Teens, are you ready to be the envy of everyone in the neighborhood? Do you want to practice your layups or free throws and make the varsity team? Parents, do you want to know exactly where your teens are and who they're hanging out with? Invest in a quality basketball system - it's a win-win situation for the entire family.
Where to hang your hoop?
Choose from a variety of different ways to set up a basketball system. Some hoops are permanent, while others are more portable. The right one depends on the age of the players as well as the residence. For example, home owners have the flexibility of installing a wall-mount system on the garage side or setting a pole into concrete. Renters will probably need to choose a portable system, unless the landlord is paying for and owning the setup.
A portable basketball system includes a base that is designed to provide structural support. The base is wheeled so that it can be moved more easily. The base supports the pole, upon which is mounted the backboard and hoop. Usually a base is hollow and can be filled with dirt or sand to provided added stability.
Portable systems can be moved into a storage shed during the winter. Most even have foldable baskets to make storage even more compact. These are less stable, but can be good for people who don't want to bother with installing a permanent system or only play once in a while.
Adjustable basketball systems can be either permanent or portable. Both systems let parents change the basket's height as their child grows and becomes more skillful. Some adjustable systems can be set at a height as low as 4.5 feet, while nearly all can be raised to standard regulation height (10 feet). Both manual crank and motorized adjustment systems are sold; motorized systems are usually more expensive and don't perform as well as manual systems do.
For a more permanent alternative, consider wall-mount basketball systems. These systems contain backboards, rims, and nets, as well as mounting kits that allow users to attach them to a garage, house, or even the roof. Some also feature extension arms so that the backboard or rim will extend outward from the building to which it is attached. Choose a quality system that will endure through harsh weather conditions.
While in-ground basketball systems are harder to install, these are much more stable and permanent than portable or wall-mounted basketball systems. A pole is seated into concrete - usually approximately 150 pounds of wet concrete. The backboard is then attached to the pole by means of an anchor bolt or pole-mount device.
An anchor basketball system is designed so a pole can be either bolted or cemented into an anchor with a concrete foundation. The pole has to be uprooted in order for the system to be moved. While the anchor cannot be moved, anchors are not expensive, so replacement is fairly inexpensive.
A standard in-ground basketball system is the most stable, and seats the pole directly into the concrete. The drawback to these systems is that a pole cannot be moved or repositioned without damaging either the pole or the ground into which the pole is seated. Therefore, when seating the pole, be sure that it is tall enough to place the backboard at the desired height before the concrete sets!
Other basketball system details
Different systems feature different backboards, rims, and poles. For instance, backboards come in two different shapes and several different sizes. Although fan-shaped backboards tend to be more streamlined and less expensive, these boards make bank shots much more difficult. Rectangular backboards are more expensive, but better for serious practice.
Backboards are also sold in several different sizes, ranging between 42 inches and 72 inches. Most home system backboards are between 42 and 60 inches. Regulation backboards are 72 inches by 42 inches, so larger ones are often better for practice, but they tend to me more expensive as well. Don't forget to consider size when deciding where to mount the backboard.
Basketball systems include backboards made out of several different materials, some of which include fiberglass, glass, graphite, aluminum or steel. Regulation backboards are made out of glass; usually glass or acrylic backboards look more professional and allow better shooting. Steel and aluminum backboards, however, are more durable. Acrylic backboards are usually the best choice for home outdoor play.
Buyers who choose acrylic backboards, however, should be aware that, although the 1/4" or 3/8" models are less expensive, these are usually backed with a metal framework that can make the surface uneven and suboptimal for shooting. Serious players will want to invest in 1/2" acrylic backboards. These don't use metal frameworks and permit more shooting consistency. Some people even paint a target on the backboard to help them aim better when making bank shots.
Basketball poles are sold in four-, five-, or six-inch diameters. Usually six-inch poles cost slightly more, but the added stability and support for the blackboard is well worth the cost. These poles are also designed to survive the full-speed impact of an enthusiastic player.
Home basketball systems feature two different types of rims: fixed rims and breakaway rims. Both types should be a minimum of 5/8" thick and 18 inches in diameter. Choose rims with support braces that are a minimum of 1/2" thick.
Fixed rims are attached to the backboard with a metal connector. These are best for players who aren't interested in trying to dunk the basket. Breakaway rims are designed with a springloaded mechanism, and are very flexible in the event that a player does hang from the rim or wants to practice dunking the ball.
Get the extras
In addition to the backboard and rim, a few other accessories are essential in order to get a game on. Most importantly, players need basketballs. Some are made of synthetic materials, but leather balls are used for regulation play. Since leather balls deteriorate rapidly with outdoor play, though, most home players opt for a synthetic ball instead. Weighted balls are also good for training or practicing shooting.
Balls are sized differently depending on the age of the players. For example, junior balls, such as those used in youth leagues, usually range between 27-1/4" and 27-3/4 " inches. A regulation ball for men is between 29-1/2 and 30 inches in diameter. Additionally, home or recreational players will probably want to invest in an air pump so that the basketball will stay inflated with frequent use.
While most basketball systems are sold with nets, these often require frequent replacement, especially with frequent use and harsh weather. Nets made from metal chain or all-weather nylon cord are durable and well-suited for outdoor use. Buy extra net clips for changing the net.
For playing or practicing at home, players usually wear shirts and shorts or pants; or sometimes even a jersey with the number of their favorite professional players. Arm warmers come in handy during cold weather, and some players favor baller ID bands for use as well.
Footwear is important too. Male players should wear high-top or other basketball shoes designed for men. Similar shoes, as well as mid-top or low-top basketball shoes are manufactured for women as well.
Safety is especially important while practicing or trying out new moves. Choose backboard pads or pole pads to add extra cushion and prevent injury. Books or drill training tools, as well as videos, are also helpful for practice and improvement.
Sometimes, finding the right basketball system and equipment can be a challenge. Ask the advice of coaches, friends, or sports store representatives before making your decisions. If your young player is aspiring to be the next LeBron James, he or she is going to have to work hard and practice regularly. Buy the right equipment, so you can offer him or her the best possible chance to make those dreams come true.