There is nothing quite like a basketball goal for bringing years of entertainment. Kids around the neighborhood can meet up, compete and practice honing their shooting skills, and adults too can have a lot of fun. Helping to keep people away from their phones and computer screens, the ability to shoot hoops in your yard is something really special.
Although portable goals are very popular, they are quite unstable, so if you’re looking for a more satisfying game and have a suitable spot to install a goal permanently, you should definitely consider it.
Here are some of the top in ground basketball hoops available today. Read our reviews below.
Best In Ground Basketball Goals For 2018
Pro Dunk Gold
This in-ground hoop is height adjustable to suit the needs of individual players and is a very popular choice. With 60” high performance tempered glass backboard, this basketball goal features a lift-assist mechanism which is powerful enough to allow even young players to lower it down to 5 feet, the industry low. Its backboard is fixed to a rigid and durable 6” square single piece pole for extra sturdiness, and the heavy duty rim features a dual springback mechanism for even better play. Suitable for all playing styles including hanging and dunking, it can effortlessly reach the maximum height of 10 feet simply by turning the handle, and thanks to the rust armor package which includes zinc galvanization and stainless steel hardware, it offers impressive protection against corrosion.
Silverback
Offering all of the performance of a gym-style goal, this model features anchor mounting with full concrete strength with option for unbolting to move the goal. The backboard is made from tempered glass and the breakaway rim in true pro-style can flex under pressure. The steel pole is powder coated and its height is adjustable between 7.5′ and 10′, and the backboard pad and pole pad are additional safety features to protect the player from injuries due to impact. This product is also protected by a manufacturer’s 5 year warranty for the purchaser’s peace of mind.
Pro Dunk Platinum
The adjustable in-ground basketball goal offers gym-quality performance and features a 72” backboard made from tempered glass that is a half inch in thickness. The single piece pole measures 8×6” ensuring incredibly stable play and its limited lifetime warranty still covers all types of basketball play such as hanging and dunking. It is also adjustable to any height between 5.5′ and 10′ just by turning a handle. It also comes with a padding set which measures an inch in thickness to protect against impacts. It is also equipped with a rust armor package including zinc galvanization across the system, stainless steel hardware and an extended warranty against corrosion. Thanks to the quad spring assist system, the backboard’s weight is neutralized to enable even young children to adjust the heigh of the rim independently and as it is made using only high quality materials, this is a long lasting hoop that can be used by children or adults alike.
Lifetime 71525
This rugged in ground basketball hoop has been specially designed to cope with high intensity, rugged play. Featuring a 54” backboard that is made from Makrolon polycarbonate and which is shatterproof as well as covered with a UV coating to guard against yellowing with age, this goal is equipped with a power lift height adjustment mechanism to adjust with ease between 7.5 and 10 feet single-handed. The Pro rim is fitted with double-compression springs to allow for easy dunking, and the nylon net is suitable for use in all weathers. There is a blow molded frame pad to offer extra protection and as the entire kit is backed up by a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty, the buyer can have peace of mind.
Spalding NBA
With its 54”x32” glass backboard with steel framing and aluminum trim, this in-ground hoop features a convenient U-Turn lift system for easy and infinite height adjustments between 7.5 feet and 10 feet. Its 2 piece 4 inch square steel pole is very stable and its ground sleeve anchor system ensures ease of installation. The Pro-Image Breakaway rim allows for a recreational performance level. Reliable and durable, this goal has a professional feel and appearance and will last for a long time. The steel framed backboard cannot be damaged by poor weather while the heavy duty rim allows for competitive games.
Lifetime 71281
This in-ground goal with its 52 inch steel framed shatter proof is made from high density polyethylene to ensure excellent durability and extra strength. Thanks to its power lift height adjustment mechanism, it is very quick and easy to adjust the height between 7.5 feet and 10 feet. The three piece round pole measures 3.5” and has a friction-weld joint to safeguard against any unwanted movements. There is a Slam-It Rim for competitive play as well as a nylon net which is suitable for use in all weathers. With integrated powder coated steel and UV protection, this goal will be resistant to weather as well as rust and discoloration. As the hoop is also protected by a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty, the buyer can also enjoy complete peace of mind in their purchase.
Before you buy an inground basketball hoop:
Size of play area
Before buying your in ground basketball system, you should make sure to measure the area in which you are going to install the goal, whether that be your drive or backyard. NBA regulation half-courts measure 50’x47′, however you don’t have to allow quite that much space. You should assume that there is an average overhang of 2 feet and an extra 2 feet behind the hoop to allow clearance for the mechanics to adjust the hoop’s height. You should then take into account that the high school 3-point line distance measures 19’9, and therefore to allow 3 feet of space behind your 3-point line you will require your court to measure 27 feet in length. If you lack sufficient space, however, meaning that your court’s dimensions will be a lot smaller, it’s best if you consider choosing a small hoop which has a small backboard and less overhang.
Legal restrictions
Should you be planning on installing your hoop in your back yard or drive, check to ensure you are allowed to do so legally. Many municipalities and HOAs have rules preventing the installation of in ground basketball goals, and you won’t want to waste time on installing one just to have to take it out again.
Underground utility lines
Installing permanent basketball in ground hoops in ground require a fairly deep hole measuring around 48” in which to fit the goal post. You need to ensure that there aren’t any underground utility lines running through the space in which you plan to install your hoop. You can visit www.call811.com to find out about a free service which will let you know the best safe places to dig on your land.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Best in ground basketball goals offer a few excellent advantages when compared to its portable alternative.
- Long lasting and durable
- Incredibly stable and secure
- Small footprint that won’t take up too much space in your driveway or yard
Cons
- Can be quite difficult and time consuming to install
- Cannot easily be taken with you if you move home
- Not permitted by some municipalities and HOAs
How to install an in-ground basketball system?
To install an in-ground basketball hoop, you will need to begin by digging a hole in the spot where you intend to place the support pole for the hoop and backboard. Before you start digging, check to make sure there are no pipes or wires under the space in which you intend to dig. You need to dig the hole to the correct depth for the manufacturer’s specifications.
Put down 3 to 6” of gravel in the hole as this will allow for drainage. Make sure the surface of the gravel is flat.
Insert the pole into the hole. You will need someone to hold the pole while you place stones, blocks or bricks around its base to keep it stable.
Fill the hole with concrete and leave to dry after checking to ensure that the pole is level. Make sure the pole is braced throughout the drying process to keep basketball hoop in ground & in place.
Fix the hoop onto the backboard and string the net. Once the concrete is dry after around 72 hours, you can fit the hoop in place.
Conclusion
As you can see in our review, best In ground basketball hoops are a great choice for anyone who is serious about their game or who would value a permanent addition to their home which allows them to practice their skills at any time. Although they can be time consuming to install, they are sturdy, durable and long lasting, ensuring excellent value for money, and players of all ages are sure to get a lot of fun out of using cheap in ground basketball hoops.