How to Install a Tetherball Pole
In today’s economy it’s pretty difficult to find cheap fun anywhere, but installing a tetherball pole in your backyard can provide tons of fun. All across the nation families and schools are cutting back budgets in light of the recession, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. There are plenty options for entertainment that won’t hit you hard in your wallet. Installing a tetherball court in your yard at home, at school, or a park is the perfect way to keep kids, students, campers, or even yourself entertained and active and its fairly inexpensive. Tetherball has been around in the recess yards and on the playgrounds of America for ages, it’s a classic game that people of all ages and skill ranges can enjoy.
All you will need to install your very own tetherball court are the proper tools, supplies, and equipment and a little guidance. Fortunately, this project should be very easy. Between shopping for supplies, modifications, and installation this should only take away a few hours of time away per day for only a day or two.
Supplies
- Shovel
- Cement (1 or 2 bags of mix should do it)
- White field lining paint
- Bolt to attach rope to pole (2 inches wide)
- Fastener to connect ball to rope
- Metal pole (12 feet long, 2 inches in diameter)
- Nylon rope or other string (approximately 8 feet)
- Regulation sized ball (roughly the size and weight of a volleyball)
Where to Buy Your Supplies
Everything you will need for this project can most likely be found at either Wal-Mart or Home Depot, or a combination of the two. You will need a metal pole measuring 12 feet long, and 2 inches in diameter. In addition to the pole you will also need nylon rope or other string. This will connect the ball to the pole (ball should hang about 2 feet off ground). As for the ball something roughly the size and weight of a volleyball will work.
Directions
Begin by selecting a spot or location that will allow enough room for games to be played and enjoyed to their full capacity. The diameter of the circular court will be about 20 feet. After you have selected your location begin by digging a hole 2 feet deep by 4 inches wide, the pole will go 2 feet down into the ground (regulation size of a tetherball pole is 10 feet). Next take the pole and attach the 8 feet of rope or string using a 2 inch wide bolt and then connect the ball to the string. Then, fill in the hole around the pole with the cement, allow a day for it to dry before returning to work.
After the cement has dried and the pole is set you are ready to line the playing around the tetherball pole. Using white field lining paint, or another marking agent, draw a circle around the pole approximately 20 feet in diameter. Next mark off the “playing areas” which should take up two opposite quarter slices of the circle. The remaining two quarter slices are the “neutral areas.”
Be sure to take your time and pay attention to detail but above all have fun. After just a few days of shopping and work you and your family can be having a blast all summer long.
