Basketball Stands

Basketball stands come in portable and in-ground models depending on the intended location, use, and age of players. Backboard size, materials, and price also figure into the selection. For residential use, most families find that a portable basketball stand system sufficiently meets their recreational needs due to ease of movement and assembly. This makes it easy to change your mind if you no longer want the hoop to be in the driveway. Also, if you have a larger party of kids over you can move the goal out to the cul-de-sac to provide everyone more room.

Both systems are available with 52, 54, or 60 inch backboards most of which are made of a clear shatterproof material. To provide stability, portable systems usually have three pole pieces of 3.5 inches or 4 inches while in-ground models also come with two pole pieces up to 5 inches. Most come with a pole pad to avoid injuries when players are shoved, pushed, or fall under the basket. Durable steel rims contain a net usually of nylon that will stand up to the weather. Newer models even prevent the ball from hitting it and rolling away. The newer models have a pole that goes straight down as opposed to a large base that always seemed to get in the way.

Both types have a method to lower or raise the backboard from 7.5 inches to 10 inches with incremental heights depending on the age of the players. Systems that are more expensive have a pneumatic mechanism that makes it extremely simple to use without tools. Other models use a screw jack method system to adjust the height of the backboard according to the age and height of the players. This is especially ideal for shorter players as it can be quite discouraging to learn the game of basketball if you do not have the ability to get the basketball near the hoop on your shot attempt.

Providing stability to the portable pole and backboard is the base that ranges from 35 to 40 gallons and can be filled with either sand or water. Pricing for the portable system runs from about $450 to $1,300 with $100 to $160 added to the price if it is ordered online. In-ground models start at $250 with shipping in the $200 range while a system with a 72-inch rectangular backboard costs about $3,000. Also, if sand or water does not interest you, you can use concrete blocks but be sure that you use enough and be careful when moving the hoop becaase if you remove all of the weight the goal might fall all by itself and injure others nearby.

The most popular basketball stands are manufactured by Spalding and Lifetime and can be purchased at stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or ordered online from various sources. Whatever kind of basketball experience you want, you will find a basketball stand in your price range. Also, be on the look out for deals online. Ebay can be a great way to find deals. If you live in a large metro area, then someone might be selling a basketball net and stand in your area. You will find that when people use “pick up only” on eBay they are usually more flexible with the price.

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