Thinking of getting a high-quality in-ground basketball hoop? From meeting neighborhood friends to practice your basketball skills, an in-ground basketball hoop brings a lot of fun for years to come.
After a hard, tedious day at work, being able to shoot hoops and relax in your own backyard is absolutely priceless. If you have the space to install an in-ground hoop, you should go for it. The million-dollar question is: With so many permanent basketball hoops available in the market, which one should we buy?
This is what we are here for. In this article, we will provide you with all you need to know about buying the best in-ground basketball hoops. Moreover, we have put together the reviews of the top 4 in-ground basketball hoops currently available.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Navigation
Comparison Table
| Products | Support Pole | Backboard Size | Backboard Material | Price |
| Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop | 4″ x 4″ | 54″ x 33″ | 5/16″ Tempered Glass | Check Price |
| Goalrilla FT Series | 6″ x 6″ | 72″x 42″ | 1/2″ Tempered Glass | Check Price |
| Spalding NBA Aluminum Trim Glass | 4″ x 4″ | 54″ x 32″ | Tempered Glass | Check Price |
| Goalsetter All-Star | 5″ x 5″ | 36″ x 54″ | 3/8″ Acrylic | Check Price |
Top 4 Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops
With plenty of products available in the market, it gets hard to choose one that suits your needs. Let’s take a look at the features, pros, and cons of the best in-ground basketball hoops before moving on to the buying guide.
This will help you in making a well-informed, mature decision.
Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop: Best Recommended
The first product that we will review is the Silverback in-ground basketball hoop. It has an adjustable height and the rim comes with a DUPONT powder coating so that the pole & the rim is immune to rust, corrosion, and premature wearing.
Moreover, the pole is padded to keep the players safe from injuries. This premier in-ground basketball system offers the experience of a gymnasium-style game. The product comes with an amazing anchor mounting system.
With reasonable price and excellent quality, you are in for a memorable experience! The basketball system will withstand harsh weather conditions as well. The tempered glass gives authentic rebound and looks amazing as well.
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Goalrilla FT Series: Best Value
This in-ground hoop from Goalrilla comes with a tempered glass backboard with a clear view. It delivers a pro-style look as well as rebound performance. The hoop comes with a single-piece main pole that is mounted to a concrete-cured, in-ground anchor.
You get a lifetime limited warranty from an industry-leading brand. Moreover, the dual extension board arms for increased stability. The innovative 1-piece pole design allows for better stability and sturdiness while playing. With an anodized black steel frame and affordable cost, this is a great product!
The backboard is of tempered glass and highly durable. You will get an amazing experience while playing with this basketball hoop and excellent rebound. It is sturdy, durable, and long lasting!
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Spalding NBA Aluminum Trim Glass
Spalding has been around for a long time and they are highly popular and trusted when it comes to manufacturing basketball accessories. They are the official basketball supplier to the NBA which shows how credible they are.
This basketball system from Spalding comes with a durable 54” tempered glass backboard with an excellent rebound. The backboard looks professional as well. The steel frame ensures that the backboard can easily handle harsh weather conditions.
The basketball hoop comes with an adjustable breakaway rim that has an impressive u-lift system. The breakaway rim ensures that you dunk as hard as you want to without smashing the backboard.
The supporting system is pretty sturdy and doesn’t shake when the ball hits the backboard or the rim. With the help of the anchor system, you can easily install the basketball system after consulting the manual that comes with it.
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Goalsetter All-Star Adjustable Basketball System
Looking for a high-quality in-ground basketball hoop that features excellent height adjustability? We present to you the Goalsetter All-Star In-Ground Adjustable basketball hoop that has an internal compression mechanism.
This mechanism allows the height to be raised from 6’ to 10’. Moreover, the mechanism improves hoop safety without grab points and with no pinch. It comes with a one-piece support pole that is 5” in diameter.
The support pole minimizes the shakes and wobbles. The amazing 54” backboard is made of acrylic and is mounted on an H-frame and steel tubing to provide excellent rebound. What we like the most about this product is that it is covered with corrosion-resistant paint which keeps the acrylic backboard safe.
It is very easy to install as it comes with a ground anchor hinge system. This allows you to install the hoop without using ladders or scaffolds.
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Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop Buying Guide
Before you go out and buy an in-ground basketball system, there are plenty of features that you need to consider. In this buying guide, we have put together a few factors that you need to keep your eye out for when buying the best in-ground basketball hoop.
Support Pole
The foundation of a basketball hoop is its support pole, A support pole is responsible for the stability of the entire system. Some hoops come with multi-piece poles & you can insert the bottom pole into fresh concrete.
Other hoops come with anchor kits that allow you to level the backboard and support pole easily with the help of J-bolts underneath. It is better that you get hoops with anchor kits since they will allow you to keep the pole & the backboard level.
The thicker the support pole is, the sturdier it will and the more stable your entire system will be. Thin poles with diameters of 3.5” lack the stability necessary for a professional playing experience.
A thick, 6” pole will be able to support a heavy backboard and will eliminate wobbling all together so that you can dunk on the hoop like a pro! Padding for poles is also necessary for aggressive players. In case you run right into the support pole while playing, the padding will save you from various injuries.
Backboard Size
The size of the regulation backboard that is used in the NBA is 72” wide & 42” high. However, the backboards that are 72” in size are very heavy. Moreover, they are not affordable. More affordable options start with backboards that are 48” wide.
People usually go for 54” or 60” sized backboards. These backboards will give you ample space for layups & bank shots. A 72” backboard is only required for the most advanced and professional basketball players out there.
Material
The material of the backboard matters as well & there are various options available. The entry-level backboard is usually made from Polycarbonate as it is light & durable. However, polycarbonate is light as well as soft.
This makes the rebound response of polycarbonate less than average. Another thing that we don’t like about polycarbonate backboards is that they get discolored after staying out in the sun.
Acrylic backboards are transparent and this provides a professional, mature look.
However, acrylic is soft as well and gets scratched over time which will spoil its overall look. Still, since they are affordable and weigh less than tempered glass, people prefer them even though their rebound response is only average.
Professional backboards are made of tempered glass which is hard, is scratch-resistant, and offers the best possible rebound response. Even after years, there will be no discoloration. Since tempered glass is heavy, some hoops use thin layers of glass to reduce the weight.
If you are going to attempt plenty of slam dunks, you need to get backboards with padding, It helps in preventing wrist injuries.
Height Adjustment Mechanisms
A few in-ground systems have a height adjustment mechanism. This is especially helpful for homes with young basketball players trying to learn the game. Search for systems that have a height range from 7.5 ft. to 10 ft., which will allow everyone to experience the joy of playing basketball!
However, you need to keep in mind that the height adjustment mechanism is a source of instability as well. We suggest that you forgo this feature in favor of stability.
Rim
Most in-ground basketball hoops have breakaway rims. The rims will dampen the impacts of the shots and will make the rebounds shorter as well. How many times do we hang on a rim after a shot? Plenty!
Therefore, make sure that you get a rim which is comfortable as well. While buying the loop, ensure that the springs of the breakaway mechanism are strong, durable, and will not rust after years of use.
Anchoring System
When it comes to in-ground background hoops, you get two type of installation mechanisms. You can install them using the anchor system of the hoop or simply install them with the help of concrete right into the ground.
An anchor system allows you to bolt the support pole to a solid, concrete footing. You don’t have to cement the support pole into the ground. This is flexible & allows you to detach the whole system and take it anywhere you want.
Rust Prevention
You don’t want your basketball system to get rusted, now do you? It is crucial that maintain the system properly and keep checking periodically that there is no rust buildup. However. Some hoops come with protective coatings on them to assure that they will have a rust-proof exterior.
This is important as the hoop is going to remain outside in the sun for a long time and has to bear harsh weather conditions. If you take care of your basketball hoop, and buy high-quality products right in the beginning, it will save you a huge deal of trouble in days to come.
Price of In-Ground Hoops
In-ground basketball hoops are expensive as compared to other kinds of basketball systems. A basic in-ground hoop will cost around $250. More advanced systems with more features can cost over $1000 as well while professional basketball systems cost even more.
Permanent basketball hoops are not cheap. However, once you install them, they will last for decades to come so the overall value of price versus efficiency is good.
Related Read: Best Mini Basketball Hoop
The Benefits of In-Ground Basketball Hoops
Let’s see what the benefits of in-ground basketball hoops over other types of hoops are.
Less Ground Space
In-ground basketball hoops take up less space. Portable basketball systems require a wide base to support the hoop adequately. However, in-ground basketball systems only need one spot for the installation of the pole.
More Stability
In-ground systems are more stable and are suitable for aggressive players. The permanent installation using cement of the pole will keep the backboard & the hoop in one place which will allow the players to develop their own style of playing, aggressive or otherwise.
Different Backboard Options
With in-ground basketball hoops, you have various backboard options available. From graphite & polyethene backboards to glass backboards, the options are there for you to choose from. Glass backboards are great as they offer an authentic bounce when the ball strikes it – but more on that later!
Best Places to Install the In-Ground Hoops
Mostly, people install the in-ground basketball hoop next to their driveways. Simply dig a support hole next to the driveway and you can use the driveway as the basketball court. It is an easy and cheap way of adding an in-ground hoop to your property.
If you are looking to play & experience authentic street ball, you can install the hoop next to the street as well. However, in this case, you will have to check for local rules & regulations regarding the installation.
You can also install the basketball system in your backyard. You will get a better & more level playing surface than your concrete driveway. Moreover, you will get relatively privacy in the backyard as compared to the driveway.
How to Install the In-Ground Basketball Hoops
Installing in-ground basketball hoops without anchor kits seems difficult but in reality, it is a fairly simple process.
1. Digging a Hole for the Support Pole
The very first thing that you need to do is dig a hole where you will place the support pole. Before you start digging, however, you need to call your local utility so that they will have an underground inspection and make sure that you avoid pipes as you dig.
Check the manufacturer’s depth suggestion and make sure that you follow them.
2. Place Gravel at The Bottom
After digging the hole, the next thing that you have to do is to place at least 3 to 6 inches of gravel at the bottom. This will help with the drainage. Pack the gravel down firmly to ensure that you get a flat surface.
3. Install the Basketball Pole
The next thing that you need to do is placing the support pole in the ground. This is a two-person job. Make one person hold the pole as the other person places stones, bricks, or blocks around it to keep it stable.
Pour concrete in the hole. Once you are done, check the level of the pole and see it is upright. To ensure that the pole stays upright, keep it supported. During the drying process, the pole can shift its direction, so keep checking it periodically while the concrete sets.
4. Attach the Hoop with the Backboard
While the concrete is drying, you can use that time to fix the hoop with the backboard. Attach the basketball hoop’s net as well. Even if you are using concrete that dries up quickly, it will take almost 72 hours before the cement is completely dry.
In-Ground Basketball Hoops FAQs
Q. How Much does a Permanent Basketball Hoop Cost to Install?
You can install an in-ground basketball hoop yourself and save a lot of money that you will have to pay a professional. Simply follow the steps that we have mentioned above, and you will get your in-ground basketball hoop up and running in no time.
Q. Can I get a 72 inch Hoop for My Driveway?
If your driveway is big enough, then you can definitely get one. If your driveway is for one car only, then you should go with a 48” hoop. If the driveway can park two cars easily, then you should go with a 54” hoop.
A 72” hoop is usually meant for park courts & institutes but if your driveway is big enough, then you can get a 72” hoop as well.
Q. How Much Concrete is Needed to Install a Basketball Hoop?
Usually, you need 11-12 bags of concrete for installing a basketball hoop. However, it is better to keep one or two additional bags so that if you need more concrete while installing the hoop, or if there is any mishap, then you will have concrete at hand.
Closing Thoughts
If you want a great basketball experience, get in-ground basketball hoops rather than portable ones. With a high-quality basketball hoop, you will make plenty of memories playing with your family & friends.
Before buying the best in-ground basketball hoop, you need to consider all aspects such as quality, price, durability, driveway space, etc. Go through the detailed buying guide that we have provided above before you make the final decision.
Moreover, we have reviewed the top 5 best in-ground basketball hoops in the article as well. Choose one of them and you will be happy with your choice!