It's always a great time to shoot some hoops! Having to head all the way to a gym or a public park means more time traveling and waiting for an open court, and less time playing. Instead, why not bring basketball to your home, neighborhood, or even your office? Whether you want something permanent or temporary, we've selected the best basketball hoops in each category.
Lifetime Portable Basketball System, Polycarbonate
This model is also supported by water or sand in the base, and can be moved from street to driveway, or elsewhere with the attached wheels. A 44-inch backboard gives room for bank shots and is constructed with shatterproof polycarbonate. It also has a classic rim with an attached nylon net suitable for all-weather types.
Lifetime 71525 Adjustable Basketball Hoop, Polycarbonate
If you're worried about a glass backboard breaking all over your driveway or street, then consider this in-ground polycarbonate backboard model from Lifetime. It spans 54 inches across and is height adjustable (7.5 feet to 10 feet) with one hand. Double compression springs reinforce the hoop, so it doesn't get bent out of shape easily.
Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
This kit includes a pro-style breakaway rim that will bend down during slam dunks, then return to its original position when you let go. The tempered glass backboard on this option is 54 inches large and will play similar to indoor gyms. Pole height can be adjusted from 7.5 feet to 10 feet with a hand crank, and the entire unit can be unbolted and relocated if necessary.
Spalding NBA Slam Jam Mini Basketball Hoop
Want to add a way to play hoops indoors? Spalding, an NBA sponsor since 1983, has you covered. This mini basketball hoop will mount on any room door. The rim has a breakaway spring to prevent damage, and the NBA logo-stamped backboard is 18 inches wide and 10.5 inches tall. They've also tossed in a 5-inch basketball, so you're ready to play after setup.
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop
Minimize impact on your door with this padded polycarbonate backboard. It's similar to the Spalding but slightly larger at 18 inches by 12 inches. All the tools needed for install are included in the package, which means you'll only need a pump for the included 5-inch basketball. The rim is also breakaway style with a spring so that it won't snap off from the board.
Lifetime Portable Basketball System, Polyethylene
Skip the work of digging a hole and cementing a pole in place to install this system. Instead, you can use 27 gallons of sand or water to keep it steady while you play. The polyethylene backboard resists chips and cracks, and it's 44 inches wide. This material is also UV-protected, so it will keep its color for years to come. The attached wheels make it easy to relocate.
Shoot some hoops
Any of these hoops will be a delight to a true basketball enthusiast. That being said, we think the Polyethylene Lifetime Portable Basketball System (opens in new tab) is the best choice for most people. There are no holes to dig, no cement to pour, and no semi-permanent location commitment with this model -- because it's portable. Water or sand will keep the hoop in place, and you can move it to the street for more space, or back to the driveway in there's a lot of traffic.
If you've got enough room on your property or in your neighborhood for a permanent basketball area, then spring for the Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop (opens in new tab). The backboard is most like those you'll find inside gyms, which means it's better for working on your skills. It's also sturdy and adjustable so that all ages can enjoy it.
