How It All Began

So last weekend I realized my driveway basketball setup sucked. Every time I dribbled or landed after a jump shot, my ankles felt like they got hit with a hammer. I knew I needed better shock absorption before I wrecked my joints completely.

Gathering The Stuff

First thing I did was raid my garage for materials. Found some leftover plywood sheets from last year’s shed project – score! Then I drove to the hardware store and grabbed:

• Thick rubber gym mats (the ugly green ones on sale)
• A giant tub of carpenter’s glue
• Two boxes of heavy-duty screws
• Sandpaper that felt like shark skin

Building The Layers

Started by laying those rubber mats right on the concrete – felt like wrestling a giant octopus in the wind. Sprayed some water on them to keep ’em flat while I worked. Then came the wood part: measured my plywood planks three times cause cutting them costs money if I messed up. Screwed them together real tight over the rubber base, using my kid’s chalk lines to keep things straight.

The “Oh Crap” Moment

Halfway through, it started raining. Had to throw a tarp over everything and wait two hours staring at my phone. Nearly tripped carrying the last plank when my dog decided to play fetch right then. Dropped the wood on my foot – still got the bruise to prove it!

Finishing Touches

After the boards were locked in, I went nuts with the sander. Sawdust EVERYWHERE – looked like a blizzard hit my driveway. Wiped it down with a wet rag before slathering that glue like frosting on cake. Let it bake in the sun all afternoon while I iced my foot and drank cheap beer.

Test Run Results

Took my basketball out at sunset. First dribble… holy macaroni! The ball bounced like it was on clouds and my knees didn’t scream when I landed. Played until dark and only stopped because mosquitoes started treating me like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Still needs some work around the edges though – might add side panels next weekend if the wife doesn’t kill me for turning our driveway into a construction zone!