what you need to know before you buy a basketball hoop

Basketballhoopbuyingguide.com

Ready to Buy Your Basketball Hoop?There are a ton of makes, models, and sizes to choose from. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your driveway.

In Ground, Portable, Or Wall Mounted?

There are three kinds of basketball hoops. In Ground, Portable, and Wall Mounted. Which one you choose depends on your personal needs.

In Ground

Like the name implies, these hoops are cemented straight into the ground. These are the sturdiest type of basketball hoops.

Portable Basketball Hoops

Rather than a cemented pole, portable basketball hoops are weighed down with a base filled with sand or water. These systems are simple and easy to install.

Wall Mounted Basketball Hoops

Wall mounted basketball hoops are great when you don’t want to deal with a pole at all. You just need a good sturdy wall to install it on.

The Nitty Gritty

Now that you have that decided, it’s time to look at the parts of a basketball hoop and how they affect the play.

The Backboard

There are four major basketball backboard materials.

Molded PlasticAcrylic/Polycarbonate

GlassSteel

Molded Plastic

These basketball hoops are very cheap, but they usually provide the worst rebound off the board.

Acrylic And Polycarbonate

These are technically different materials, but they’re very similar. This is the very strong plastic material that you will find on home basketball hoops.

Glass Backboards

Glass is the best material for backboards, and the same material you see on pro courts. However, these boards are usually pricey.

Steel Backboards

In order to protect against vandalism, you sometimes also see backboards made of steel on public courts.

Backboard Thickness

You should also pay attention to the thickness of the backboard material. The thicker the backboard, the more sturdy it will be.

Backboard Size

The bigger the backboard on your basketball hoop, the more pro-like it will be. Basketball boards are measured in inches across. The smallest are 48 inches, while real pro boards are 72 inches across.

Basketball Hoop Pole

For In Ground and Portable Hoops, the bigger the pole, the better. If you have the option between a one piece pole and a two piece, pick the one piece. It will be more stable.

OffsetThe “offset” is the distance between the basketball backboard and the pole, which can be between zero and four feet. The bigger the offset, the easier it is to play under the hoop.

Adjustment SystemsCan you adjust your basketball hoop up and down? Adjustment systems allow you lower the hoop so younger players can have fun on it. An adjustment system is essential if you expect younger players to play on it.

Portable Basketball Hoop Bases

If you are getting a portable basketball hoop, check out how big the base is. The bigger the base, the more water or sand that the basketball base will be able to hold.

Basketball Accessories

After that, you need to grab a ball, pole pads, nets, and any other accessories you need to have a good time on your home court.

Have Fun!

If you want to know more about basketball hoops, including a breakdown of the major brands, check out

basketballhoopbuyingguide.com