Goalrilla FT Series In Ground Basketball Hoop: Setup and Buying Guide

Updated November 2026

The Goalrilla FT Series in ground basketball hoop is a residential system built for players who want a stable, adjustable goal that stays put once it is set in concrete. This guide walks through what the FT Series includes, how to decide whether it fits your space, the core installation steps, and the mistakes that tend to cause problems later. By the end, you will know what to measure, what to order, and what to expect on installation day.

What the Goalrilla FT Series Is

Goalrilla is a Texas-based brand known for in-ground basketball systems, and the FT Series sits in the company’s lineup as a family of residential hoops built around a steel pole that is anchored in a concrete footing. Like other in-ground systems, the goal is designed for permanent installation rather than being rolled into place. Owners typically describe the appeal as stability during play, a fixed height that never changes, and a clean look that does not depend on a base sitting on the pavement.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Goalrilla 72 in Ground Basketball Hoop: 4 Best Options Compared (2026).

Because product configurations can vary by backboard size, pole diameter, and included hardware, always confirm the exact specifications on the manufacturer’s current product sheet before you commit. The details below describe general characteristics of in-ground systems and what to verify, rather than locking in figures that may have changed.

Key components to confirm

• Steel pole and its diameter and wall thickness
• Backboard material and dimensions
• Rim type and whether it includes a breakaway feature
• Height adjustment mechanism and its range
• Footing requirements and recommended anchor depth
• Included hardware, such as bolts, sleeve, and cover

Is the FT Series Right for Your Space?

Before you buy any in-ground hoop, the most important question is whether your space and ground conditions can support it. A permanent system is a long-term commitment, and moving one later means digging out a concrete footing. Work through these checks first.

Measure your play area

Plan for a clear area that gives players room to drive, shoot, and rebound safely. Many recreation guidelines suggest keeping the space around the goal free of fences, vehicles, trees, and overhead wires. Measure from the planned pole location to the nearest structure in each direction. If you have a short driveway, a backboard that extends toward the garage or house may be a problem during the ball’s flight path.

Check ground and utilities

1. Call your local utility locating service before any digging. In the United States, dial 811 to request a free marking of buried lines.
2. Confirm the soil type. Clay and loose fill behave differently when a footing is poured, and some owners add extra depth or a wider base in weak soil.
3. Look for drainage issues. Water pooling around the pole can weaken the footing over time.
4. Check local rules on setbacks from property lines and any permit requirements for permanent structures.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

An in-ground install is a serious project, and most owners either hire a professional or bring in help for the heavy lifting. If you plan a DIY installation, gather these items before you start.

• Post hole digger or auger, rented if needed
• Tape measure and string line
• Level, preferably a 4-foot model
• Concrete mix, enough for the footing size specified by the manufacturer
• Gravel for the base of the hole
• Shovel, wheelbarrow, and mixing tub
• Bracing boards and stakes to hold the pole plumb while concrete cures
• Protective gloves, eye protection, and sturdy boots

Step-by-Step Installation Overview

Installation steps vary with the exact model and local conditions, so always follow the printed instructions that ship with your hoop. The outline below reflects the general sequence that most in-ground systems follow.

Step 1: Mark the location

Use stakes and string to mark the center of the pole and the backboard’s projected position. Double-check that the rim will sit over the court area you intend. Confirm that the location clears all buried lines.

Step 2: Dig the footing hole

Dig to the depth and diameter listed in the manufacturer’s instructions. Add a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage and to create a stable base. Keep the walls as straight as possible so the sleeve sits true.

Step 3: Set the sleeve or pole

Position the sleeve or pole in the hole and use a level on two sides to confirm it is plumb. Brace it with boards so it cannot shift during the pour.

Step 4: Pour and cure the concrete

Mix the concrete to the consistency specified on the bag and fill around the pole. Tamp it gently to remove air pockets. Check plumb again before the concrete firms up. Allow the full cure time before you put any load on the system. Many concrete products list a multi-day window before heavy use, so follow the label.

Step 5: Assemble the goal

Once the footing is fully cured, attach the backboard, rim, and any height adjustment hardware according to the instructions. Tighten all fasteners to the recommended torque or snugness, and recheck them after the first few weeks of play.

Step 6: Test and adjust

Test the goal with a few shots and a dunk if your rim and pole are rated for it. Confirm the height with a measuring tape from the court surface to the rim, which should read 10 feet for regulation play. Listen for rattling and check that nothing moves when someone hangs on the rim.

Height Adjustment and Maintenance

Many owners set the rim at regulation height and leave it there, but a family with younger players may want the option to lower the goal. Check the adjustment range printed for your model, and make sure the locking mechanism engages fully every time you change the height. Lubricate moving parts as the manufacturer recommends, and inspect bolts and welds at the start of each season.

Routine maintenance schedule

Interval	Task
Monthly	Check that the rim is level and the backboard is secure
Quarterly	Inspect bolts, lock pins, and height adjustment for wear
Yearly	Look for rust, cracks in the backboard, and footing movement
After storms	Check for debris, loose hardware, and ground shifts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the utility locate. Hitting a buried line can be dangerous and expensive.
• Setting the pole out of plumb. Even a small lean will show up as an uneven rim.
• Rushing the concrete cure. Loading a goal before the footing is ready can crack the base.
• Ignoring drainage. Standing water around the footing accelerates corrosion and frost damage.
• Placing the goal too close to a garage or fence. Missed shots and rebounds can damage property.
• Overtightening or undertightening hardware. Both can cause premature wear, so follow the spec.

Buying Tips for the FT Series

When comparing models, look past the headline features and focus on the details that affect daily use. Confirm the pole gauge and backboard thickness, since these determine how the system handles hard play. Ask whether the rim includes a breakaway mechanism, and whether the manufacturer offers replacement parts for the backboard and net. Review the warranty terms carefully, paying attention to what is covered for the pole, the backboard, and finish.

If you plan to buy used, the checklist in Used in Ground Basketball Hoop: 7 Checks Before You Buy (2026) covers the inspection points that matter most. For a broader look at how this model compares with other in-ground systems, see Goalrilla 60 In-Ground Basketball Hoop: Setup, Specs and Buying Tips (2026) and Goalrilla GS60C In Ground Basketball Hoop: Setup, Specs and Buying Tips.

Recommended gear

A few supporting items make installation and upkeep easier. Choose products that match the footing dimensions and the hoop’s specifications.

• Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix helps speed the cure time for the footing, though you should still follow the cure guidance for your model. View on Amazon
• Post hole digger sized for the footing diameter makes clean, straight holes easier to achieve. View on Amazon
• 4-foot torpedo level is useful for confirming the pole is plumb before the concrete sets. View on Amazon
• Basketball hoop net replacement is a low-cost part to keep on hand, since nets wear out faster than frames. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is the Goalrilla FT Series a permanent installation?

Yes. In-ground systems are anchored in a concrete footing, which means moving the goal later requires removing the footing. Plan the location carefully before you pour.

Do I need a permit to install an in-ground hoop?

It depends on your city, county, and homeowner association. Some areas treat permanent structures differently, so check with your local building office before digging.

How long does the concrete need to cure?

Follow the cure time printed on the concrete product and the hoop’s instructions. Many owners wait several days before attaching the backboard and longer before heavy use.

Can I adjust the height of the FT Series?

Most in-ground models include a height adjustment system within a specified range. Confirm the range for your exact configuration and always lock the mechanism fully after changing height.

What court surface works best under an in-ground hoop?

A smooth, level asphalt or concrete surface is typical. Make sure the area has proper drainage and no cracks near the footing, as movement in the pavement can affect the pole over time.

How often should I inspect the hoop?

A monthly visual check and a more detailed inspection each quarter is a reasonable routine. Inspect after storms and any time the goal takes an unusually hard impact.

Should I hire a professional installer?

If you are unsure about digging depth, utility locates, or concrete work, a professional installer is a sensible choice. Consult a qualified contractor for any structural or ground-related concerns, especially on sloped or unstable soil.

Conclusion

The Goalrilla FT Series in ground basketball hoop suits players who want a permanent, stable goal anchored in concrete. Measure your space, check for buried utilities, and confirm the specifications for the exact model before you buy. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and cure instructions closely, and keep up with routine inspections to get years of reliable play.

Related reading

• Goalrilla Gs54c in Ground Basketball Hoop: Setup Steps and Buying Tips (2026)

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