DIY Basketball Games

Basketball Pong combines the challenge of basketball with the fun of pong. Gather the following tools and get materials in your team’s colors:

• Drill
• Scissors
• Saw
• Hot glue gun
• Measuring tape
• Markers
• 1 44” x 23” plywood sheet
• 2 rolls of 3/4-inch electrical tape
• 2 12-inch hinges with screws
• 5 paint chips in the same color
• 5 paint chip in contrasting colors
• Cellophane tape
• Double stick tape
• (5) 1 3/4-inch to 2 3/4-inch stainless steel hose clamps
• (5) 2-inch PVC fitting cleanout adapters
• 8 round head screws and flat washers
• Small table tennis balls

To make the game board:

• From the plywood sheet, measure and cut one 20” x 20” piece of wood and two 12” w x 20” pieces.
• Lay the 20” x 20” panel face down. Place one 12” x 20” panel on each side.
• Connect the side panels with the 12” hinges. Place each hinge 5 inches down from the top of the panel. Make sure the hinges are level to one another. Using a drill, attach the piano hinges.
• Cut four 24-inch tape pieces. Wrap these “stripes” across the top and bottom of the board.
• Cut four 16-inch tape pieces. Wrap these “stripes” down the sides of the board.

To make a mini backboard:

• Apply clear tape to the back of the two matching paint chips to form the mini backboard.
• Carefully trim the top of the mini backboard into a half circle.
• Use the double-sided tape to stick a contrasting paint chip on the bottom edge of the mini backboard.
• On the contrasting paint chip, use a marker to write how many points each basket is worth.
• Make a total of 5 mini backboards.

To make the hoops:

• Apply double-sided tape to each mini backboard. Arrange and secure each firmly to the middle of the game board.
• Make a hoop by screwing a hose clamp into each mini backboard. Put a washer on the back of the screw to keep the clamp in place.
• Make a basket by using hot glue to attach one 2-inch PVC fitting cleanout adapter to each hoop.

Take turns shooting table tennis balls into the hoops. Keep track of points and see who can score the most baskets in a certain amount of time.

Tip: Get creative by adding stickers of your favorite team logos to your game board.

Score points with friends and family members with this quick and easy indoor game. Choose colors and stickers that celebrate your favorite team. Here are the tools and materials you need:

• Glue gun and glue
• 15” x 10” x 12” cardboard document box
• 5 paint sticks
• 1/2” electrical tape
• 1/4” micro fuel line
• 1/4“ boat striping tape
• 1 3/4” closet door finger pull
• 1 1/2” x 3” wood clothespin
• Table tennis balls
• Acrylic craft paint set
• Markers
• Basketball-themed stickers (optional)

To create the court design, you can use basketball stickers or:

• Assemble the top of the document box. Use hot glue to secure the side seams.
• Use a pencil to sketch out a basketball court’s zones and lines on the top of the document box.
• Use black tape or a black marker to outline sidelines, the free throw line and the 3-point line.
• Fill in the zone shapes with acrylic paint and let dry.

To make the backboard, hoop and post:

• Make the backboard by cutting a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 square from the cardboard box. Slightly trim 1/4 inch off the top of the square to create an arch. Paint the backboard and hot glue micro fuel line around the backboard.
• Make the hoop by cutting a 3” x 1/2“ circle from cardboard and gluing the edges together. Use tape to create a net look. Glue the hoop near the bottom edge of the backboard. Hot glue the net to the backboard and the backboard to the post.
• Make the 1” x 1 1/4" x 10 3/4” goal post by hot gluing 4 paint sticks together in a square.

To make the launcher:

• Trim 2 inches off the end of a paint stick and hot glue the door pull to one end.
• Stack and glue the two clothespins together. With their open sides facing the door pull, glue the clothespins to the bottom of the paint stick.

Assemble game:

• Measure and mark a spot on the end zone that is 2 inches from the back edge of the court and 5 1/2 inches from either side. Trace the base of the goal post on this spot. Cut the hole out and insert goal post. Use hot glue around the goal post and court to secure it in place.
• Place the launcher about 1/4 inch from the back and 5 1/2 inches from either side. Before permanently hot gluing it down, take a test shot with a table tennis ball. Gently press down to launch it into the hoop. Adjust position as necessary.

Take turns shooting free throws into the hoop. Challenge other players to score a certain number of baskets in a set time.

Here’s an indoor basketball game any sports fan will enjoy. Practice your own skills or school friends on the perfect layup with an over-the-door basketball hoop. Below are general steps to set up your indoor basketball hoop. Consult the manufacturer for specific details.

• Choose a sturdy door to support the hoop.
• Clear room around the door or area to play. Remove any items that can be knocked over or broken.
• Select a height to hang the hoop that works best for everyone.
• Attach the backboard to the top of the door using the enclosed brackets or screws.
• Hang the hoop.
• Use a soft foam basketball to keep the game fun and safe.

Tip: Check the backboard periodically to make sure it remains secure.