Table of Contents
Once your child nears the age of two, their worlds open up to include a ton of new activities, games, and sports that will encourage mental and physical development.
A basketball hoop is one of the best starter sports to teach your child balance, hand-eye coordination, a love of exercise, strength, and a whole lot more.
Since basketball hoops are available in a variety of sizes, designs, and budgets. Basketball also teaches teamwork, social skills like sharing and communication, and more since it’s also a team sport. Plus, basketball is a safe low-impact activity that is safe and healthy for toddlers to play.
Kids basketball hoops are designed to grow with your child, and all the basic features are the same. However, there are many subtle differences between various models that can make choosing one a harder decision than you may expect.
That’s why we developed this guide with the best kids basketball hoops in Canada. To find high-quality, value-packed options, we spent 28 hours analyzing 18 products and considering 495 customer reviews. We’ll guide you in how to choose the right kids basketball hoop so that your preferences, needs, and budget are met and you’re happy with your purchase.
Following our last update, we recommend the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop for its adjustability, portability, and value.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Kids Basketball Hoop Comparative Table
Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
INDOOR PICK
|
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop |
|
9.2/10 | See price on Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|
WALL-MOUNT PICK
|
Tarmak Hoop 500 Transportable Basketball Hoop
|
|
9.4/10 | See price on Decathlon |
Our Indoor Pick for The Best Kids Basketball Hoop
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop Review
The Best for Indoors
Little Tikes
If you’re looking for a kids basketball hoop that can be used inside, you’re probably searching for something portable, stable, and small in stature so it doesn’t take up too much space. If so, the Little Tikes easy score basketball hoop is the right choice for safety and maneuverability.
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop Video Review
What We Think of The Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop
The Little Tikes Easy Score basketball hoop is designed for use for ages 18 months to 5 years old. While this does mean that you won’t get as much use out of it as some others on this list, it is the best option for this age group. It weighs 7 lbs so it’s easy to transfer from inside to outside and back again, but it can also be filled with sand for stability when in place so there’s no risk of tipping over. It has one of the largest bases for filling, so it is the most stable choice.
The rim can be raised up and down depending on the size and skill of your child. It can be adjusted between 2.5’ and 4’ with 6 height options within this range for small increases or decreases as needed. The entire structure is plastic which accounts for its minimal weight, but the hard plastic is durable and won’t break easily – a must have feature in all things kid-related to be sure.
This is great for my 16-month-old grandson. He loves playing with it. The rim does come off every so often but it is quick and easy to pop it back on. He’s learning lots of great motor skills like getting up by himself, picking a toy off the floor, etc. It is short enough that he could start by dropping the ball into the hoop, and we’re expecting him to start throwing it very soon.
kathy e.
The hoop comes with 3 miniature basketballs sizes for little hands. This is an “easy score” hoop because the oversized rim greatly increases the chances of your child scoring even with minimal skills. Not only does this make the game more satisfying for your kid, but they have more fun and won’t get frustrated by not being able to get baskets right away.
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Dimensions: 61” x 23.75” x 22”
- Colour: Blue and white
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Minimum Height: 2.5 feet
- Maximum Height: 4 feet
- Base Type: Sand fill
- Number Of Height Levels: 6
- Basketballs Included: 3
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Includes 3 junior size basketballs
- Fills with sand for maximum stability and safety
- 6 height levels grow with your child
- Extra-large hoop helps your child get baskets more frequently
Cons
- Shorter maximum height suitable up to age 5 only
Our Final Opinion about the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Hoop
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, we’re pleased with the durability, quality, variety, and safety of this Little Tikes easy score basketball hoop. Very young kids will quickly develop a love of basketball using this hoop, but we do wish it had a taller max height for a bit more overall value for your dollar with a few extra years of use.
Our Wall-Mount Pick for a Kids Basketball Hoop
Tarmak Hoop 500 Transportable Basketball Hoop Review
The Mounted Choice
Tarmak
If you want a basketball hoop for your kids to enjoy but don’t want to give up the floor space for yet another toy, a mounted hoop is a great option. We recommend the Tarmak Hoop 500 transportable basketball hoop since it can be mounted anywhere for total convenience.
What We Think of The Tarmak Hoop 500 Transportable Basketball Hoop
The Tarmak Hoop 500 transportable basketball hoop is the most convenient basketball hoop for kids. With no base, it can be placed anywhere: high, low, outside, inside, upside down, you name it. The two straps are fully adjustable so you can secure it to any tree or post anywhere you go with no tools and no effort. This makes it great for bringing with you to the grandparents, to the park, to the babysitters, and more.
The hard plastic backboard is highly durable and withstands light weather without damage. It is extremely portable especially when you consider that the net folds up to the backboard to form a nice package that can be easily slid into a bag or tucked away in storage with a minimal footprint. The rim is large enough for most sizes of junior-sized basketballs, but the hoop doesn’t come with any starter basketballs.
My boys absolutely love this hoop. We have it mounted on a tree in the backyard and they will spend hours shooting hoops and coming up with all sorts of games with it. It was really easy to secure and has been rained on a couple of times now with no visible damage. It has a cool design that they like and I’m pleased with the price and quality. A great product all around. Lots of fun to be had.
pauline h.
Since it doesn’t have a base and can’t be set up without a wall nearby, you will need to have a large enough space in front and around your placement for your child to play without obstruction. It also isn’t as sturdy as a weighted basketball hoop would be because if your child pulls to hard on the rim, it may come right out of the wall and cause your child to call backward.
Tarmak Hoop 500 Transportable Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Dimensions: 18” x 22.8” x 2.75”
- Colour: Red and blue
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Minimum Height: N/A
- Maximum Height: N/A
- Base Type: N/A
- Number Of Height Levels: Unlimited
- Basketballs Included: No
Tarmak Hoop 500 Transportable Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Two adjustable straps can secure the hoop to any tree or pole
- Unlimited height and placement options since it has no base
- Takes up no floor space – great for apartments and small rooms
- Folds in half to stay out of the way when not in use
Cons
Cons
- Small backboard doesn’t protect much of your wall
Our Final Opinion About the Tarmak Hoop 500 Transportable Basketball Hoop
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
All things considered, this is a great option if you’d rather mount your kids basketball hoop than have it take up precious floor space. It is affordable, durable, and easy to install anywhere. Though not designed for toddlers, it is a great choice for older kids who want to play independently wherever they go.
Alternative Products to Consider
Costzon Basketball Hoop 3-in-1 Kids Activity Center Review
The Activity Center Pick
Costzon
If you want a basketball hoop for your child that can be used for more, the Costzon basketball hoop 3-in-1 kids activity center is the best choice for a variety of activities that teach you child important physical skills all in one adorable set.
What We Think of the Costzon Basketball Hoop 3-in-1 Kids Activity Center
The Costzon basketball hoop is a 3-in-1 activity that includes a basketball hoop, ring toss, and a soccer net for your child to learn a variety of skills with a variety of fun games. The set includes a basketball, soccer ball, 4 rings of two different colours for multiple players, and an inflator to blow up the two balls. You will need to put all the pieces together yourself, but the instructions are clear and assembly is not difficult or time consuming.
There are 5 height settings to choose from to customize the rim height based on your child’s age and size. The minimum height is just under 3 feet while the maximum rim height is 4.2 feet. This is a great range for toddlers. The design of the activity center means it isn’t very stable since it can’t be weighted like other pedestal-style basketball hoops. That being side, the wide base and triangular shape do help limit accidents so long as your child is supervised and doesn’t pull on the rim.
This is the perfect set to get young toddlers started with physical activity and sports. My little girl loves soccer the most, but she does get a lot of use out of the hoop and ring toss as well. Her coordination is getting a lot better after just a few weeks of playing with this activity center. It is very adjustable and is completely adorable. I couldn’t be happier.
naomi j.
The rim on the basketball hoop is 11.5” wide, so it can fit all types of balls and every size of junior basketball to grow as your child does. The material is completely safe for your child and is a hard durable plastic to withstand damage. The basketball and soccer nets are removable and washable to keep things healthy and clean. The base can be filled with a bit of sand for stability, but it isn’t enough to prevent tipping if your child is determined, so supervision is recommended.
Costzon Basketball Hoop 3-in-1 Kids Activity Center Specifications
- Dimensions: 21.5” x 19.5” x 62.5”
- Colour: Blue
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Minimum Height: 2.9 feet
- Maximum Height: 4.2 feet
- Base Type: Soccer net
- Number Of Height Levels: 5
- Basketballs Included: 1
Costzon Basketball Hoop 3-in-1 Kids Activity Center Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 3-in-1 activity center includes soccer, basketball, and ring toss
- Comes with two balls, 4 rings, and an inflator for pumping up the balls
- 5 height settings for every age
- 5” rim fits all junior basketball sizes
Cons
- Not as stable as a weighted base – requires supervision
Our Final Opinion About the Costzon Basketball Hoop 3-in-1 Kids Activity Center
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 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
We can’t say enough good things about this kids activity center. It is the perfect basketball hoop for toddlers, but it is much more engaging than the standard basketball hoop. It does require close supervision since it isn’t weighted, but there are no other flaws with this adorable activity center.
Whoobli Basketball Hoop Review
The Adjustable Pick
Whoobli
The Whoobli basketball hoop has a wide range of heights with limitless options that grow with your child for longer. If you want a basketball hoop that can be customized to your child’s specific age, size, and skills, this is the one for you.
What We Think of the Whoobli Basketball Hoop
The Whoobli basketball hoop is a one-of-a-kind dinosaur basketball hoop that kids of all ages will enjoy engaging with. Even the net is designed to catch your kid’s attention with a tri-coloured design that is more fun than the plain white nets. The hoop is reinforced to hold up better against more aggressive players, though we still don’t recommend that anyone tries dunking.
The weighted base is large and holds a good amount of sand or water to prevent tipping and injuries. However, it still doesn’t take up too much floor space so it should fit anywhere you deem adequate. The height adjustment on this basketball hoop is one of the best with a simple dial system that loosens the poles to slide up and down. There are endless height options ranging between 2.25 and 4.3 feet.
This thing is way more durable than I expected. I didn’t put water or sand in the base since I don’t want a leak in the house but this thing holds up! My son is aggressive with his toys but there has been no damage sustained thus far. It is nearly as tall as I am, so it will last for several more years I’m sure. The materials are durable, construction is good, and he’s enjoying the heck out of it.
emily h.
The basketball hoop comes with only one basketball, but that’s better than nothing, it weighs less than 4 lbs before being filled, so it is lightweight enough even when filled to be moved between rooms or around the backyard as needed. We don’t have any complaints regarding quality, durability, or ease of use with this Whoobli basketball hoop. it’s an all-around great pick!
Whoobli Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.7” x 13.9” x 52”
- Colour: Red
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Minimum Height: 2.25 feet
- Maximum Height: 4.3 feet
- Base Type: Water or sand fill
- Number Of Height Levels: Adjustable
- Basketballs Included: 1
Whoobli Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Can be filled with sand or water for stability
- Wide height range for extra years of use
- Lightweight but durable construction
- Fully adjustable rather than set height levels
Cons
- Only comes with one ball
Our Final Opinion About the Whoobli Basketball Hoop
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 Whoobli kids basketball hoop is quite simple, but effective. It doesn’t have any additional features but is one of the best choices for an indoor or outdoor hoop since you have full control over a wide height range and you can’t beat the ease of use or durability.
Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster Motorized Basketball Hoop Review
The Mobile Pick
Fisher-Price
If you’re looking for a basketball hoop that is both more challenging and more engaging for your little one to learn and improve important skills, the Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster motorized basketball hoop is a great choice for more movement while learning basketball techniques.
Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster Motorized Basketball Hoop Video Review
What We Think of The Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster Motorized Basketball Hoop
The Fisher-Price Hoopster motorized basketball hoop is unique in a few important ways, most are good, a couple are bad. First of all, the base of the hoop is a motorized car that is absolutely adorable. It encourages kids to chase after the hoop, practice aiming at a moving target, and gets their blood pumping better than standing still to shoot. These are all great things.
Unfortunately, this hoop does not have any adjustable height setting and is stuck at 30” tall. This is really disappointing since kids will outgrow this height quickly and it won’t be nearly as much fun when they can simply drop the ball into the hoop. However, we do appreciate the sounds, lights, and commentary when kids score successful baskets since they need all the encouragement they can get while they learn proper techniques.
My kids absolutely loves this Hoopster basketball net. They are aged 17 and 22 months and it is the perfect height for their age. They love how it moves and I love that they chase after it laughing. The only flaw is that I wish it would grow with them, they will soon be taller than it and dunking balls only. The lights and sounds make it a lot of fun to learn how to get the basketball in the hoop.
mariah u.
This basketball hoop is very reasonably priced considering the digital features and sound effects, so that’s a huge bonus in favour of choosing this basketball hoop over another. The low price does mean that durability is a bit of a concern, but since your kids will probably outgrow it in a couple of years, this shouldn’t impact your purchase decision too much.
Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster Motorized Basketball Hoop Specifications
- Dimensions: 30” x 9.7” 10.9”
- Colour: Orange and grey
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Minimum Height: 30”
- Maximum Height: 30”
- Base Type: Motorized
- Number Of Height Levels: 1
- Basketballs Included: 2
Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster Motorized Basketball Hoop Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Commentary, lights, and sounds for every successful basket
- Moves to encourage your kids to move their feet more
- Comes with 2 mini basketballs
- 30” height is perfect for young toddlers
Cons
- Not height adjustable
Our Final Opinion About the Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster Motorized Basketball Hoop
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is a great kids basketball hoop since it encourages more movement and includes a bunch of digital sounds and features that make learning basketball more fun. However, we are very disappointed that it is not height adjustable since kids will quickly grow out of it. This is a major oversight since nearly every other basketball hoop is adjustable.
Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Hoop Set Review
The Tall Pick
Shootin’ Hoops
If your kids are naturally taller than average, or you want the basketball hoop you choose to last longer than just a few years, the Shootin’ Hoops Pro basketball hoop set is the best choice since it is taller than a lot of the competition and will grow with your child the longest.
Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Hoop Set Video Review
What We Think of the Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Hoop Set
The Shootin’ Hoops Pro basketball hoop set is designed for older children. It’s max height is a generous 6 feet that lets older kids enjoy more of a challenge, but its minimum of 4 feet is too small for toddler-aged children. There are three height settings set at 48 inches, 60 inches, and 72 inches, and while we appreciate the effort, one foot of difference makes a big impact and may be too much at a time. A few extra height options would have been a much better design choice.
Since this is a bigger basketball hoop, it isn’t quite as portable as most other kids basketball hoops. We recommend choosing a spot, filling the weighted base, and calling it a day since it will be more difficult to move than the smaller alternatives. This hoop is equipped with a real breakaway rim that allows kids to dunk without causing damage to the hoop or backboard.
I am so glad I chose this basketball hoop. My oldest child is 11 and my youngest is 5, so I wanted something they could both use. The height adjustment is great since it goes up taller than I am and provides a challenge for my oldest while also being short enough for my youngest to start learning. It is very sturdy when you fill the base, is great for outside and inside, and was a great price. I’m happy.
molly r.
The base of the basketball net has two molded cup holders that also act as ball storage so things stay neat and tidy while your kids play as well as when they’re done. This basketball hoop does come with a basketball so you kids can get started playing right away. The base can hold up to 30 lbs of sand to make it one of the most stable and safe kids basketball hoops out there, as well as to offset the higher weight of older kids playing with this hoop.
Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Hoop Set Specifications
- Dimensions: 72” x 36.8” x 29”
- Colour: Blue and white
- Weight: 16.3 lbs
- Minimum Height: 4 feet
- Maximum Height: 6 feet
- Base Type: Pedestal
- Number Of Height Levels: 3
- Basketballs Included: 1
Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Hoop Set Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very tall max height for older children
- Weighted base is very stable
- Basketball included
- Wide breakaway rim lets kids dunk freely
Cons
Cons
- Not ideal for young toddlers
- 3 height settings is too few for a 2’ min and max height difference
Our Final Opinion About the Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Hoop Set
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 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Though we wish this basketball hoop had more than just a few height settings, it is the best choice for older children since it is taller than most every other kids basketball hoop out there, is durable and stable, and is priced reasonably for how much use your kids can get out of it.
Kimi House Basketball Hoop Set 3-in-1 Activity Center Review
The Upgrade Pick
Kimi House
If you want to spoil your child with something special, the Kimi House Basketball hoop set 3-in-1 activity center is the right choice since it combines three fun activities and is one of the most functional, engaging basketball hoops designed for young children.
What We Think of The Kimi House Basketball Hoop Set 3-in-1 Activity Center
The Kimi House 3-in-1 activity center includes a variety of games and sports for your child to play. Your kid can play soccer, basketball, and ring toss all in one. The soccer net is wider than many others, so it is easier for your child to hit the net with the ball. It also provides a sturdier base compared to a thinner net since the weight is distributed better.
There are 5 optional height adjustments that allow users to customize the height of the net according to their child’s size and skills. The minimum height is 3.75 feet while the maximum height is 5.4 feet. This is a great range for toddler-aged children since they can be consistently challenged to improve their skills without being too difficult and becoming frustrating.
We will definitely be using this for years to come. My 2-year-old absolutely loves this and I’m glad he’s learning to play soccer and basketball from a young age. We really enjoy the ring toss as well since it’s something we can do together for a little friendly competition. It is lightweight to move from one room to another or take outside when the weather is nice. It is sturdier than expected considering it’s plastic which is nice.
crystal p.
There are no tools required to assemble this activity center since it goes together without any screws or bolts. This means your child can help you set it up! The base can be weighted with sand or water to make it even more stable, though it doesn’t hold too much so your child should still be supervised when around the activity center. We have no concerns regarding durability, functionality, or safety with this Kimi House activity center.
Kimi House Basketball Hoop Set 3-in-1 Activity Center Specifications
- Dimensions: 65” x 27.6” x 9”
- Colour: Red
- Weight: 8.7 lbs
- Minimum Height: 3.75 feet
- Maximum Height: 5.4 feet
- Base Type: Soccer net
- Number Of Height Levels: 6
- Basketballs Included: 1
Kimi House Basketball Hoop Set 3-in-1 Activity Center Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with a basketball, soccer ball, and rings for ring toss
- Ideal height range for toddler to young child
- 6 height levels offer the right amount of variety
- Very stable and durable construction
Cons
Cons
- More expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Kimi House Basketball Hoop Set 3-in-1 Activity Center
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
Considering that this Kimi House activity center includes a basketball net, soccer net, and ring toss, has great build quality, and teaches your children a wide variety of physical skills, the higher price point can’t negate the value that this activity center will add to your child’s education and physical and mental health.
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 a Kids Basketball Hoop
Why Should Young Kids Play Basketball?
Basketball is one of the best teachers of hand-eye coordination in young toddlers. It helps them develop important fine motor skills, improves flexibility, balance, movement, strength, and endurance, and even helps them develop psychologically. Kids can even start learning math skills like trajectory and angles when using the backboard. Starting a sport early can also help kids develop social skills, problem solving skills, higher activity levels later in life, and improved health due to physical activity and improved cardiovascular health.
What Size Basketball Should my Child Use?
There are many different sizes of basketballs depending on your child’s age. Since children grow so much in such a short time frame, you may need to upgrade their basketballs every year or two. For ages 2 to 4 years, size one is the right choice. It has a 16” circumference and weighs only 8oz. This is known as the micro-mini basketball. For 4-8-year-olds, the 22” mini basketball weighing 10oz is suitable. For years 5-8, a 25.5” ball weighing 14oz is a reasonable upgrade. For ages 9-11, you can begin using the standard youth basketball weighing 17oz with a 27.5” circumference.
When is the Right Age to Start Playing with a Basketball Hoop?
While there is no set age to start teaching your young ones how to play with a basketball hoop, the general recommended age is about 18 months. However, since every child grows differently, what one 18-month-old is ready for may be what a 24-month-old is ready for. You know your child best, so you’re the best judge of when to start teaching these skills. Choosing a hoop with adjustable height levels is key so that if they aren’t quite interested yet, it will still be usable in 6 months or a year from now.
How to Properly Choose Your Kids Basketball Hoop
- Price.
Kids basketball hoops are generally pretty affordable since most are made of plastic and are only designed to be used for a few years. However, there are many options at a higher price point that are more durable, have special features and more game options than simple hoops, and nicer designs. There are plenty of great choices with a variety of features in every price range, so your child will be able to enjoy playing basketball and learning important skills no matter your budget.
- Height Adjustment.
Whether you start with a basketball hoop at 18 months or 3 years, you’ll be dealing with a lot of growth within a very short time frame. Since you want to get the most use out of your basketball hoop as possible, adjustable height is key. Some hoops have set height adjustments, usually between 3 and 6 options, but others won’t have set heights and are fully adjustable between their minimum and maximum heights. Every hoop will have different minimum and maximums, but the larger the range the better for extended use over several years of growth.
- Stability.
Anything that your child plays with needs to be perfectly safe, and when that toy is bigger than they are, safety is even more important. Kids basketball hoops can usually be filled with sand or water to create a weighted base and prevent them from tipping over. Those that don’t have this feature usually have a wider base or can be mounted to the wall. If the hoop is meant to be filled with sand or water, you should never use it without the filling in case your child happens to tug on the net or knock over the hoop accidentally.
- Extra Features.
Though you’ll most likely need to pay a little extra, there are many kids basketball hoops that are more than a simple hoop. There are several options for activity centers that are a combination of basketball hoop, soccer net, and ring toss that adds more activities for your kid to enjoy and learn from. There are also basketball hoops out there that move, light up, have sound effects, and otherwise make shooting hoops more interactive and engaging.
- Material.
95% of kids’ basketball hoops will be made from plastic. Since they’re only useful for a few years before your kids outgrow them, the durability of a plastic frame isn’t too much of a concern. however, there are some hoops that will have steel hoops that are a little more robust than the plastic options, though they’re usually still supported by a plastic frame.
- Base Type.
There are a few options for the base of your kids basketball hoop. The most common type of base is a sand or water fillable base that adds stability to the hoop for your child’s safety. This is the most stable option, but it makes portability a bit of an issue. Another option is the soccer net base which is common on activity center hoops, and these are much wider than the typical pedestal for stability. There are also kids basketball hoops that are designed for wall mounting that don’t have a base if you’re short on floor space or want something a little safer and more permanent.
- Backboard Size.
Every basketball hoop has a different sized backboard, and there are pros and cons to the large and small sizes. It goes without saying that a larger backboard gives your little ones a better chance of getting a basket, but they are also bulkier and take up more room. The smaller backboards provide a smaller target that can help train hand-eye coordination and aim, but they can also be more challenging for kids that haven’t learned the basic techniques yet.
- Hoop Size.
The basketball hoop you choose may be designed for 4 years of use or it may last for up to 10 years depending on how early you start your kids playing basketball. The size of the basketball hoop determines the size of the basketballs that can be used with the hoop. A larger hoop size is better than a smaller one since it reduces the chances of the ball hitting the room, thus improving your child’s odds of getting a basket. They’re also better for longevity reasons since they can accommodate larger basketballs as your child grows and upgrades from toddler-sized balls to standard youth balls.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of kids 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.