Ever since its creation in the late 1890s, basketball has become one of the most popular sports in the United States. Nowadays, you can find basketball courts in thousands of playgrounds, schools, and parks around the whole country.
Playing basketball has numerous physical and psychological health benefits. It helps children develop social skills, while also helping them stay fit and in-shape. Aside from that, it’s just a great way to have fun and let out some energy!
Although it has become one of America’s favorite past times, some neighborhoods don’t allow homes to have permanent or in-ground hoops.
For these cases, having a portable basketball hoop is a great solution that will help you and your family enjoy the benefits of basketball while still abiding by the rules. Portable basketball systems can be used indoors and outdoors, on grass or a hard surface, as long as it’s flat and level.
There are dozens of brands and hundreds of models to choose from, so finding the best portable basketball hoop for your house is not always straightforward. However, we have put together the prefect Buyer’s Guide here.
For starters, you have to figure out what features you need to have while still sticking to your budget. Also, consider who will be using the portable basketball hoop, because that will dictate features such as height adjustability, backboard material, and rim type.
Because of this, we’ve put together an article that will tell you everything you need to know about portable basketball hoops. This includes what features you should look out for, the different materials they are made of, and much more.
In this article you will learn...
What Is A Portable Basketball Hoop?
Basketball is a relatively new sport, and one of the few that can be precisely traced back to its origins. Traditionally, it has always been limited to parks and playgrounds. However, thanks to the development of portable basketball hoops, you can now set up your own court at home.
As the name indicates, portable basketball hoops are stand-alone units that consist of a backboard and rim, which are attached to a support pole and a base.
This allows families to enjoy the benefits of playing basketball without having to drive to a park or public court.
The biggest benefit of owning a portable hoop is that you can conveniently take it apart, pack it, and take it with you when you are moving homes.
Most portable basketball hoops also come equipped with wheels for easy transportation, minimizing the need for any heavy lifting when the hoop is assembled.
Keep in mind that most portable hoops will require tools and a decent amount of assembly, so you will need to wear your DIYer hat after you purchase one.
Owning a portable hoop can help encourage your household members to do more exercise, especially children. Basketball appeals to all age groups and genres, so having a hoop right at home can help your kids stay in shape.
The Difference Between In-Ground And Portable Basketball Hoops
There are two main types of basketball hoops you can purchase, and they both offer different benefits and advantages They can be divided into two major categories: in-ground basketball hoops and portable basketball hoops.
Portable Basketball Hoops
As we explained in the previous section, portable hoops are stand-alone units that can be moved and placed in driveways and yards. They come in an array of backboard sizes and materials, but what sets them apart is the fact they can be moved, stored, and transported.
Most portable hoops consist of four main elements: the backboard, a rim, a support pole, and a base. The backboard and rim are attached and supported by the pole. The pole sits on the base, which is usually filled with sand or water to maintain stability.
Thanks to the portability these hoops offer, families can now enjoy the many benefits of basketball even if they are not close to a public park or playground.
Since it’s not permanent, you don’t need to get a construction permit of any sort for the portable hoop. You’ll have some assembling to do, but once setup, you can simply wheel your hoop around and fill up its base for a safe and stable playing court.
Having a portable hoop with a single ball can keep a decent number of children busy for hours. They are perfect for parents who move from city to city regularly, or who have more than one child to entertain.
Most portable basketball hoops also come equipped with wheels for easy transportation, minimizing the need for any heavy lifting when the hoop is assembled.
Keep in mind that most portable hoops will require tools and a decent amount of assembly, so you will need to wear your DIYer hat after you purchase one.
Owning a portable hoop can help encourage your household members to do more exercise, especially children. Basketball appeals to all age groups and genres, so having a hoop right at home can help your kids stay in shape.
The Difference Between In-Ground And Portable Basketball Hoops
There are two main types of basketball hoops you can purchase, and they both offer different benefits and advantages They can be divided into two major categories: in-ground basketball hoops and portable basketball hoops.
Portable Basketball Hoops
As we explained in the previous section, portable hoops are stand-alone units that can be moved and placed in driveways and yards. They come in an array of backboard sizes and materials, but what sets them apart is the fact they can be moved, stored, and transported.
Most portable hoops consist of four main elements: the backboard, a rim, a support pole, and a base. The backboard and rim are attached and supported by the pole. The pole sits on the base, which is usually filled with sand or water to maintain stability.
Thanks to the portability these hoops offer, families can now enjoy the many benefits of basketball even if they are not close to a public park or playground.
Since it’s not permanent, you don’t need to get a construction permit of any sort for the portable hoop. You’ll have some assembling to do, but once setup, you can simply wheel your hoop around and fill up its base for a safe and stable playing court.
Having a portable hoop with a single ball can keep a decent number of children busy for hours. They are perfect for parents who move from city to city regularly, or who have more than one child to entertain.
Like all things, portable basketball hoops also have certain disadvantages and setbacks. The first and most common concern is the durability of the rim or the backboard.
Although they are built with stability and safety in mind, portable hoops are not attached to the ground. This means that a heavy windstorm can cause them to topple over, which in turn can damage the backboard and rim beyond repair.
Mobility is a key part of a portable hoop, but certain models are harder to place and move than others, see reviews of basketball hoops. This basically boils down to finding a model that has functional wheels that help you move the hoop around at will.
Portable hoops almost always have smaller backboard than in-ground models. At the same time, the material of the backboard will influence its size. Smaller backboards are made of plastic, while larger boards are usually made of acrylic or tempered glass.
The last thing you have to keep in mind is that low and mid-range portable hoops are not regarded as being the best for dynamic or explosive players.
This is due to a combination of a poor-performing backboards and stability concerns for players who want to practice dunking drills.
In-Ground Basketball Hoops
On the other hand, in-ground basketball hoops are permanent fixtures that require you dig a hole and fit the support pole with concrete. They are the most traditional forms of basketball hoop available, but they can’t be stored or moved at all.
The main characteristic of in-ground hoops is that they are permanent additions to your home. This can become a major problem for those who rent, not to mention homeowners that need to seek additional construction permits for installation.
There’s no denying that in-ground hoops give a sense of familiarity, basically the same as playing in an actual gym or playground.
However, most of the time they are used in driveways or require you build a specific area for them, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
After considering the added construction and permits costs, it’s no surprise that in-ground hoops tend to be significantly more expensive than their portable counterparts.
In-ground hoops are also less likely to suffer damage as they will not topple over during windy days or in case someone hangs from them.
Moreover, these hoops often boast of bigger backboards and sturdier rims, which give them a smoother feel for layups and bank shots.
Lastly, permanent hoops tend to last longer than portable hoops and suffer less damage when exposed to inclement weather conditions.
Specifications
There is no question that portable basketball hoops are the best choice for active families who are likely to move houses. But, making the right purchase goes beyond mobility.
In order to get the best movable hoop for your home, you have to consider all its features and characteristics.
Before making a choice, keep in mind the area you’ll be using your portable system in, who will be using it, and what backboard type serves your purposes best. As for safety, you should also consider the base size and capacity, as well as support pole design for maximum stability.
Indoor And Outdoor Hoops
If you have a sports area inside of your house you should purchase an indoor portable basketball hoop. Indoor hoops are often better quality and feature either acrylic or tempered glass backboards. They are more suitable for serious players who want to develop their skills.
If you plan to set up a court on your driveway or side of your house, a portable outdoor basketball hoop would be a better choice. Although they are usually not as fancy, outdoor hoops are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and usually last longer.
If you move houses a lot and you’re not sure where you’ll be in the next few years, then you may want to choose a portable hoop that can be used for both indoor and outdoor purposes.
Rim Types
Choosing the right rim will improve the rebound rate and the overall sturdiness of the hoop itself. They can be categorized into three types, each one with its own set of benefits and disadvantages.
Standard Rims
The most common type found today is the standard rim. This basic rim design has been around for decades, and is not equipped with compression spring technology. This means that if it's dunked on, it will eventually break or bend beyond repair.
Standard rims tend to be the most affordable type so if you’re not going to be dunking or spending much money, they may be a good fit for you.
Exposed Rims
If you are looking for a court that has a more professional feel to it, you may want to think about getting an exposed breakaway rim.
Breakaway rims feature a spring-loaded mechanism that is suitable for light dunking.
Having an exposed rim gives a nicer feel when shooting and helps improve the rebound effect.
These are both great benefits, especially for competitive teenagers trying to sharpen their game.
Enclosed Rims
If you are looking for a rim that mimics professional standards, then you need to select an enclosed breakaway rim. These rims are designed with heavy dunking in mind, and feature a fortified spring mechanism that prevents any bending, warping, or breaking.
Besides featuring a stronger build, the springs are housed in a metal compartment, protecting the mechanism and extending the rim’s usable lifespan.
Backboards
Backboards are another key factor to consider when selecting the right backboard. The two main questions you need to ask yourself are about size and materials.
There are different backboard sizes you can choose from, but it all comes down to the skill level of the player using the portable hoop. Having a small backboard makes bank shots and layups almost impossible, while bigger boards can help youngsters develop their skills faster.
The smallest size available for a residential portable basketball hoop is 44-inches. Professional basketball backboards are 72-inches wide, but the biggest backboard found on a portable basketball system is around 60-inches.
If you want to have a good basketball experience without sacrificing space, a backboard in the mid 50-inch range would be a good fit for you. These are compact enough to be transported easily and can mimic the feel of a regulation hoop to practice layups and bank shots.
Keep in mind that sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but all of them fall between the 44 and 72-inch threshold.
Polycarbonate Portable Basketball Hoop
The cheapest and most common types of portable hoops found are equipped with polycarbonate backboards. Although they are very durable, this particular material completely kills the rebound effect, which means it's not suitable for hardcore players.
Polycarbonate portable basketball hoops don’t have the best performance because the ball loses momentum when it bounces off the backboard. Although they make a good choice for teaching basics, skilled players will much prefer acrylic or tempered glass backboards instead.
Acrylic Portable Basketball Hoop
Acrylic can be considered a mid-tier material because it’s not as expensive as tempered glass, but performs way better than polycarbonate backboards. Acrylic portable basketball hoops are great for active families with players of different levels.
Although they are not as durable as polycarbonate, acrylic hoops are still sturdy enough to last for years. They tend to give great value for money and work well in any type of weather. The rebound effect is much better than polycarbonate but not as good as with tempered glass.
Tempered Glass Portable Basketball Hoop
Tempered glass portable basketball hoops are the most expensive type, but for very good reasons. Tempered glass offers an unparalleled performance, mimicking the rebound effect and overall feel of professional-grade backboards to the tee.
The main issue with this type of backboard is that they are susceptible to shattering. They make great additions to indoor areas where strong winds are not a problem, but you need to be careful if you live in a windy area or with players hanging on the rim.
Support Pole Design
The support pole is essential to the safety level and functionality of the portable basketball hoop. These mechanisms are responsible for holding up the hoop itself. Higher-end designs also add stability and increase the performance of the entire hoop.
Support pole designs can be divided into three types:
One Piece
One-piece support pole designs are the most stable, and are not usually found in portable hoops. This design is often found in high-end in-ground models because they are sturdy, prevent excessive shaking, and are structurally sound.
Two Piece
Stability is a key feature for portable basketball hoops, and two-piece support pole designs give them a substantial amount of stability.
Although they may be a bit more expensive, two-piece support pole hoops are by far the safest option. This is especially true with modern hoops that have adjustable heights. In these cases, having a stable structure adds an additional level of security.
Three Piece
The most common type of support pole is the three-piece design. These type of support poles use a three-piece mechanism to keep the hoop elevated. That being said, three-piece portable hoops are not as stable as in-ground models, which can be a nuisance for high-level players.
Base
The base size and capacity of your portable hoop will depend on how heavy the backboard is. Portable hoops have hollow bases which you can then fill up with sand or water. The weight keeps the hoop stable and prevents it from tipping over.
The size and capacity of the base will also dictate the hoop’s stability. Cheaper hoops that have a small, light backboard tend to have smaller base capacities, somewhere around 27 gallons.
Acrylic backboards are heavier, and they tend to have bases of anywhere between 35 and 40 gallons. Besides preventing tipping, these bases also give them a decent amount of stability.
The largest bases are by far those found on tempered glass portable hoops. These usually go up to 50+ gallons, which makes them extremely stable. This also reduces the chance of tipping over even during strong windstorms.
Hoop Height Adjustment
Purchasing the right portable hoop means finding a model that suits all of your family members. That is easier said than done, especially if you have children with big age differences. Catering a young child and a growing teenager with one hoop can be challenging.
In order to address this issue, portable hoop manufacturers have created adjustable models that can be elevated from around 7.5’ to up to 10’.
There are two common mechanisms found for adjusting the height of your portable hoop. Telescoping mechanisms allow you to adjust the height of the hoop in 6-inch increments and are the most basic and affordable design on the market.
The second mechanism often found in higher-end portable hoops is through a jackscrew, pneumatic, or hydraulic element. These are often referred to as “infinity” settings because they allow you to select any height between the max and minimum options.
Manufacturers
There are dozens of reputable manufacturers that sell high-quality portable hoops. Some of these include:
Lifetime
Lifetime has been producing durable basketball hoops in both portable and fixed models. The company manufacture both indoor and outdoor equipment, meaning you can rest assured knowing that your Lifetime portable basketball hoop will in fact last you a lifetime.
Spalding
Spalding is one of the most recognized brands in the game of basketball, mainly for being the official ball and backboard of the NBA. Spalding also manufactures high-quality basketball accessories for residential purposes. Check out Spalding v’s the Rest.
Spalding portable basketball hoops are known for their professional feel and durable design. Although they tend to be a bit more expensive, you will definitely know where the dollar difference went when buying one of their products.
Bison
Bison has been providing high-quality sports products since 1985. All its products, including its portable basketball hoops, are known for being safe, innovative, and durable. The company is a premium basketball equipment supplier, and so you can always count on Bison to deliver high-quality products.
Goaliath
The Goaliath portable basketball hoops are sturdy and innovative. The company’s well-crafted designs feature steel frames for additional support and durability, while its deep-set center is engineered for maximum balance.
How To Secure Your Portable Basketball Hoop
You always have to check for anchoring options when shopping for a portable basketball hoop. All models come equipped with a hollow base, which can then be filled with either sand or water to anchor it down to the ground.
The best way to weigh down portable basketball hoops is to use sand to fill up the base.
Sand is much denser than water, weighing up to 13 pounds per gallon, contrary to water that only weight 8 pounds per gallon.
Unfortunately, portable basketball hoops are known for blowing over during heavy wind storms.
Some users have tried to fasten them down using additional heavy objects, but not only is this ineffective, it can also create additional health hazards and void the warranty.
If you want to anchor your portable hoop with additional support, you can use systems such as the Hoop Anchor. This system consists of two 17-inch anchor screws which are fixed into the ground.
Then, using a combination of three heavy-duty straps, you can fasten the portable hoop to the ground without having to place anything on top of the base.
Portable Basketball Hoop Wrap Up
Finding an adjustable hoop that has the right backboard and rim type will make the world of difference to the players, regardless of their age. That being said, you have to do your homework and understand the different types of hoops before making your final choice.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking to help your child sharpen his or her skills or simply want to build a fun environment, adding a portable basketball hoop to your house will be one of the most memorable purchases you could ever make.
If you are still not sure which is the best model for you, check out our portable basketball hoop buyer’s guide for more in-depth information!
