DIY Desktop Basketball Hoop - Expanded Guide

Introduction

Get ready to turn cardboard into your very own mini basketball court! This expanded guide includes in-depth building instructions and printable templates you can trace to make your hoop extra accurate. Perfect for kids, classrooms, rainy-day crafts, or desk games!

Materials List (with Suggestions)

Cereal box or any sturdy cardboard (aim for at least 12x12 inches)
Paper or plastic cup (around 3 inches wide is best)
Scissors (use adult help if using precision knife)
Ruler (clear or metal for straighter cuts)
Hot glue gun (or strong craft glue)
Tape (masking or clear for reinforcing edges)
String or yarn (optional: for a realistic net)
Ping pong ball (or wad of paper, foil ball, etc.)
Rubber bands (for launcher)
Markers, paints, stickers (for decorating your court)

Building Instructions

Step 1: Cut Your Backboard (6" x 8")

Use your ruler to draw a rectangle, then cut along the lines. Round the corners for a pro look. Optional: decorate with your favorite team colors now.

Step 2: Create Your Hoop Ring

Cut the bottom of a paper cup. You can reinforce it with tape or paint it orange. Add string netting if you'd like.

Step 3: Assemble the Base (6" x 6")

Cut a square piece of cardboard. Glue the bottom edge of the backboard vertically along the back edge of the base.

Step 4: Support Triangle (3" x 5")

Cut a triangle that helps hold up the backboard. You can trace this from the template. Glue it behind the backboard at an angle.

Step 5: Net Add-On (Optional)

Use small holes punched into the cup ring and tie string loops through to form a net. Trim it to hang neatly.

Step 6: Launcher Build

Wrap a rubber band between two pencil tips. Place your ping pong ball into the band and pull back to launch.

Step 7: Final Setup and Testing

Make sure all glue is dry. Try your first shot! Adjust the backboard or hoop angle if needed. Add decorations or even a mini scoreboard!

Printable Templates

The following templates are provided to trace at 100% scale:

Backboard: A rectangle measuring 6 inches by 8 inches.
Base: A square measuring 6 inches by 6 inches.
Support Triangle: A triangle measuring 3 inches on one side and 5 inches on another.
Hoop Ring Guide: A circle with a 3-inch diameter.

	DIY Minion Costume: Step-by-Step Crafting Guide Learn how to create your own Minion costumes from the movie Despicable Me with this comprehensive DIY guide. Includes detailed steps for making the head, body, goggle, arms, and more, along with a complete materials list.
	How to Build a Cardboard Cruiser Airplane Model A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to crafting a vintage-style Cardboard Cruiser airplane model. Learn to build this fun DIY project using common household materials like cardboard, glue, and scissors, with detailed instructions and flight tips.
	How to Make a Polished Aluminum Foil Ball A step-by-step guide on creating a decorative, polished aluminum foil ball using common household materials like aluminum foil, mallets, hammers, and polishing compound. This DIY craft project is described as meditative and results in a unique, shiny home decor item.
	Kinetic Curling Paper Sculpture STEAM: DIY Craft Instructions Learn how to create a fascinating kinetic curling paper sculpture using simple materials like cardstock, scissors, and tape. This STEAM project is fun and educational, demonstrating principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
	DIY Invisibility Shield: Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to build your own invisibility shield using lenticular lenses and polycarbonate. This guide provides detailed instructions, material lists, and tips for creating this optical illusion.
	DIY Water Chiller: Build Your Own Cooling System Learn how to build an affordable DIY water chiller by repurposing an ice maker. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, parts lists, and tips for creating an efficient cooling solution for laser cutters or other equipment.
	DIY Acoustic Panel Wall Art: Reduce Room Reverb with Style A step-by-step guide to creating stylish and functional acoustic panel wall art using plywood and headliner fabric. Learn how to cut, assemble, and hang custom sound-dampening decor for your home or studio.
	DIY RGB Bike POV: Build Your Own LED Wheel Display A comprehensive guide to building a custom RGB LED Persistence of Vision (POV) display for your bicycle wheel using Arduino and TLC5940 driver. Learn step-by-step how to design, assemble, program, and install this exciting DIY electronics project.