Is it time to replace the net on your basketball hoop? If you have a basic nylon net and you’re one of those sharp shooters who get nothing-but-net, you may find that your net wears out quickly. Even if you have a tougher rope type net, like you see in the NBA or NCAA, eventually it is going to wear out, especially if you have an outdoor hoop.
Even if it is not worn out, it may start to get dirty and dingy looking, or you may just want to change your aesthetic by getting a net that is a different color, design or type.
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Why Do I Need a Basketball Net?
Some may think that a net is a trivial part of a basketball hoop, but it is, in fact, a very important part of the game and your hoop. Have you ever tried playing without one? If you haven’t, give it a try and you will see the difference immediately.
The ball is slowed down as it goes through the net. Photo by Melissa Medina.
See the net slows the ball down after it goes through the hoop. An important effect that allows us to see that a basket has definitely been made. Without it, it can sometimes be very hard to see if the ball actually went through. The speed of the ball can sometimes trick the eye, and if the ball does not contact the rim it can make it really hard to tell.
My Personal Experience
I’ve had to play quite a few times without a net. Whether it was at a public court, where the net was just gone, or at my own court where it wore out during a game and we didn’t want to stop to go to the store to get a new one.
In any case, it’s just not the same, playing without a net. Shooting those long 3 pointers and not hearing the swish sound, can be very disappointing. The net really does give that extra feeling when you make a shot. Without a net, there is just something missing.
Very Important!
Replacing a basketball net will most likely involve you getting up on a ladder. Please be cautious and make sure your ladder is on stable ground and that you do not stand on the top step or rung of the ladder. If possible, get a helper to hold the ladder steady for you.
Don’t have a ladder at home? You can get one from Amazon.
Resources You’ll Need
How to Put on a Basketball Net: A Step-by-Step Guide
The following are general instructions for putting on a basketball net. These instructions are for a standard regulation basketball net and rim.
Step 1: Set up your ladder.
If you have an adjustable hoop, it might be best to lower it as low as you can. Once you lower it, make sure that it is secured. If it goes low enough, you may not need a ladder, but it can still make the job much easier. Set up your ladder up so that it is centered under the front of the rim.
Center the ladder under the hoop.
Step 2: Remove the old net.
If the old net is still on the rim, you will need to remove it first. Carefully climb the ladder and have your helper hand the scissors to you once you are stable and in a comfortable place. Carefully cut each loop near the rim and pull the remaining parts of the net out of the hooks on the rim.
Cut the net.
Step 3: Figure out which side of the net to attach to the rim.
Have your helper hand the net to you, so you can start attaching it to the rim. If you can’t tell which side of the net to attach. Look at the net. The end with the longer loops, will be the end that you attach to the rim.
Long loops on net.
Step 4: Push the net loop through the rim hook.
Grab one of the long net loops and hold it between your index finger and thumb. Squeeze it so that you can push it through the rim hook from the inside of the rim to the outside of the rim.
Push the net loop through the rim hook.
Step 5: Attach the net loop to the rim hook
Open up the net loop enough that you can loop it around the front of the rim hook. Hold it in place with one hand and with your other hand, firmly pull the net loop from the inside of the rim, so that the loop tightens firmly in the rim hook.
Attach the net loop to the rim hook.
Step 6: Hook the remaining net loops to the remaining rim hooks.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the remaining net loops and rim hooks. There are 12 hooks on a standard rim, so you should have 11 more to go. Make sure that you don’t skip any loops or hooks. Also, make sure that you keep the net loops straight and do not get them entangled with the other loops. If so, you may need to remove the entangled loops and re-attach them.
Step 7: Pull the net tight.
Grab the bottom of the net and firmly pull it downward to ensure all the loops are attached and to stretch and straighten the net out a little.
Pull the net tight.
Step 8: Play ball.
Start shooting some hoops and have fun playing basketball with your new net.
Final Words
Having a net on your basketball hoop is an important part of being able to enjoy the game. You can replace your net with a good heavy-duty net, or you can go with one that adds some color to your hoop.
Whatever you choose, replacing your net is fairly simple, so don’t hesitate to replace it whenever it starts to feel worn or you just want to give new life to your hoop.
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