If your pole is still solid, you may not need a whole new basketball system. Sometimes a new backboard and rim are enough. Here’s how one Salt Lake City customer did exactly that, and what you’d need to send us to find out if the same fix works for you.
“Used every single day!”
— Becky · Salt Lake City, UT
The starting point: a solid pole, a worn-out board
Becky came to us after finding our guide on how to replace your backboard. She had a hoop in the backyard with an old backboard and rim that needed replacing, but the pole itself was still in good shape. She wanted a new hoop for her grandchild’s birthday, and she didn’t want to tear out a pole that was still doing its job.
She emailed us photos of the setup. From those, we could see it was a fairly simple fix: keep the pole, replace the parts on top.
How we picked the parts
Working from her photos, we sent back a short list of options. She chose the one that fit what she wanted and what she already had in the yard:
- First Team FT220 acrylic backboard, 36″×60″. First Team builds it with 1/2″ thick, all-weather clear acrylic in a heavy anodized aluminum frame. We also offered a larger 42″×72″ board. She went with the 36″×60″, which suited her setup. Not sure which size fits your space? See our 54″ vs 60″ vs 72″ backboard guide.
- First Team FT186 flex rim. First Team describes it as a heavy-duty flex goal for playground or home use. It has a 3/16″ steel rim support with continuous net-locks and a fully enclosed mechanism, and it comes with a net and mounting hardware. First Team covers the rim with a 2-Year Limited Warranty.
- First Team FT1900TU hardware kit. This kit has braces, a T-clamp, and hardware for a 4 1/2″ diameter post. On her setup it adds support for the new board. It wasn’t strictly required, but we recommended it. Hardware kits are sized to the post and made for compatible First Team systems, so we confirm your post size before suggesting one.
Wondering whether acrylic or glass is right for you? Read glass vs. acrylic backboards.
Install day
Becky’s family installed it themselves. Because the pole stayed in the ground, there was no digging and no concrete to pour. The work was mounting the new board, rim, and brace on the existing post.
The result
When we checked in, Becky wrote back: “It is wonderful!” A couple of days later she sent these photos and added:
“Used every single day!!!! Thank you again for making this happen!!!!”
— Becky · Salt Lake City, UT
Is “new board, same pole” right for you?
Keeping your pole can make sense when:
- The pole is still solid. It isn’t rusted through, bent, or loose in the ground. If the pole can’t be saved, don’t build on it. Replace the whole system.
- You know your post diameter. Mounting hardware is sized to the post (for example, the FT1900TU is for a 4 1/2″ post). Measure before you order.
- The mounting pattern works. Replacement backboards are components, so confirm how the board will attach to your pole before you buy.
- You’ve picked a board size and material. Compare sizes and acrylic vs. glass, then browse our 36″×60″ backboards.
For the step-by-step, see how to replace your backboard.
Running a school, church, or park court?
Becky’s hoop is a home install, but we hear the same question from schools, churches, and parks with older courts: do we need a whole new system? Our answer is the same. If the pole is still solid, a new board and rim may be all you need. If the pole isn’t salvageable, replace the system.
A few points from First Team that matter for public courts:
- For a town park with unsupervised public access, First Team recommends acrylic over tempered glass, because tempered glass is particularly susceptible to vandalism.
- First Team rates the FT186 flex rim for playground or home use, and as a side-court goal in a gym.
Send us photos and measurements of your courts and we’ll come back with options. Start with a quote request, or see our pages for commercial basketball goals, goals for schools, and goals for parks and public courts.
FAQ
Can I replace just the backboard and keep my pole?
Yes, if the pole is still solid. If it’s rusted, bent, or loose and can’t be saved, replace the whole system instead. Send us photos and we’ll tell you which way to go.
How do I know which mounting hardware my pole needs?
Start with your post diameter. First Team makes hardware kits by post size. The FT1900TU is for a 4 1/2″ post, and First Team also lists kits for 5 9/16″ (FT1905TU) and 6 5/8″ (FT1910TU) posts. These kits are made for compatible First Team systems, so send us your measurements and we’ll confirm fit.
Will an acrylic backboard turn cloudy?
First Team says no: “The acrylic will stay clear.”
Acrylic or glass for a public court?
For unsupervised public courts, First Team recommends acrylic, since tempered glass is more prone to vandalism.
What should I send when I ask for help?
Photos and measurements. Send photos of your current hoop and pole, plus your post diameter and backboard size. We’ll come back with options that fit.
Ready to fix your hoop?
Send us a few photos of your hoop and the measurements of your pole and board, and we’ll tell you what fits.
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