The type of basketball system you need depends on where you plan to install it, frequency of use, and if players will use it for light practicing or for serious games. For example, if you live in a housing community, consult with your home owner's association before making any purchase. Many only allow portable basketball systems.
Hang a hoop
Wall-mount basketball systems allow you to attach a basket to the side of your house, garage, or roof. They will never be in the way, but require installation. Most wall-mount basketball systems include a backboard, rim, net, and mounting kit and some come with an extension arm that allows the rim and net to extend out from your house. Like any permanent solution, you want a good-looking opaque backboard so your basketball hoop won't become the center of attention when neighbors drive by your house. Consider a different option if you have a steep or shingled roof; they have trouble holding a backboard straight.
Portable performance
Shoot hoops almost anywhere with an easy, convenient, and practical portable basketball system. These standalone units include a base with wheels, backboard, pole, and rim. Fill the base with water or sand for stability while you play and then wheel your system into the garage or a large closet until you want to use it again. Most portable basketball systems also allow you to fold down the basket for even easier storage. Although portable basketball systems don't offer the same stability as in-ground systems, they make a good choice for casual and recreational players who don't want to deal with system installation.
Optimum stability
Durable in-ground pole basketball systems require more effort to set up and install, but offer more stability than wall-mounted and portable basketball systems. In-ground systems work by securing a pole into concrete (usually about six 90-pound bags of cement) and include a backboard, pole, and rim. You'll find two types of in-ground basketball systems on eBay: bolt-on (also called anchor bolt) and standard pole-mount.
Bolt on: Anchor basketball systems bolt or cement a pole into an anchor set in a concrete base. If you want to move the system, uproot the pole. You won't be able to move the anchor, but they do not cost a lot of money to replace.
Standard: Standard in-ground basketball systems secure the basketball pole itself in concrete. These basketball systems are highly stable as a result, but you won't be able to move or adjust the pole without damaging it or the ground anchoring it.
No matter what type of in-ground basketball system you choose, make sure the pole has measurement marks to indicate where the visible portion of the pole should begin. Marks will help you determine the proper distance between the basketball hoop and ground before your cement dries. Call in a contractor if you don't feel comfortable mixing and pouring concrete yourself.
Adjustable systems
Adjustable in-ground and portable basketball systems allow you to adapt the height of a basket for people of different heights and skill levels. These basketball systems are a great option if you have a small child and want to change basket height as he or she grows. Systems geared toward kids, such as products from First Team, can go as low as 4.5 feet. Adults who want to practice dunking should look for the more common basketball systems that offer adjustments from 7.5 to a regulation 10 feet.
Most adjustable basketball systems provide a crank or lever on the back of the pole to adjust height, but some use an electric motor. Motorized adjustment systems cost more than manual systems and can sacrifice performance features in exchange for convenience.
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