Pro-Style Basketball Goals: How to Select the Right System

There are many reasons for wanting to find a pro-style system when preparing to purchase a basketball goal. These reasons are important to consider when checking out the various options and features offered by each manufacturer.

The Minimum Requirements for a Professional Basketball System

One of the primary reasons that people are interested in the pro-style basketball systems is because they, or their children, aspire to become professionals in the game. Of course, it only makes sense that a proper professional basketball goal is used in practice or training. For this reason, having a pro-style goal serves a greater purpose than just providing a sense of authenticity when shooting basketball hoops. While shopping around for the right system, be sure to check that the basketball goals being considered fulfill at least the minimum criteria to be considered 'professional'. The standard features of a pro-style basketball goal should include:

* Shatterproof tempered glass or acrylic backboard;
* Flexible, breakaway basketball hoop;
* Weather-resistant structure, including a specialized rustproof coating and nylon bushings where metal meets metal;
* Height adjustment mechanism to set the precise level of the basketball hoop;
* Thick, sturdy padding around the post of the basketball goal;
* Must meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for safety in basketball goal design.


The Bells and Whistles of a Basketball Hoop

The various basketball goal manufacturers offer numerous additional features that can make their system an even more desirable choice. Often, consumers find they prefer basketball hoops with special conveniences or key advantages when undertaking such a considerable investment. Some of these extra special features can include:

* Motorized height adjustment;
* Portability;
* Nighttime basketball hoop lights
* Easy do-it-yourself installation;
* Guarantee of durability


Portability is a concept that many people generally do not associate with basketball goals. Most people assume that once they install their goal, it will at best add to the resale value of their home when they move because it will have to stay there. This is not always the case because some basketball goal manufacturers have designed the system to allow for portability. With many of these systems, the goal post footings are simply unbolted from the anchor installed within the concrete supporting the basketball hoop. Thereafter, the whole system, minus the old concrete and anchor, can be reinstalled at a new location. It is nothing more than a matter of pouring new concrete and laying in a new anchor for reinstallation.

Professional Basketball Hoops are not just for the Wealthy Pros

For many people looking to purchase a basketball goal, cost is often a consideration. The special features of pro basketball goals are obviously going to make them more costly than a basic portable or simplified residential system. The pro basketball hoops tend to range anywhere from around $700 to as much as $2,000 or more, with the higher-end goals including such options as motorized height adjustment and hoop lights. However, because many of them are designed for portability, an investment into a professional basketball system can be considered long-term, and worthwhile for individuals serious about their training.


By Bill Gibson


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The Three Main Kinds of Basketball Goals

The very first decision that you will have to make before you purchase a basketball hoop is which one of the three primary types of basketball systems you will purchase.

In Ground System - Perhaps the most common and the most popular kind of basketball goal is the in ground system. This system is designed to cement straight into the ground, and as a result it is the most stable and provides the best rebound.

In ground basketball hoops are essentially permanent, so you have to make certain that you are comfortable with where you wan to put your hoop before you install it. It is also a good idea to check your homeowner's association's regulations regarding basketball hoops before you purchase an in ground unit.

Portable Basketball Hoop - With portable basketball hoops, the system is stabilized by a large plastic base that you fill up with sand or water. Portable basketball goals are perfect for areas where you are only able to play basketball outside a few months out of the year. When it gets to chilly, you can just roll the hoop into storage.

They also work well for when your homeowner's association regulations prohibit the installation of in ground basketball hoops.

When purchasing a portable basketball hoop, you should try to find a unit with the largest capacity base that you can find. The larger your base, the more stable your system is, and better rebound you will experience.

If you live in part of the country where temperatures can drop to below zero, it is important to remember to fill your portable basketball hoop base with sand instead of water. Water will expand when frozen, so it carries the risk of potentially cracking your base on chilly evenings. If you choose to use water, make sure to include some antifreeze in the base to prevent the water from freezing.

Wall Mounted Basketball Systems - If you don't want your basketball system to take up any room in your driveway, your best choice will probably be a wall mounted basketball goal. These systems don't require a pole or a base at all.

They just attach directly to your wall or roof with a bracket. On higher end wall mounted basketball hoops, the bracket is typically included with the system. However, on cheaper models, such as those that cost less than three hundred dollars, you typically have the purchase the basketball bracket separately.

Once you settle on what kind of basketball system you want, the next thing you have to decide is what kind of backboard material best suits your needs and budget.


By Logan Strain


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