into the ground (like a Goalrilla or Goalsetter goal).

So, where is the best location to install a basketball hoop? Here are a few factors to keep in mind as you decide.

Playing Surface

Your intended playing surface will play a large role in determining where you install your goal. The surface should be hard, level, and free of bumps, holes, or other tripping hazards. For these reasons (among others), grass as a playing surface should be avoided at all costs. Even if the location seems advantageous, grass (or even just packed dirt) will lead to very frustrating play and practice time since basketballs are not designed to bounce on grass. Movement for players is much more hazardous as well on a natural surface.

Many people choose to install their basketball hoop at the edge of a driveway, as it is a convenient, ready-made court. This can work well as concrete provides an adequate playing surface. Even so, there are a few drawbacks to installing your goal at the edge of a driveway. For one, most driveways are slanted at least a few degrees, so the playing surface will not be completely level. Also, games can be interrupted by vehicles entering or exiting the driveway. And this poses a potential danger to younger players who may not be as aware of their surroundings.

Still, installing your goal at the edge of a driveway is a great solution for the casual player, or in situations where space, budget, or other constraints don’t allow for a home court to be built. Ideally, you’ll have a minimum of 15 feet in front of the hoop since that is the standard distance of the free throw line.

Home Court

If space and budget do allow, however, building a home court is the best way to get the most out of your new basketball goal. A multipurpose court is a great option for home courts. These courts are made from flexible, interlocking tiles. They can accommodate a variety of sports like volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and of course, basketball. Asphalt is a bit more affordable and an ideal choice for outdoor courts. Concrete can work well too. Of course you’ll also need to determine whether you’ll be building a full court, half court, or some variation of either.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our 2-part court building blog series. These articles will give you a more in depth understanding of the different types of common home court surfaces, as well different sizes of courts.

Sun

When possible, pay attention to the direction of the sun when choosing the best location to install a basketball hoop. Will you be playing mostly in the evenings? If so, try to avoid positioning the hoop so that you will be facing the west when playing. Sun in the eyes can make it difficult to see the backboard! Positioning your hoop to face the north will allow you to have the sun on your back for as long as possible.

Lighting

Speaking of (sun)light, you’ll also want to consider available lighting and how it will affect play in the evenings after the sun has gone down. Does your home’s exterior lighting provide enough illumination? Or will you need to install additional lighting for visibility once the sun goes down? If you’re installing a Goalrilla goal, you may want to add an LED hoop light. This add-on attaches to your hoop and shines powerful LED light down onto the court.

Surroundings

The immediate area surrounding your preferred hoop install location should be considered also. If there are nearby bushes, shrubs, or other plants, they will need to be cleared to make room for the goal. You’ll also want to take into account how close you are to neighboring homes or properties, and what effect stray basketballs might have. (See our yard guard as a handy resource for keeping your basketball in play). Pay attention to nearby trees well; you’ll want to ensure your hoop can be raised to its full height without coming into contact with wayward limbs.

Installation Resources

Installing your own Goalrilla goal? Check out our installation resources for helpful tricks and instructions. And of course, ALWAYS remember to call before you dig! Checking the location of underground utilities is a critical step when installing your basketball hoop. And if you’re re-installing a Goalrilla goal, you’ll need a replacement Goalrilla Anchor Kit System.

To Sum Up: Best Location to Install Your Basketball Hoop

When choosing the best place to install your basketball hoop, a little planning goes a long way. If you have any questions on how to go about deciding on the right location to install your basketball goal, give us a call at (800) 689-0281 and a BasketballGoalStore.com expert will be glad to help you get the ball rolling!