Choosing A Portable Or In-Ground Basketball Hoop

If you want the authentic feeling of playing in pro conditions, there’s no question that you need a plexiglass backboard. Plexiglass not only gives you the look and feel of NBA basketball, it provides the friendliest bounces possible. For the most authentic look, your plexiglass backboard should be 6’ X 4’, the size of an official NBA backboard. More commonly, home backboards are made of graphite, acrylic, polycarbonate or composite materials. All of these backboards last a long time and are very popular.

It is also possible to buy backboards that are shaped differently than the traditional rectangle. These backboards may look more exciting, but they make it difficult to shoot bank shots because there is less backboard area to shoot for.

Portable vs. in-ground

Before buying a basketball hoop, you have to decide whether you want a stationary, in-ground basket or a portable hoop that is attached to a base. There are definite advantages to each type of hoop, depending on your basketball playing needs. Stationary baskets are solid, sturdy and nearly impossible to move. Portable baskets are more convenient for people who have the space to move their hoop from place to place. In fact, some hoops can be folded up and transferred to another location easily. So if you want to bring your basket to a friend’s house, there is no problem.