Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop Reviews {Top 10} Buying & Installation Guide

The best in-ground basketball hoop is a permanent investment for your family and friends to promote healthy activities. But choosing a hoop with less stability, sturdiness and durability will be a great loss.

Moreover, if the backboard material is not up to the mark, then your dunking drills competition would affect badly. Therefore, it’s challenging to buy the best hoop that lasts for many years. So, relax and grab your snacks to read this article and explore the best options available in the market to make a wise decision.

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You can have a lot of fun with the best in-ground basketball hoop because it lasts for a year and is known as a permanent investment for family fun. As we know the physical exercise is necessary for everyone, so the basketball system in your backyard or driveway provides a healthy alternative.

In this way, you can spend some quality time with your family and friends by having some shooting competition or a simple game. Therefore, when it comes to buying the best in-ground hoop for your kids or adults, many options are available in the market.

But choosing the perfect in-ground hoop could be a tough challenge. Wait! No worries now because this guide is prepared to help you to choose the right hoop for you. Here are some key factors that you should know before buying the best in-ground basketball hoop.

Legal Restrictions:

If you plan to buy an in-ground basketball hoop in your backyard or driveway, make sure to do some research regarding Home Owner Association Laws. According to HOA, you need a permit to install an in-ground hoop; otherwise, you may face some penalties by local authorities. Therefore, before buying an in-ground hoop, you need a permanent permit for installation, but in case you can’t get the permit, you can buy portable basketball hoops.

Environment:

Before buying an in-ground basketball hoop, you should know about the environment where you will install the hoop. Most inbound basketball hoops are installed outdoor, like in school, park, backyard, or driveway. That’s why you should buy a hoop that has maximum robustness. If your system would withstand severe weather conditions, it will last for years to come.

Location:

It would be better to know the exact location where you need to install the in-ground basketball hoop. Many people love installing the hoops on the driveway, but it’s hard to play on an inclined driveway; therefore, you need to have a level driveway for this purpose. Moreover, if you have space in your backyard or your budget allows, you can build a full or half-size court to install the hoop. Finally, it’s recommended to install an in-ground hoop at a place where the player’s safety should be the priority, and you shouldn’t break any HOA rules.

Where to dig a hole:

Normally you need to dig a deep hole of 48″ for the goal post. Therefore, you have to ensure first either the place has any underground utility line or not. Moreover, you can call “811” before digging the hole to dig safely.

Dimensions of the court:

If you plan to build a court in your backyard or want to use your driveway as a basketball court, keep in mind the court dimensions. According to the NBA, the half-court dimensions are (50ft × 47ft) and (50ft × 42ft) for high school. But of course, you don’t have this much space in your driveway or backyard. Therefore, typically you can keep a 2ft clearance distance behind the hoop so that you can easily adjust the pole height.

Moreover, 2ft distance from goal post to backboard. Furthermore, you will need a 27ft long court to keep 3ft space behind the 3-point line. Additionally, if you don’t have this much space, then you should buy a hoop with a smaller backboard. Lastly, in this way, your court wouldn’t look completely out of whack.

Backboard Size:

Firstly, you should keep in mind the place where you want to install the basketball hoop, and after that, you can easily decide the size of the backboard. Therefore, if your driveway is smaller, go with a smaller backboard hoop like 48″ or 50″ because the larger backboard would not be a proper fit.

Furthermore, if you want to install a hoop in a park, school, or college, then definitely you need a bigger backboard of at least 60″ with a stronger post. Secondly, the level of professionalism would also be considered while buying the in-ground hoop.

So, if you are an aspiring basketball player and want to improve your game, then you may invest in a bigger board size of 72″ like the Goalrilla FT series. Most importantly, it depends upon why you want to buy a hoop either for recreational activities or for professional gameplay, then you can decide accordingly.

Backboard Material:

The durability and bounce of the ball mostly depend upon the backboard material. Normally there are 3 types of backboard material.

Polycarbonate:

If you are an entry-level player, go with this type of backboard material because they are durable and light. A little downside of this material is its rebound response is very low, and its color could be affected if it is exposed to the sun for a longer time period.

Acrylic:

The Acrylic material hoops are popular due to their moderate price range and less weight than tempered glass hoops. Moreover, the rebound response of this material is average because it’s also soft material. Furthermore, this type of backboard material is more susceptible to wind and starts wobbling due to the lack of sturdiness.

Tempered Glass:

Tempered glass backboard material is mostly used in professional basketball hoops like high school, college, and professional levels. It is a scratch-resistant and hard material that provides the least vibration and great bounce. So, this type of hoops is heavy, so the moderately priced hoops use (1/4″) thin layer of glass while high-priced hoops are twice as thick.

Height of pole:

Firstly, you should know the age group of children going to play on that in-ground basketball hoop. You can follow this table to determine the right height hoop for your kid.

Age (Years)	Hoop Height (ft.)
2 – 4	6.5 to 7.5
5 – 9	7.5 to 8
10 – Above	8 to 10

It would be a wise decision to buy a height-adjustable hoop so that you can increase the height of the hoop according to the age group.

The overhang of the backboard:

The distance between the backboard and baseline of the pole is known as the overhang of the backboard. Moreover, it should be 4ft according to the NBA basketball court so that players can slam-it without crashing into the pole. Furthermore, this safe distance allows them to dribble underneath the basket.

Therefore, some hoops offer minimal overhang like 22″, but that can fit into your driveways perfectly. Additionally, more professional hoops offer an overhang of 4ft. Lastly, the 3ft overhang would be a better trade-off between layups and stability.

Backboard Padding:

If you love to perform slam dunks, then the backboard’s padding is significant to avoid any wrist injuries.

Rim:

Rims with no springs are outdated now, so almost all the current in-ground hoops come with the breakaway rim. Moreover, the flexes under pressure feature of these breakaway rims are outstanding, allowing players to dunk easily by hanging on the rim. Most importantly, don’t forget to cover the rim’s springs to avoid rusting, which will increase durability. Lastly, some premium hoops provide a caring to cover the springs of the rim for extra protection.

Support Pole:

The foundation of each hoop is its supporting pole, and it should have high sturdiness and stability. There are three types of support pole structures available in the market: one-piece pole, Two-piece pole, and Three-piece pole.

The low-quality basketball hoop is classified into a three-piece pole, and normally they are fragile. Moreover, the two-piece pole is of medium quality and good stability as compared to the previous one. Furthermore, one-piece poles have higher sturdiness and firmness and are used in professional-level hoops.

Lastly, the most recent in-ground hoops come with an anchor kit system that provides the portability to move the hoop by unbolting the base. For this type of hoops, you need extra concrete bags to increase stability and enjoy the extra benefits.

The thickness of the Support Pole:

The thickness of a support pole also matters a lot to decrease the hoop wobbling after dunking and layups. Moreover, the cheaper hoops contain a thinner pole diameter (3.5″), which’s why it may disturb your professional gaming experience.

Furthermore, the professional-level heavy-duty hoops have massive poles (6″) to support the heavy backboard to maintain sturdiness and stability. Now you can choose the hoop according to your needs.

Height Adjustment:

The height adjustment mechanism in current days in-ground basketball hoops are really amazing. Therefore, you can adjust the pole height with a height adjustment mechanism like Grip Adjustment System; U-Turn Lift with a detachable handle, Power lift system, and Crank Actuator system. The big advantage of height adjustment is that all family members, including 5+ kids and adults, can play easily with one hoop.

Pole Padding:

If you are an aggressive basketball player, then the pole padding will prevent you from serious injury if you bump into the pole while playing.

Budget:

When it comes to buying an in-ground basketball hoop, so keep in mind that their price will be thousands of dollars, and they are not cheap. If you managed to get any cheap basketball hoop, then it may fall over easily after dunk shots or layups because of their instability. Therefore, you should know the purpose of buying a hoop, either for improving the professional game or for fun activities, then choosing the best hoop accordingly.

Accessories:

Some basketball hoops with all accessories, and for some hoops, you need to buy some additional accessories. Therefore, you need to ensure before buying what accessories you will get with the specific hoop and then buy accordingly. If you plan to play basketball in the evening, you might need LED hoop lights to play easily, so buy this kind of accessories according to your requirements.

Ease of Installation:

If you have all the necessary tools and skills, you can assemble the hoop and install it easily. Moreover, if you are not any handyman, you obviously need a professional who assembles and installs the hoop perfectly. Furthermore, if you are smart enough, you can install the “BILT” app and scan the product’s QR code and get all the instructions step by step.

Now we assume that you have bought your best in-ground hoop, so it’s time to install that hoop at your desired location. If you are a talented handyman, you can easily assemble and install the in-ground hoop without spending any extra bucks. Moreover, if you are a newbie with zero knowledge and don’t want to put the hoop yourself, then you can call any professional person that may cost you $400 on average. Furthermore, if you want to do DIY, you can follow these simple steps:

Step # 1: Select the best location

As we discussed earlier that firstly, you should have a permit from HOA to install the hoop. Secondly, you need to choose the best location like a driveway or backyard to enjoy your long-time investment. Lastly, you should read and consider the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations before starting the installation process.

Step # 2: Dig a Hole

Call “811” before digging the hole to check whether any utility line is passing from that location or not to ensure safety. After that, you can use the proper equipment to dig the hole like a shovel, drill, or any other appropriate equipment. As we know, a strong foundation is a key for your hoop sturdiness and stability, so it’s recommended to dig (48″ to 50″) deep and (16″ to 18″) diameter hole. Otherwise, you can dig the hole recommended by the hoop manufacturer and according to pole size.

Step # 3: Add the concrete

Some hoops come with a single-piece pole, so you need to put the pole inside the hole. Tell your friends to hold it straight to avoid any levelling issue and then put concrete around the hole to secure it. Moreover, some latest hoops have an Anchor Kit system. So, you need to put that anchor inside the hole and put concrete around it.

Especially, make sure to frequently mix it with a shovel while applying the concrete to get rid of any air pockets. After filling the hole with concrete, you can use a trowel to level and smooth the concrete surface, plus a damp sponge to clear off the concrete. Finally, it is recommended to leave it for (48hrs. to 72 hrs.) so that the concrete gets dry and solid.

Step # 4: Assemble and Raise the Pole

If you have a one-piece pole, then you don’t need to assemble and raise the pole. Moreover, if you have an anchor kit system hoop, you have to assemble and raise the pole. You have to follow the assembly process with your manufacturer’s instructions because different models have different assembly processes.

For example, in the height adjustment mechanism hoop, you need to assemble the support arms and lift system. If the hoop’s post is heavy, you need multiple friends to help you lift it so that you can match up with the anchor kit mounted in the concrete.

Lastly, check the level of the pole and post before securing it with bolts, and if it’s not level, try to adjust the leveling nuts until the leveling is achieved.

Step # 5: Attach the Backboard

First of all, read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding backboard attachment because every model has its own procedure. Moreover, in a small size in-ground hoop, you can attach the backboard before raising the pole. Furthermore, you cannot attach heavy-duty hoops like tempered glass before raising the pole.

Therefore, you need to be careful and have multiple friends in backup to install the hoop safely. One person has to secure the backboard with the supporting pole while the rest of the friends lift the backboard to the support arms. In this way, you can avoid backboard breaking and install the hoop correctly.

Step # 6: Attach Rim

After the satisfactory backboard installation, you need to attach the backboard rim and net. If you have a simple rim, then you need to bolt the rim with the backboard firmly. Moreover, it is a little complicated to assemble the breakaway rim because it contains compression springs that flex under pressure.

Step # 7: Attach the Net

After the successful attachment of the rim, you need to attach the net. With the rim’s hooks, you need to loop the net around it, and it’s done.

Step # 8: Add Extra Safety Items (Optional)

Now the in-ground basketball hoop is ready to play, but a player’s safety is necessary while playing basketball. Therefore, some top-notch hoops come with safety items like pole padding, backboard padding, etc. These safety items keep the player safe from serious injuries like bumps and bruises if he crashes into the backboard or pole while dunking and layups. Moreover, if you don’t want to add these safety items, you can adjust the hoop’s height according to standard height (10ft) to avoid injuries.

1. How do I choose an in-ground basketball hoop?

You can follow these steps to choose the best in-ground basketball hoop for you and your family:

• Location: First of all, you have to decide where you want to install the in-ground hoop. Make sure to follow the HOA guidelines and firstly take a permit to dig the hole without any inconvenience.
• Frequency of use: Choosing the right in-ground hoop depends upon your usage frequency. If you are a beginner-level player, choose the hoop for beginners; otherwise, aspiring pro players should buy a professional in-ground hoop.
• Age of Players: You should know the player’s age group for which you are going to buy the hoop. Firstly, two to five years old can go with the miniature goal to 7.5 ft. hoop. If you are buying for a 5 to 8 years child, buy a hoop of 7.5 ft. If you are buying for 9 to 11 years old, then you can buy a hoop of height 8 to 10 ft. Lastly, for 10+, you can buy a hoop having a height of 10 ft. to the official high school, college, and professional level.
• Budget: Mainly, your budget decides your range to buy the best in-ground basketball hoop. Remember, your hoop is your permanent investment, so invest wisely.
• Backboard Size: You should keep in mind the available space where you want to install the in-ground hoop and then choose the backboard size accordingly. If you have enough space in your backyard, then you can try 54″, 60″, and 72″ backboard. Otherwise, you can install 48″ and 50″ for less space.

2. How much does it cost to put a basketball hoop in the ground?

If you want to install your in-ground basketball hoop professionally, it can cost $450.00 on average. Otherwise, if you are a talented handyman, then you can install it easily by following the manual instruction or using the “BILT” application and can save this cost.

Save this cost: List of Top 10 Portable Basketball Hoop

3. Should I buy a 54 or 60 basketball hoop?

Choosing the perfect basketball hoop depends upon multiple factors. But if you want to make a quick decision, then follow these steps. Firstly, you should know the purpose of buying the hoop, like either you need it for recreational activities or you want to do the professional-level practice.

Secondly, you should keep in mind the available space for hoop installation. If you have enough space in your backyard, then you can choose a 60″ to 72″ basketball hoop. Otherwise, if less space is available, then you can buy 48″ to 50″ hoops.

4. How high should a basketball hoop be off the ground?

It depends upon the age of the players. Firstly, a 2 to 4 years old player can go with the miniature goal to 7.5 ft. hoop. Moreover, five to eight years can buy a hoop of 7.5 ft. Furthermore, the 9 to 11 years old players may go with the hoop with the height of 8 to 10 ft. Lastly, for 10+, you can buy a hoop having a height of 10 ft. to the official high school, college, and professional level.

5. Can you dunk on a goliath hoop?

No! Goliath hoop has of two-piece pole structure, so if you dunk aggressively on this hoop, it may fall over or vibrate too much.

6. How high should a basketball hoop be for a 5-year-old?

Firstly, two to five years old can go with the miniature goal to 7.5 ft. hoop. Secondly, If you are buying for a 5 to 8 years child, buy a hoop of 7.5 ft. Thirdly, 9 to 11 years old players can go with the hoop of height 8 to 10 ft. Lastly, for 10+, you can buy a hoop having a height of 10 ft. to the official high school, college, and professional level.

7. How many bags of concrete do I need for the basketball hoop?

The standard hole size recommends digging a 48″ deep hole having a diameter of 16″. Therefore, you need eleven concrete bags on average for the perfect installation of an in-ground hoop.

8. How long should concrete cure a basketball hoop?

The curing process depends upon your weather conditions. If you are installing a hoop on normal days, then the curing process takes at least 3 days. Otherwise, if you have any abnormal weather conditions, you should give more time until the curing process is complete. After that, you can install the rest of the system onto the base pole.

9. How much is a good basketball hoop?

Well, it depends upon your requirements for a basketball hoop. The beginner level hoop costs around $300 while the moderate hoop range around $700, and the professional level hoops cost $1000+.

10. Is a 72-inch backboard too big for a driveway?

It depends upon the space of your driveway. If you have 1 car driveway, then obviously 72″ would not suitable for you. Moreover, if you have enough space, you can consider a 60″ and 72″ backboard hoop.

11. How high do you have to jump to touch the backboard?

It totally depends upon an individual height. The lowest recommended height of a professional basketball hoop is 7.5 ft. Now you should know your height. If you are 6 ft. taller, you need to jump 1.5 feet to touch the backboard.

12. What material is best for a basketball backboard?

Generally, there are three main types of backboard material. Polycarbonate is a low-quality material that is recommended for beginner-level players. Moreover, if you are an average player, then you can try Acrylic backboard material. Lastly, if you are a professional player, then a tempered glass backboard material hoop is recommended.

13. Where should I put mine in-ground basketball hoop?

First of all, you should get permission from HOA and then call “811” to dig up the hole. Secondly, put the base pole by digging a 48″ hole having 16″ diameter. Then fill it with the cement and concrete mixture and let it dry for 72 hours. After that, you can install the rest of the system on the base pole.

14. How many people do you recommend for the assembly process?

If you are a talented handyman, you can do it yourself or with at least one person’s help. Moreover, if you are a newbie, it’s better to call any professional person to complete the assembly process.

15. How do I minimize the hoop rust?

There are a lot of ways to protect your hoop from rusting. You can apply oil coating to slow down the rusting process because it helps prevent the hoop from moisture. Moreover, you can use high-quality paint and apply it to the hoop to avoid rusting.

16. Is it possible to remove an in-ground basketball hoop and pole?

Yes! Currently, the Anchor kit system lets you unbolt the in-ground hoop and install it in the new place.

17. What is the standard diameter of a basketball rim?

The standard diameter of the basketball rim is 18 inches.

18. What is the standard height of a basketball backboard in the NBA?

According to the NBA, the standard height of the backboard is 72″ W × 42″ H.

Finally, concluding this guide, I would like to recommend you some best in-ground hoops. If you are looking for a beginner-level player, then try lifetime 90020. Moreover, an average player should try Silverback 60″. Lastly, the professional player can go with the Goalrilla FT series.