There are millions and millions of basketball fans around the world. And you, are you among them? Then don’t miss this guide!
Choosing the ideal basketball hoop for everyone is not easy: garden or playground? Training or hobby? Let’s take a look at all the features together.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. We are talking about millions of fans, as well as hundreds of thousands of players, amateur or professional. In some countries, it is the number one sport, both played and followed; in others, a business with incalculable revenues. The beauty of this game is also in its being played by everyone, and everywhere; you will understand for yourself, however, that ball, shoes and shorts are not enough. Let’s choose the basketball hoop together perhaps?
Although it is indeed the main element of the game (with the ball of course), the basket is certainly not easy to buy. You have to be able to distinguish between regular and game, mini and adult, and many other factors. ProduceShop not only offers them in its catalogue, but also tells you how to choose them; so finish this quick and comprehensive guide, and get ready for a few shots at the basket with us!
How the hoop was made
Born in 1891 in Springfield (USA) through the work of James Naismith, a gymnastics professor at the private YMCA International Training college, basketball quickly spread like wildfire in the United States and, through the work of Naismith’s ‘missionaries‘, all over the world.
Although the sport played today is quite different, some original rules are still in use; one fundamental change, however, was the type of basketball hoop. In the beginning, two closed wicker baskets were used, placed at either end of the court; at each basket, a ladder was climbed behind the basket and the ball was retrieved.
An inconvenient solution that slowed down the game, in the early 1900s the basket was replaced by a ring with a net; finally, in 1912, the net was cut at the bottom, allowing the ball to return to the court at each basket made. Today’s models, with the addition of a backboard, are the modern evolution of that last modification.
Where do we put it?
First, a first discriminating factor: do we need a basketball hoop for competitive use or as a hobby/workout?
In the first case, we already know that it will be a fixed basket, anchored to the ground and, most likely, in a regular field. In the second case, we have many more options.
First of all, we can consider opting for a portable basketball hoop, which can easily be moved and placed wherever we need it. If the garden can be inconvenient as a playing surface (goodbye dribbling!), you can think about placing it in a small field (yours or shared), or simply in an open space, perhaps near your house or in your courtyard.
In any case, take care to focus on the weight; if you find yourself moving it, perhaps even several times a day, make sure that it is not excessively heavy or uncomfortable to carry.
How to choose a Basketball Basket
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Materials
The materials chosen for the basketball hoop will ensure its sturdiness and durability, and depending on the material chosen, ease of transport and use may also change. As for the frame, or in general the supporting structure, steel is one of the most popular. Solid and strong, it is also light enough to make the structure easy to move, not to mention its resistance to weather and the elements.
Polycarbonate is also used, although more specifically for children’s models. Wood, finally, is used for vintage models, possibly fixed but, despite the beauty of the material, it requires a lot of maintenance due to its delicacy, not to mention the higher costs.
Portable Basketball Hoop With Wheels Adjustable Height 160 – 210 Cm LA -
Height
The height of the basket depends, in the first instance, on you. The good fortune of portable basketball hoops, i.e. the ones we said are perfect for home and yard, is that, in most cases, they are height-adjustable. This allows you to play with regulation heights (3.05m), with minimum heights for children (1.65m), or with possible intermediate heights, which are convenient for training.
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Basket diameter
The diameter of the hoop can be regulation (45cm), or slightly narrower (42cm), a size that is in any case suitable for passing the basketball. All narrower diameters are designed for special balls, or for children’s baskets. The net, made of nylon, must be flexible so that the ball can easily pass through it.
Portable Professional Basketball Hoop Height Adjustable 250 – 305 Cm NY -
Backboard
The backboard is a fundamental part of the basketball hoop, which aids in rebounding the ball to the basket, cushioning and redirecting the shot, especially from a distance; it is present in both the models with a frame and those for hanging. Here too, the materials depend on the use and position of the basket; in general we can say that, while glass ones are the most professional (but also expensive and delicate), nowadays polyethylene and PVC ones are a durable and resistant alternative, as well as more affordable for everyone.
As far as size is concerned, while the regular one measures 105x180x5 cm, today you can find it in different sizes, shapes and colours, usually so that it can match the rest of the basket and balance in terms of weight and structure.
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Base
The base (or platform) of the basketball hoop is a hollow container, which must be filled with water or sand to keep it firm and stable. The larger the volume of the base, the firmer the basket structure will be against bumps and shots; in general, it must provide a good counterweight to the basket structure. A not inconsiderable plus is the presence of wheels; by folding the basket, you can easily transport it and move it to the most convenient place in the garden, field or yard for playing.
Portable Professional Basketball Hoop Height Adjustable 160 – 210 Cm LA
Ball in the centre, watch out for fouls, enjoy the crowd and straight to the basket! Start choosing the best Basketball Basket from the ProduceShop catalogue with our guide.