4 things to look for in a basketball hoop
A new basketball hoop is a long term investment, so it is important to do your research and compare the various models to find the one that best suits your kids, your yard and your budget.
Here are 4 variables to evaluate before making your investment:
Adjustable rims:
Basketball rim regulation height (in NBA, college, and even high school courts) is 10 feet. However, you may want to lower the rim to accommodate younger players.
For junior level play or to allow novice players to improve their shooting mechanics, 8′ or 9′ is a common height. Most junior leagues set the rules for rim height for junior competition. Lowering the rim is common for developing shooting technique, and then slowly raising will help challenge and bring confidence to the new player.
Our hoops adjust from 6’ (Goalsetter) or 7 ½’ (Goalrilla) to 10’ with an external or internal crank adjustment system.
Backboards:
Backboard sizes vary in width from 46” wide all the way up to 72”, but for the sake of regular game play we recommend choosing backboard no smaller than 54” wide. Anything narrower will limit the ability to make bank shots.
Look for 54″ or 60″ size boards with 3/8″ thick glass and 72″ boards with 1/2″ glass for gym-correct rebounds. Remember that skill level also plays a part in selecting a backboard size. Since high school and college use the standard 72″ backboards many people like to purchase this size to closely reproduce actual playing conditions.
Pole Size:
All our poles made of a one-piece structural steel post. The larger the backboard, the larger the pole. Our pole sizes range from 4 x 4 (48” or 54” backboards) 5 x 5 (54” or 60”) and 6 x 6 (60” or 72”). A thicker pole helps reduce shake and vibration when playing. Our Goalrilla pole has a powder coated finish and corrosion-resistant hardware for long lasting durability. Our Goalsetter pole has a patented process using 1 primer coat and 2 coats of baked-on acrylic enamel to withstand the outdoor elements, year after year.
Overhang:
The “overhang” is your baseline; the distance for the front edge of the pole to the front edge to the backboard. It is in essence, the room under your hoop. The overhang provides the safe area for play. It gives players room to finish a layup without stepping off the playing surface. It gives players room to maneuver under the basket. And for driveway play, it allows the pole to be installed off the driveway to allow for maneuverable of vehicles. The greater the overhang, the safer the play.
A system with more overhang will also allow you to set your pole off the driveway while still allowing for room and maneuverability under the hoop. No more twisted ankles or stepping into the grass when finishing a layup.
Our sales and installation experts are waiting to assist you with any questions you may have by calling us at 1-800-381-4902. We’ll help you find your perfect hoop.