So, let’s talk about size first; there are a few benchmarks for size to consider, first keep in mind the free-throw lane is 12’ Wide and the distance from the backboard is 15’ so already just to get the free-throw lane in a backyard you will need about 12’x18’ keeping in mind the backboard should not be on the edge of the court (don’t want the kiddos to turn an ankle falling off the court).