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Serious basketball players are often not satisfied when playing on a portable or mounted basketball hoop since they don’t offer the same level of performance as a recreational court.
If you’re an NBA star in the making, or your child is, and you want a basketball hoop that can keep up with aggressive play and allow players to train harder at a higher level, then an in-ground basketball hoop is exactly what you need.
These permanent structures offer the high-level performance you want with optimal rebound, durability, stability, and an all-around competitive game.
If you’re ready to install an in-ground basketball hoop in your front or back yard, let us ask you this first. Do you know what size backboard you need? Do you know the type of rim you want? Do you know what your different installation options are? What’s your budget?
If you can’t answer all of these questions, that’s okay! We’ve prepared this guide to help you figure out exactly what features you need to ensure you choose the right in-ground hoop.
After all, once it’s in the ground, it’s not moving easily. We analyzed 18 products and considered 495 reviews over 28 hours of research to find the best in-ground basketball hoops in Canada.
Following our last update, we recommend the Silverback B5400W In-Ground Basketball System for its durability, ease of height adjustment, professional rim, and overall quality.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
In-Ground Basketball Hoop Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP PICK
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Silverback B5400W In-Ground Basketball System
|
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9.3/10 | See price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Spalding 888 Series In-Ground Basketball System
|
|
9.5/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketba`11111ll System
|
|
9.0/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Silverback B5400W In-Ground Basketball System Review
The Best Overall
Silverback
If you’re looking for an in-ground basketball hoop that offers a combination of performance and value so that you can feel good about treating yourself to a high-quality hoop, the Silverback B5400W in-ground basketball system is the best choice.
What We Think of The Silverback B5400W In-Ground Basketball System
The Silverback in-ground basketball system is a high-quality but reasonably priced option for basketball players who want great performance without spending an arm and a leg to get it. This basketball hoop has two size options available, 54” or 60”, with only a small price difference between the two. It is one of the most affordable 60” in-ground basketball hoops available, but the quality doesn’t suffer.
This hoop uses a square 4” two-piece pole to support the backboard and basket, so it’s a lot more stable than 3-piece options. The square shape is better for rigidity as well. Dupont powder coating provides adequate rust protection to keep your hoop looking snazzy for years to come – it even works on the part of the pole that sits in the ground. A pole pad and backboard pad are included with the basketball hoop to protect the hoop and all players.
This is definitely a players hoop. I have nothing but good things to say about this basketball net. It is sturdy and hardly moves even with dunking. The rebound it gives off is solid and really true. It was easy to install, but you’ll need at least 3 people to install it since it is heavy and large. This is a no brainer and I’ve had nothing but compliments from everyone who’s played on it.
jay h.
The tempered glass backboard provides maximum performance for serious players with better rebound than alternatives. The rim can adjust between 7.5 and 10 feet using a crank system that is easy for anyone to operate. The rim on this Silverback hoop is a pro breakaway rim that flexes under pressure for durability and safety. The direct bury installation method is the most stable, so you won’t have wobbling or vibration even with more aggressive play.
Silverback B5400W In-Ground Basketball System Specifications
- Minimum Height: 5’
- Maximum Height: 10’
- Backboard Material: Tempered glass
- Backboard Size: 54” or 60”
- Pole Size: 4”
- Warranty: 5 years
Silverback B5400W In-Ground Basketball System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Tempered glass backboard offers excellent rebound
- Pole pad included to cushion accidental run-ins with pole
- Break-away rim flexes under pressure to protect backboard and player
- Crank system for height adjustment is easy and smooth to use
Cons
- Anchor system isn’t as stable as direct bury
Our Final Opinion about the Silverback B5400W In-Ground Basketball System
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is one of the best in-ground basketball hoops you could choose for your home. With two available sizes and user-friendly features from top to bottom, this Silverback in-ground hoop delivers top-notch performance, reliable quality, and a great game experience, all at a fair price.
Our Upgrade Pick for an In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Spalding 888 Series In-Ground Basketball System Review
The Advanced Pick
Spalding
If you’re a basketball pro and want a hoop that can keep up with your growing talent and more aggressive game play, the Spalding 888 Series in-ground basketball system is your best option with advanced durability, performance, and quality.
Spalding 888 Series In-Ground Basketball System Video Review
What We Think of The Spalding 888 Series In-Ground Basketball System
The Spalding in-ground basketball system features a large 60” x 38” tempered glass backboard that offers competition-level performance and rebound for realistic game play similar to that of professional courts. Aluminum trim around the backboard adds durability and rigidity to reduce vibration after particularly aggressive shots. The 3’ offset is larger than on many other models and provides more room for play beneath the rim.
The rim is a flex breakaway style that is strong and durable enough to withstand the force applied when dunking without affecting the backboard or damaging the integrity of the rim. The 6” square steel pole offers more stability than all others on our list. It even has heavy-duty padding to protect players if their rush to the net gets a little out of control. We do wish a backboard pad was included given that the rim can be lowered to 7’ and this increases the likelihood of a player making contact with the backboard during play.
I bought this basketball hoop for the driveway to play with my 10-year-old son. We tried a portable hoop previously, but I decided that the bigger pole and overall more stable structure was worth spending a little more. It took about 6 hours total to install doing most of it myself. There is little to no vibration from the backboard, and the whole thing is really sturdy. It takes 3 adults to install the backboard though, that thing is heavy.
davis c.
To adjust the height between the hoop’s 7’ minimum and 10’ maximum, users crank the U-Turn Pro Lift mechanism. This requires minimal effort and makes regular adjustments easy and quick. The handle is detachable for increased safety and a better aesthetic. The direct buy installation method is the most stable option, and players will notice little to no wobble. Everything about this hoop is well made, and the 5-year warranty backs up your purchase in case of a defect.
Spalding 888 Series In-Ground Basketball System Specifications
- Minimum Height: 7’
- Maximum Height: 10’
- Backboard Material: Tempered glass
- Backboard Size: 60”
- Pole Size: 6”
- Warranty: 5 years
Spalding 888 Series In-Ground Basketball System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Large 60“ backboard allows for bigger play area
- 6” steel pole is incredibly sturdy
- Larger 3’ offset
- U-Turn pro lift height adjustment mechanism with removable handle
Cons
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Spalding 888 Series In-Ground Basketball System
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
If you’re in a position to splurge on this Spalding 888 Series in-ground basketball system, you won’t have anything to complain about regarding quality, durability, performance, or your play experience. Designed with competitive play in mind, this advanced model will help you reach new heights.
Our Budget Pick for an In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System Review
The Budget Pick
Lifetime
If you know that you need an in-ground basketball hoop to match your preferences and needs but aren’t comfortable spending a couple grand for a basketball hoop, this Lifetime 71281 in-ground power-lift basketball system is the affordable option you’ve been looking for.
Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System Video Review
What We Think of the Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System
The Lifetime in-ground basketball system has a 52” shatterproof polycarbonate backboard. Though most in-ground basketball hoops use tempered glass, polycarbonate is equally durable and virtually unbreakable. The one downside of this material is that it doesn’t offer the same game performance as a glass backboard since the rebound is much less and you’ll need a tighter play area when using this backboard.
The size is also smaller, though a couple of inches won’t make a huge difference in your game play. This material is much lighter than glass, so it is a bit easier to install if you only have two people. The round pole is a bit smaller at 3.5” around, and it is in three pieces instead of two which makes it wobblier and more unstable than a two-piece pole.
It is a very good product. It was easy to assemble and is very sturdy. I used 6 80lb bags of high strength concrete in an 18” x 36” hole for the anchor post. The rim height adjusts easily and all parts seem high quality and durable. The pole is stable, the backboard is great to play against, and the price was right for us. My little girl loves it and we have gotten a lot of use out of it so far.
bill d.
The height range on this basketball hoop is great for younger players as well as adults with a 2.5’ range from 7.5’ to 10’. The power lift height mechanism is very user-friendly and makes adjustments quick and easy. The rim is 18” with a special flexible design to make it more durable if players want to dunk, though the lower durability of this hoop suggests dunking may be a bad idea.
Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System Specifications
- Minimum Height: 5’
- Maximum Height: 10’
- Backboard Material: Polycarbonate
- Backboard Size: 52”
- Pole Size: 5”
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Affordable
- Shatterproof polycarbonate backboard
- Power lift height adjustment mechanism is user-friendly
- All-weather net and Slam It rim are durable
Cons
- 3-piece pole isn’t very stable compared to 2-piece poles
Our Final Opinion About the Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
While this Lifetime in-ground power lift basketball system doesn’t offer the same high-level performance as many of the higher-end in-ground basketball hoops on the market, it does outperform all portable options and is the most reasonable step-up from portable hoops. You can enjoy all the benefits of an in-ground hoop without the same costly investment.
Alternative Products to Consider
Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System Review
The Adjustable Pick
Spalding
If you want total control over the height of your in-ground basketball hoop and want a lift mechanism that allows for precision and accuracy no matter which height you want, the Spalding NBA in-ground basketball system is our top recommendation for infinite height adjustments.
Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System Video Review
What We Think of the Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System
The Spalding NBA in-ground basketball system is the right choice for you if you want a basketball hoop that can adjust in miniscule amounts as you improve your skills and can play with a taller rim. The height adjustment mechanics on this basketball hoop offer endless height adjustments since there are no set options and you can choose a centimeter difference if you really wanted to.
The tempered glass backboard is the standard 54” size, big enough for bank shots and larger play areas but small enough to be used in a driveway with no trouble. This hoop can be adjusted between 7.5’ and 10’ heights, so users of all ages, sizes, and skill levels will find a suitable height with no trouble. The square pole is more rigid than round ones for better stability and less vibration, and at 4” it is large enough to handle more aggressive play.
This was an adventure to install, but definitely worth the work. I spread it over 4 days so it wasn’t such a burden, but a few people could get it done in a few hours fairly easily. I wanted something mid-range on price with a square pole and glass backboard, and this was the best I could find. It is very high quality and incredibly stable. The kiddos and I are out shooting hoops on it every day.
matt k.
The ground sleeve installation system is a bit more user-friendly than the direct bury since it allows you to remove the pole if you need to without digging up the concrete first. Users may notice that the height adjustment mechanism is a bit hard to use at first, but it does get easier after a few adjustments. All things considered this Spalding NBA basketball hoop is a high-quality choice if you prefer the personal touch of custom height settings that will grow along with your skills.
Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System Specifications
- Minimum Height: 5’
- Maximum Height: 10‘
- Backboard Material: Tempered glass
- Backboard Size: 54”
- Pole Size: 4”
- Warranty: 5 years
Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Square pole is more stable than round poles
- U-Turn lift system offers infinite height adjustments
- Ground sleeve anchor system is stable and easier than direct bury style
- Tempered glass backboard for optimal performance and rebound
Cons
- Height adjustment mechanism is a bit tough at first
Our Final Opinion About the Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
The overall quality, performance, and user-friendliness of this Spalding NBA in-ground basketball system make it a top choice for seasoned basketball players that know exactly how they want to play. The adjustability of this system ensures everyone can enjoy a continually challenging, high-action game.
Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop Review
The Dunking Pick
Lifetime
If you’re the type of player who loves to dunk and you need a high-performance rim that can handle your impressive dunking action without breaking or sustaining damage, the Lifetime 90962 power lift in-ground basketball hoop is the right choice.
Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop
What We Think of The Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop
The Lifetime power lift in-ground basketball hoop is designed with a special Slam It rim that has excellent flexibility for withstanding the pressures applied when players dunk a ball. This design ensures that dunking won’t injure a player by breaking the backboard, and it is more comfortable for the player as well compared to the rigid structures of more basic rims without springs for flexibility.
This hoop has a polycarbonate backboard measuring 54 inches across. This is the ideal size for residential play. The polycarbonate material doesn’t perform as well as tempered glass, but it is virtually unbreakable and is the preferred choice if your hoop is accessible to the public since it is much harder to break by vandals than a tempered glass backboard.
I’m very happy with this basketball hoop. My kids play on it every day after school so we have it set at the lowest height for now. It is really easy for my older child to adjust the height on her own which is a great feature. The pole is very sturdy and the rim is flexible enough for my husband to dunk on without breaking it – he’s pretty aggressive when he plays, so that’s saying something. I like that it came with a basketball too.
tera c.
The pole is a smaller 3.5” size, so it’s less stable than larger options and may cause a bit more wobbling than a 4-6” pole. Since the pole is a 3-piece rather than 2-piece structure, the wobbling may be even more pronounced than that of a 2-piece thicker pole. However, there is a specially welded joint that limits wobbling for a better game experience compared to the 3-piece poles without that extra touch. The height range on this Lifetime basketball hoop is the standard 7.5’ to 10’ range.
Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Minimum Height: 7.5’
- Maximum Height: 10’
- Backboard Material: Polycarbonate
- Backboard Size: 54”
- Pole Size: 3.5”
- Warranty: 5 years
Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Slam It rim for aggressive dunking
- Height adjusts in seconds with one hand
- Shatterproof backboard is durable and lighter than glass
- Pole is extra stable with patented friction-weld joint for less wobbling
Cons
- Polycarbonate backboard doesn’t deliver as much rebound as tempered glass
- 3-piece pole isn’t as sturdy
Our Final Opinion About the Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Though the polycarbonate backboard won’t deliver the same high-level rebound that a tempered glass backboard will, every other feature on this Lifetime basketball hoop is high level for a great gaming experience. Its speciality rim ensures you can dunk to your heart’s content.
Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop Review
The Portable Pick
Silverback
If you want to be able to move your in-ground basketball hoop when moving or for any other reason, you need the Silverback in-ground basketball hoop with concrete anchor kit that delivers more portability than most other in-ground installation systems.
What We Think of the Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
The Silverback in-ground basketball hoop uses an anchor installation system that makes it more portable than the alternatives since it can be easily unscrewed from the base plate and transferred to a new location with a new anchor when needed. This saves you from the hassle of digging up the concrete to remove a direct bury pole. However, it isn’t as stable as in-ground options like direct bury or ground sleeve.
The hoop’s backboard is made of tempered glass that is the go-to choice for seasoned players since the play experience and game speed is faster than that of an acrylic, impact, or polycarbonate backboard. It is 54” in size, ideal for residential spots whether you’re playing in the driveway, on the road, or in the backyard. The backboard comes with a pad that protects players and the backboard from accidental impact when the rim is at the lower height levels.
The hoop and backboard itself are very nice and heavier duty. The pole assembly seems too lightweight for the weight of the hoop and backboard, so it does generate some wobble after each shot. I’m okay with a little wobble, but I did have to pause after some harder shots for it to stop moving. Pouring some concrete in the pole helped a little, but still can be a bit annoying if you want serious game play.
al t.
The square pole is 4” and the preferred shape and size for stability when games get more aggressive. The pole can be raised and lowered for rim heights between 7.5’ and 10’ according to player preferences and skill level. A 5-year warranty protects your purchase and covers you against manufacturer defects in case they pop up over time.
Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Minimum Height: 5’
- Maximum Height: 10’
- Backboard Material: Tempered glass
- Backboard Size: 54”
- Pole Size: 4”
- Warranty: 5 years
Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Easy installation with optional portability later on
- Lengthy 5-year warranty
- 2.5’ overhang is ideal distance between pole and backboard
- Tempered glass backboard offers great game performance and rebound
Cons
Cons
- Unbalanced light-weight pole with heavier backboard causes some wobbling
Our Final Opinion About the Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Silverback in-ground basketball hoop is a high-quality, more mobile choice for people who don’t plan on keeping their hoop in the same spot for the next 10 years. This hoop is fairly average in every way, with reliable durability, quality performance features, and a reasonable price tag.
Silverback NXT 54” In-Ground Basketball Hoop Review
The Entry-Level Pick
Silverback
If you’re new to in-ground basketball hoops and aren’t yet sure if the performance and durability are worth the investment, this Silverback NXT 54” in-ground basketball hoop makes a great starter option so you can experiment with the in-ground experience before making the high-end investment.
Silverback NXT 54” In-Ground Basketball Hoop Video Review
What We Think of The Silverback NXT 54” In-Ground Basketball Hoop
The Silverback NXT in-ground basketball hoop is one of the most affordable on the market and on our list. It is on par with some of the higher end portable basketball hoops but provides the added bonus of in-ground stability and durability. The backboard is 54” across and made of polycarbonate. Though it offers lower performance and rebound than tempered glass, it is the next best option and is virtually impossible to break even if you tried.
The rim can adjust from 7.5’ to the regulation height of 10’. It is a pro breakaway style that offers more flexibility than classic versions so there is less risk of damage if a player dunks and applies force to the rim. The pole installs directly in the ground, which is the preferred method for maximum stability. This is a good design choice considering the pole is a 3-piece rounded structure. The 5” width of the pole also works to combat the natural wobble of a 3-piece pole compared to the 2-piece alternative.
We were really excited to get this hoop at our house and are pleased with how smooth the height adjustment is. It was one of the easiest hoops to install that I’ve done and the instructions are easy to follow. I did not realize how much less stable a 3-piece pole was compared to the 2-piece poles I’ve used in the past, and it’s a little slanted due to bad welding on the hangers. Despite the durability issues, it’s good value for your money.
robert w.
The height adjustment mechanism uses a simple crank that is user-friendly regardless of age. Teens and adults alike will be able to easily adjust the height of the net without help. The infinity edge backboard is a speciality design that folds backward for increased rigidity and less vibration during games. The Quick Play design of this hoop makes installation as fast as 90 minutes since many pieces come pre-assembled and the entire structure is designed for speedy installation.
Silverback NXT 54” In-Ground Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Minimum Height: 5’
- Maximum Height: 10’
- Backboard Material: Polycarbonate
- Backboard Size: 54”
- Pole Size: 5”
- Warranty: 5 years
Silverback NXT 54” In-Ground Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Affordable
- Pro-style breakaway rim
- Crank system for height adjustment is user-friendly
- Easy and quick to install
Cons
Cons
- Not as stable as a 2-piece pole
- Lower quality construction
Our Final Opinion About the Silverback NXT 54” In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The price, ease of installation, and rigidity make this a great basketball hoop for anyone wanting the added security of in-ground installation but who feels more comfortable with a budget closer to that of a portable hoop. However, the durability and performance of this affordable option can’t compete with most others on our list.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying an In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Why Choose an In-Ground Basketball Hoop Over Portable or Mounted Hoops
There are a few reasons why someone may prefer an in-ground hoop over a mounted or portable basketball hoop, and most of them are related to stability. With an in-ground hoop, athletes don’t have to hold back for fear of breaking the hoop. The pole is often 2-4 inches thicker than on a portable hoop, and they’re made to last much longer. In-ground hoops play similar to professional basketball courts and are the ideal way to train at high levels at home.
They also take up less ground space than a portable hoop and are maintenance free once in the ground. These hoops usually have larger backboards as well since weight isn’t a concern. in-ground hoops are the safest option as well since there is absolutely no chance of the hoop tipping over onto somebody unexpectedly. Plus, they can’t be stolen unless someone is willing to dig up hundreds of pounds of concrete.
Difference Between Installation Methods When Installing an In-Ground Basketball Hoop
The direct bury method is exactly what it sounds like: a pole that is installed directly into the ground using cement. This method is the more permanent of the two since the pole is stuck directly in the cement and cannot be moved without first digging up the cement holding it in place. This is the riskiest approach since a mistake like a crooked pole cannot be fixed without starting completely from scratch.
The ground sleeve option makes your basketball hoop more portable since it is not grounded in cement. Rather, the sleeve is cemented in and the pole of your basketball hoop slides into that sleeve. With this option, your sleeve needs to have a post levelling feature to ensure the post sits straight and even.
Another option is the J-bolt mount in which J-bolts are installed into a wet concrete footing. This method allows for levelling after the concrete has set, unlike the direct bury method.
The final method of burying an in-ground basketball hoop is the flange anchor. It offers the most flexibility since it can be moved from location to location as needed, but it isn’t as secure. Just like the direct burial method, you must make sure it is perfectly level since you can’t fix it afterward.
How to Properly Choose Your In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Price.
In-ground basketball hoops are the most expensive type of basketball hoops for home use, so price will most likely be a concern for everyone shopping for this type of hoop. That being said, there are ways to reduce the cost of an in-ground basketball net, such as choosing a smaller size, a different height adjustment mechanism, a different pole or backboard material, or lower-class features. While you should expect to pay close to $1000 for a good in-ground basketball hoop, not all will cost that much, and some may cost two or three times as much. It all depends on brand, features, and performance.
- Height Range.
The height range on an in-ground basketball hoop will most likely be either 7 or 7.5 ft to 10 ft. While half a foot may not seem like much, it can make a big difference for smaller, younger, and less experienced players who can’t play at the higher levels just yet. Nearly every in-ground hoop will have a maximum height of 10 feet since this is regulation height and in-ground hoops are commonly designed for the more serious players and athletes since they’re a permanent structure at your home.
- Height Adjustment System.
There are several different ways that an in-ground basketball hoop may use to change the height of the rim and backboard. These types of hoops generally use the more advanced pneumatic and crank systems which are easier for the user. The power-lift system is the most sought-after height adjustment mechanism since it takes zero effort on your part, and is the most convenient. Depending on the type of height adjustment system being used, you may have specific height settings between 3 and 6 inches apart, or you may have infinite possibilities with a fully adjustable system.
- Weight.
In-ground basketball hoops are the heaviest hoops available, mainly because their solid-steel poles and larger backboards are made to withstand all types of weather and the most aggressive play. For this reason, they may weigh several hundred pounds. Of course, every basketball hoop is designed a little differently, so you will be able to find a lighter-weight option if desired, it just won’t be as stable as a heavier unit.
- Pole.
The thickness of the pole on your in-ground basketball hoop is very important since it supports the backboard and rim on top. The pole can range in size from 3” to more than 6”, with the larger sizes being more durable than the smaller ones. 4-6” is best for handling aggressive play and high-level responsiveness from the hoop, but the shape is also important. A square pole will provide more rigidity than a round one, and a 2-piece pole is much more stable than a 3-piece.
- Overbang.
The overhang, also known as an offset, refers to the space between the pole and the backboard. Usually, this is around 2’, but it is common to find overhangs up to 4’ depending on the design of your hoop. The overhang is an important feature since it allows for play beneath the rim and gives players more stopping room when they’re rushing to the net.
- Rim.
The rim of your basketball hoop will have a big influence on your game experience. For the best game play possible, you’ll want a rim with some type of flexibility feature like a flex breakaway or additional springs placed either horizontally or vertically for fluid dunking and limited ricochet after rim contact that’s bound to happen.
- Backboard Material.
Since in-ground hoops are designed to be the longest-lasting hoops, you’ll most likely have a tempered glass backboard since they are highly durable. Tempered glass is also commonly chosen for this type of basketball hoop because it offers the best rebound and overall performance for game play than other options. The other option is a shatterproof steel-framed polycarbonate which is equally resilient against aggressive play but is not quite a professional-grade backboard. This is a good option if you’re looking for a more affordable in-ground hoop and still want top performance. Glass is the heaviest option, but some other materials like aluminum are a good lightweight choice if top performance isn’t a concern.
- Backboard Size.
Backboards range in size from 48” to 72”, though most in-ground hoops will start at around 54” since they are closer to professional competitive standards than mounted or portable hoops. The size of the backboard you need is usually determined by the size of the playing area you’re working with. 60” is fairly standard for most types of game play since it is large enough for bank shots and is compatible with normal game play.
- Warranty.
In-ground hoops are naturally made more durable and weather-proof than other options since they use the highest-quality materials, so they will have lengthy warranties of about 5 years 95% of the time. Durability isn’t much of a concern with these types of basketball hoops, but the warranty period still protects you from any manufacturer defects.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of in-ground basketball hoops allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
