How to Keep People from Playing on Your Basketball Hoop

Basketball, generally, from its inception, is meant to be played with other individuals.  However, just as equally, it can be played individually and alone.  And for many of us who may not have the time to head down to the nearest gym or basketball court, playing on a hoop on your driveway or near your sidewalk can be an equally enjoyable and healthy experience.

However, if you are noticing that other players are playing on your basketball hoop, particularly without prior permission to do so, not only can it be frustrating, but it can also make you liable for any injuries they may incur.  That’s why, below, we are going to review how to keep people from playing on your basketball hoop.

Why Would You Want to Keep Someone from Playing on Your Basketball Hoop?

While a game of basketball is definitely more enjoyable with friends, colleagues, and other individuals, having your own basketball hoop outside your home is generally reserved for individual play or play by-invitation only.  The basketball hoop situated outside your home, whether a portable Spalding basketball hoop or one affixed into the ground, is a natural extension of your home and is generally excluded from public use.

In addition to the hoop outside being a natural extension of your home, it is also considered to be a part of your property.  This means that without prior permission, the hoop is not allowed for public use or consumption.  And because it is a part of your overall property, you may be held liable for any injuries or accidents another individual may sustain.

Similarly, due to the hoop’s general proximity to your home, having other people play on the hoop without prior permission may be a general nuisance.  This not only includes a nuisance from the sounds made by the basketball dribbling on the concrete or asphalt surface, but also the sounds made by individuals playing basketball.

And in addition, by having other individuals play on your basketball hoop without your prior permission, they may inadvertently break or damage the basketball hoop, rim, or backboard.   And fixing or replacing a basketball hoop can be an expensive endeavor.

Best Ways to Keep People from Playing on Your Basketball Hoop

While having individuals play on your basketball hoop without prior permission can be frustrating, there are some steps you can take to keep them from doing so.  Below we are going to review some of the best ways to keep other people from playing on your basketball hoop without prior permission.

• Ask them to stop – perhaps the best first step is to simply ask them to stop playing on your hoop.  While this requires a bit of confrontation, it is typically the best first step and typically works if you ask nicely.  Most individuals will understand your concerns and will discontinue playing on your basketball hoop.

• Remove your basketball hoop – although an inconvenience, if you previously asked a group of individuals to stop playing on your hoop but they continue to do so, then it may be a good idea to remove your basketball hoop from your driveway when not in use.  Although doing so can only be done with portable, non-affixed hoops, it is a good secondary option.

• Permanently move your basketball hoop – another option you have is to simply permanently move your basketball hoop to another location.  While difficult to do so if you do not have another area to move your basketball hoop, it is still a good option if you do have another area to move your basketball hoop to.

• Place signs indicating the hoop is not for public use – similarly, you can place signs on or near the basketball hoop indicating that the basketball hoop is not for public use.  This may work well for basketball hoops which are placed near the road and basketball hoops which are a bit further from your home.  A simple sign with the words, “not for public use”, may be enough of a deterrent from having other individuals play on the hoop without your prior permission.

• Remove the rim from the basketball backboard – if you are unable to move the entire basketball hoop, you may consider simply removing the basketball rim from the hoop when not in use.  Although an inconvenience, you will essentially render the basketball hoop unusable, ensuring that no-one else will use the basketball hoop without your prior permission.

• Place video cameras near the basketball hoop – with many portable and wireless video camera solutions on the market, such as the Google Nest Cam and the relatively inexpensive Wyze Cam, you can easily place video cameras near the basketball hoop which may act as a deterrent to individuals looking to play on the basketball hoop without your permission.

• Call the police – while we believe this should be the final and last step, if a group of individuals continue to play on your basketball hoop without your permission, then you may want to consider calling the police.  Doing so well allow for the authorities to clear the individuals from the space and will likely deter them from attempting to play on the hoop again.