Basketball Gear Reviews Archives - The Hoops Geek

Silverback NXT 54

Build Quality:

Great bang for your buck option
Adjustable from 7.5 -10 feet
24″-32″ overhang allows under the basket action

Price: $339.99

Goalsetter Baseline

Build Quality:

No rattling or shaking at all
Great if you are working with limited space
Will last a very long time

Price: $1,049.99

Goalsetter Adjustable Hoop

+1 more store

Build Quality:

At least 33″ overhang allows enough space for baseline reverse layups
Great hoop for kids as it lowers all the way to 6 feet
Excellent build quality

Price: $1,999.99

+1 more store

Goalsetter Fixed Hoop

Build Quality:

Saves $80 compared to the same adjustable Goalsetter model
Super sturdy and stable
Lifetime guarantee

Price: $2,069.99

Best Wall-Mounted Basketball Hoops for every Budget

Lifetime 48 Slam It

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	48 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Overhang:	No
Rim:	Uncovered Breakaway
Height:	Fixed
Price:	$229.99 from DICK's

The Lifetime hoop is the cheapest one in this article and it shows. The backboard is a thin sheet of Polycarbonate glued to a steel frame. It feels a bit flimsy in hand and will get yellow if it is exposed to sun for a long time.

Another downside is the relatively short 48-inch width of the backboard which makes shooting high layups or bank shots from narrow angles more difficult, especially if you are used to professional indoor basketball hoops.

The rim is a breakaway rim that dampens your shot nicely (but not too much) and saves your hands if you plan to hang on the rim (which is probably not a good idea).

This product ships without a mounting bracket so make sure to order the universal Lifetime mounting bracket unless you are a very experienced craftsman. Even then, the instructions are not super clear and it will take 2-3 workers and around 3 hours if all goes well. If you can afford it, it might make sense to hire contractors to do the job to spare your nerves.

Overall, I would recommend the Lifetime 48″ only for kids and beginners or if you are on a tight budget. Check the next hoop in this article for a hoop that’s only a little more expensive and offers much higher build quality and more fun!

Price: $229.99

Silverback NXT 54

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Overhang:	24" to 32"
Rim:	Covered Breakaway
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Price:	$339.99 on Amazon

Silverback is the budget-friendly brand of basketball hoop manufacturer Goalrilla which is known for its excellent products. And you can tell right away when you unpack the (giant) box: everything is neatly organized, labeled, and well protected. The instructions are also accurate, clear, and give the confidence to install it the right way. Just be aware that you might need to reinforce your wall with two 2×6’s or a similar structure where you can screw the mounting bracket onto. (You can check the amazon reviews for a few examples of how other customers did that)

The NXT 54 comes with a 54″ backboard made from Polycarbonate (even though it’s falsely advertised as Acrylic in some online shops) that offers a decent rebound. It doesn’t feel quite as good as the heavier tempered glass backboards you might be used to from indoor gyms but that’s something you have to expect at this price range.

The 54-inch width is big enough to allow high layups, floaters, and bank shots but small enough so that it doesn’t take up a huge amount of space in your driveway.

The ability to adjust the height from 7.5′ to 10′ makes this a super versatile hoop. You can have an intense game on a regulation hoop, have a fun dunking contest at 9 feet, or have your young kids practice at the lowest setting. The mechanism is super easy to use and can be operated even by kids as long as they have a small ladder or chair to reach the crank. Unfortunately, it also adds a little bit of shaking, especially on longer shots.

Overall, the Silverback NXT 54 offers great bang for your buck. It’s much cheaper compared to more professional hoops and if you can deal with a little bit of shaking and the slightly thin Polycarbonate backboard you get a well-built product that will offer a lot of fun for many years to come!

Price: $339.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Goalsetter Baseline Hoop

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54", 60" or 72"
Backboard Material:	Acrylic or Glass
Overhang:	7.5"
Rim:	Breakaway or static
Height:	Fixed
Price:	from $1,049.99

The Goalsetter Baseline is more than twice the price compared to the Silverback, but if your budget allows it, it’s clearly worth the upgrade! This is a super sturdy and heavy hoop (172lbs in the 54-inch glass version) that offers the perfect playing experience that you are used to from indoor hoops. There is no rattling or shaking and hanging on the rim after a dunk is no problem either!

What I really like about Goalsetter products is their modularity. You can pick different backboard sizes (54″ / 60″ / 72″), backboard materials (acrylic or glass) and rims (4 different models) to create your perfect hoop. Prices for the “Baseline” model vary from $749 for the 54-inch, glass version all the way up to $1099 for the 72-inch acrylic version with a collegiate rim.

Compared to other hoops, the “Baseline” model comes with a minimal 7.5″ offset to the wall that it’s screwed onto. This might be advantageous if you are dealing with very limited space or an overhanging wall or roof where you have enough space under the basket anyway. I wouldn’t recommend this hoop if you plan to put it straight onto a plain wall as it makes running layups basically impossible.

If you don’t need the ability to adjust the height of your hoop and the minimal overhang is not an issue, this is the hoop that I would pick personally. You will never need to buy another hoop and the playing experience is just great!

Price: $1,049.99

+1 more store

Goalsetter Adjustable Height Hoop

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	48", 54", 60" or 72"
Backboard Material:	Acrylic or Glass
Overhang:	33" - 44"
Rim:	Breakaway or static
Height:	6-10'
Price:	from $1,999.99

Now we reached the point in the article where things are getting truly luxurious. The adjustable height hoops of Goalsetter are not cheap, but once you see them in action you’ll know why. These things are massive. The 60-inch, glass version comes in at a hefty 260lbs!

The installation manual is detailed and easy to follow but it takes 3 strong adults and a few hours to install this hoop. The first step in the installation is to attach the rear bracket to your house and no hardware is provided for that so you might need to get a bit creative here (or hire some experienced contractors).

If you have enough space, I would go for at least the 60-inch version, it doesn’t take up a lot more space compared to the 54-inch version but the bigger backboard makes a difference with shots from narrow angles and just feels a little more like the real thing.

The distance of the backboard to the wall is between 33″ (at 10 feet height) to 44″ (at 8 feet height) which allows you to drive baseline and do a reverse layup under the basket without a problem.

If you have young kids that are in love with basketball, this is the perfect hoop. You can lower the hoop all the way to 6-feet so that even they youngest ones should have a lot of fun with this hoop, and if you have kids of different ages they can easily adjust the height on their own. The excellent build quality also means that you will never need to buy another hoop as this one should last for ages!

Price: $1,999.99

+1 more store

Goalsetter Fixed Height Hoop

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54", 60" or 72"
Backboard Material:	Acrylic or Glass
Overhang:	33"
Rim:	Breakaway or static
Height:	Fixed
Price:	$2,069.99 from DICK's

The Goalsetter Fixed Height hoops are basically the same models as the adjustable height hoops only that the adjustable bar has been replaced with a bar of fixed length. Across all models, the ability to adjust height costs you $80 more.

So, the decision which one to buy is simple as that: Is it worth $80 for you to be able to adjust the height your hoop? For me the choice is easy, dunking on a 9ft hoop is just way too much fun:-)

If you want to get a better idea of the Goalsetter hoops in action check out this Youtube video:

Price: $2,069.99

Final Thoughts

So which hoop should you pick?

If you are a beginner or you don’t think that the hoop will be used that much, I would go with the Silverback as it offers the best bang for your buck and will do the job just fine if you don’t take basketball too serious.

For more ambitious basketball players I would recommend going for a Goalsetter system. They are more expensive, but they will last forever (offer a lifetime guarantee!) and offer a lot better playing experience for dedicated hoopers!

The post The Top 5 Best Wall-Mounted Basketball Hoops appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

The Best Basketball Training Equipment – 23 Tools to Improve Your Game

Andy — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:09:34 +0000

Basketball is a great mix of athleticism, skills, and court awareness. Playing the game, you learn how to put these parts of the game together, but you really improve as a player when you work on each of these parts in isolation.

You don’t get ballhandling skills like Kyrie unless you spend hours working on your dribbling, and you don’t become a shooter like Steph Curry without shooting thousands of shots!

The training equipment presented in this article will help you get the most out of your workouts.

Indoor Basketball

Price: $64.95

Buy from Wilson

+2 more stores

This might seem obvious, but the most important training equipment for a basketball player is a good basketball!

The most popular indoor basketball is the Wilson Evolution. The ball comes with thousands of micro-touch points and a deep channel design which really improves the grip, especially if the ball is broken in properly. It also has moisture-wicking channels that take the sweat on your hands and absorb it as you play – this way you don’t lose your sharpshooting skills even when your hands are dripping wet.

If your team is using another ball in games, it might make sense to buy yourself this ball and really get used to the handle and feel of the ball you play important games with.

Deals for Wilson Evolution Game Basketball - Size: Official - 29.5"

Wilson

$64.95

Buy Now

DICK's

$64.99

Buy Now

Amazon

$79.95

(used from $77.96)

Buy Now

These links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Prices last updated on 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

Basketball Return System

Price: $499.99

+1 more store

This is something I wish I had as a kid. I used to spend hours shooting free throws, and if you don’t have a rebounder you spend most of the time chasing the ball down the driveway. A ball return system not only allows you to do a lot more shooting in the same time period, but it also lets you practice catch and shoot situations you couldn’t simulate otherwise.

There are expensive and professional versions like the iC3 Basketball Shot Trainer , but there are also more budget-friendly return nets like the Spalding Back Atcha.

Solo Assist

Price: $139.99

Get 50% off Vert Shock here

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

+1 more store

When I grew up I had a basketball hoop in the driveway and I would spend hours shooting free throws, pull-up jumpers, and three-pointers. But there is one shot that is very common in basketball that you can’t really practice when you are on your own: the catch & shoot.

Players like Klay Thompson, J.J. Reddick, or Ray Allen have perfected the art of catching & shooting within fractions of a second. The Solo Assist allows you to work on this skill without a buddy passing the ball.

If you want to see the Solo Assist in action check out this Youtube video.

Vertical Jump Training Program

Every basketball player wants to be able to dunk! But not a lot of players are actually able to do it…

If you are looking for a gift for a disciplined basketball player who wants to work on his game, why don’t you get him the tool that will make him jump higher and improve his athleticism?

I did the 8-week Vert Shock program myself and improved my vertical from 29 to 37 inches and became a consistent dunker for the first time in my life!

My Tip: Find out more about why I think that Vert Shock is the best vertical jump training program, especially for young and motivated high school players!

Weighted Basketball

Price: $70.12

Use Code GEEK to Save 20%

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

+1 more store

Weighted basketballs look, feel, and dribble similar to regular basketballs but are much heavier at either 3 lbs or 6 lbs . Spalding also sells a basketball that is 10% larger than a regular basketball at 33″.

The increased weight of the ball strengthens your grip, makes your dribble stronger, and helps you snap passes like never before. If you feel like your upper body could use a little more strength this is a great way to work on it in a basketball-specific way!

If you are looking for inspiration for a heavy-ball workout check out this Youtube video.

All Net Shooter

Price: ~~$49.00~~ $41.65

The All-Net Shooter is an innovative design that attaches to your fingers and spreads out your hand to better palm the ball during shooting. This helps you control the direction of your shot and avoids the balls “slipping” off of one or the other side of your hand.

The idea is that you form a habit that will stay with you after you take the Allnet Shooter off. If your shot often misses left/right (instead of long or short) getting the All-Net Shooter is almost guaranteed to improve your shooting.

Home Court AI App

Download the App

The Homecourt AI app was created in 2017 by former Apple, Google, and Facebook engineers and raised money from the NBA team owners, players, and the NBA itself.

It uses the camera of your smartphone to track your dribbles, shots, and moves. For example, you can set it up on your court before a shootaround, and afterward, the app will tell you exactly how many shots you made, from where you shot, and it even gives you recommendations on your shot angle and release time.

Recently they also teamed up with Nike to offer interactive workouts created by Kyrie Irving. So, if you want Kyrie to teach you his deadly crossovers and dribblings, check out the HomeCourt app!

Price: $26.41

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

Staring at the ball while dribbling is one of the most telling signs of a beginner basketball player.

Looking at the ball improves the control over your dribbling, but you lose the ability to see what’s going on on the court. You don’t see your players cutting, or the help defense rotating from the weak side to steal your ball.

That’s where dribbling goggles come in handy. They block your vision so you have a harder time seeing the ball which forces you to dribble by feel.

So if you have troubles with tunnel vision as soon as you start dribbling, the dribbling goggles are a great training equipment for you!

Basketball Defender Dummy

Price: $69.99

+1 more store

You don’t have a brother, sister, or friend who likes pretending to defend (who does??). The basketball defender dummy is the next best thing!

The dummy is easily portable, quickly assembled, and the height is adjustable between 6.5 and 8.5 feet which allows you to practice your shot with a hand in your face. You can also use the dummy to practice your spacing doing crossovers, spin moves, or euro steps.

Overall, the defender dummy is a great tool if you want to take your time working out alone to the next level!

Cones / Court Markers

Price: $19.98

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

These cones are 2 inches tall, come in 4 different colors (5 each), and won’t break if you step on them.

How you want to use them is limited by your creativity only. You can use them to mark spots on the floor for shooting practice, set up an agility drill, or use them for dribbling exercises.

A very versatile training tool and part of every basketball coach’s inventory for a good reason!

Tennis Balls

Price: $9.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

Many advanced basketball dribbling drills use tennis balls to improve the effectiveness of your workout. They are a great tool to work on your hand-eye coordination and make sure that you don’t look at the basketball while dribbling.

You can also learn how to use your off-arm while dribbling which is very helpful in-game situations when you need to protect your dribble from opponents swiping at the ball with your off-hand.

You can check out this Youtube video to get some ideas on how to incorporate tennis balls into your workouts.

Blocking Pad

out of stock

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

You often see blocking pads used in big guy workouts in the NBA. Trainers use them to simulate a defender bodying up under the basket while reducing the bumps and bruises a sharp elbow would cause.

They are also very useful in practicing contested layups, forcing players to concentrate on their shot through contact. This can lead to a better shooting percentage and more three-point plays.

If you have a friend who wants to take turns using the blocking pad, this can be a very fun and efficient workout!

Dribble Stick

Price: $99.99

+1 more store

The dribble stick is made off an aluminum center post with 4 arms that are fully adjustable in direction and height. You can use it to improve hand positioning, stance, and speed with the ball. The arms enable a wide variety of drills for ball control, speed with the dribble, plyometrics, and agility.

Check out this video to get a better idea of how to incorporate the dribble stick into your workouts.

Plyo Box

Price: $47.72

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

Plyo boxes are probably the best tool to work on your vertical jump. You can set up three different heights depending on how you place the box which allows you to adjust the intensity of depth jumps, box jumps, and other plyometric exercises.

Plyometric exercises are characterized by very short ground contact times and explosive movements. These exercises teach your central nervous system to contract more of your muscle fibers at the same time which will make your vertical jump height increase and your first step become more explosive.

If you want to see what a plyometric training program like Vert Shock can do for you check out this video where I summarize how I learned to dunk.

Resistance Bands

Price: $59.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

Workouts using resistance bands are commonplace in the NBA. Players like Steph Curry use them to improve their core strength, speed, and power.

There are different types of resistance bands: the SKLZ Recoil 360 pictured here is attached to your hip and stretches from 8 to 22 feet allowing for increasing resistance up to 50 pounds.

There are also resistance band loops that are often used in leg strength exercises, stretching, and warmups.

Double Double

out of stock

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to miss on purpose when you are doing rebounding drills? And when you try to miss more blatantly, you hit the rim in very unnatural angles resulting in rebounds that don’t really resemble in-game situations.

The attachable rejector of SKLZ Double Double solves this problem by shutting down the rim.

With the rejector removed the inner diameter of the rim is reduced to 15″ in order to encourage a higher arc on your shot which will improve your shot accuracy.

Shooting Spots

out of stock

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

These shooting spots are perfect if you want to set up your own three-point shooting contest. I personally, like them better than cones because there’s a much-reduced injury risk if you step on them and they take up a lot less space in your backpack.

The numbers on the spots also allow you to use them in reaction skills where your coach yells out a number and you have to react accordingly.

Weighted Vest

Price: $35.19

as of 11/27/2022 11:18 PM EST

Weighted vests are a great way to increase the intensity of a workout. Especially exercises that try to improve your power and speed can profit from the added load of weight on your body. The added bonus: once you take off the vest after a tough workout you’ll feel super tight on your feet:-)

They are also a much better option compared to ankle weights as they distribute the weight much more naturally around your upper body which significantly reduces the injury risk.

Conclusion

I hope this list of basketball training equipment gave you some ideas on how you can work on improving your game. Are there any tools that made a big difference for you that I missed? Let me know in the comments!

The post The Best Basketball Training Equipment – 23 Tools to Improve Your Game appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

The Top 5 Best Pool Basketball Hoops

Andy — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 22:46:17 +0000

If you are lucky enough to have your own pool and you are even the tiniest fan of basketball then you just NEED a pool basketball hoop! Trick shots, long three-pointers, and creative dunks while chilling in a pool – what’s not to love?

In particular, kids are absolutely enthusiastic about the addition of a basketball goal to your pool. There’s no limit to their creativity and they can keep themselves entertained for hours!

These days, there is a surprising variety of pool basketball hoops on the market. In this article, I am going to show you what to look out for and help you pick the right one for your situation.

Quick Overview of Different Swimming Pool Basketball Hoops:

Hoop

Features

GoSports Splash Hoop 360

Assembled in under a minute
Very sturdy and well-made floating hoop
Comes with two balls and a pump

Price: $17.32

Hoop Shark Swimming Hoop

Big inflatable floating basketball hoop
Made from high-quality materials
Comes with a size 5 (kids) basketball

Price: $39.97

GoSports Splash Hoop PRO

Sturdy plastic construction is guaranteed rust free
Placed on the side of the pool
14-inch rims are a little smaller than standard rims (18″)

Price: $99.54

Lifetime 44-Inch Poolside Impact

44-inch backboard and standard rims
Height adjustable from 4 – 6.5 feet
Metal parts show some rust after a while

Price: $199.99

Dunnrite Splash and Shoot

+1 more store

Super sturdy thanks to 200lbs base
Standard rim adjustable up to 56 inches
Aluminum powder-coated pole stays rust free

Price: $323.99

Amazon Prices were last updated on 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Floating or Poolside Hoop?

There are two different types of basketball hoops for your swimming pool or lake:

Floating Basketball Hoops

Floating basketball hoops are either inflatable or come with a foam bottom that provides enough buoyancy. They are usually pretty affordable and easily transportable. You want to take them to your friends pool or to the lake? No problem!

They are also great for dunkings where you jump from the side of the pool as you don’t have to be afraid of the edge of the pool and they don’t hurt too much if you miscalculate and land on them.

The downside is that they can topple over and choppy water can increase the diffulty of making a shot.

The GoSports Splash Hoop 360 shown in the video is an example of an affordable floating pool hoop

Poolside Basketball Hoops

Poolside Baketball Hoops are usually more expensive and the assembly is not as easy, but you get an experience that is much closer to actually playing basketball.

High-qualiy rims give you that nice swish you know and love and a stable and solid hoop means you can also hang on the rim a little bit after a powerful dunk!

The Dunnrite Splash and Shoot is a premium poolside hoop.

Material

When it comes to materials you want to avoid metal as best as you can. Especially if you have a salt water pool, it’s really hard to keep metal from rusting unless it’s a high-quality rust-free construction.

Floating hoops are usually made from rubber or plastic which are not only rust-free but also keep the injury risk down as these materials are pretty soft and pliable.

Size of Hoop and Balls

Pool Basketball Hoops come in all shapes and sizes. The GoSports Splash Hoop PRO for example is a little smaller than your regular basketball hoop and comes with smaller and softer balls that are easy to palm and emphasize fun.

If you want to take your basketball games a little more serious there are also regular-size hoops where you can use any standard basketball and work on your shooting technique while enjoying the water.

Top 5 Pool Basketball Goals

GoSports Splash Hoop 360

Price: $17.32

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The design of this hoop is simple but awesome: it takes less than a minute to assemble, it’s sturdy, doesn’t topple, and I like that it comes with 2 balls of different sizes and even a ball pump!

Compared to other pool hoops, this one is not meant to be installed poolside. Instead, it floats on the water thanks to the thick foam padding on the bottom. You’ll love the fact that it doesn’t come with any blow-up air sections. This thing won’t lose buoyancy any time soon!

The size of the hoop and balls are maybe half the size of a regular basketball hoop. So don’t expect to work on your free throw accuracy with this hoop, but it’s great fun to shoot hoops or do spectacular dunks. Kids will spend hours with this hoop without getting bored!

Hoop Shark Swimming Hoop

Price: $39.97

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Of all the hoops presented in this article, this one looks least like a traditional basketball hoop. It’s made from thick rubber with durable seams and floats on the water thanks to large inflatable sections on the bottom.

With 40″ x 46″ dimensions, this hoop is surprisingly big and takes a while to inflate. It’s probably a good idea to get an air pump, otherwise, you might pass out before you are finished.

The fact that this hoop is inflatable has its pros and cons: it takes a while to set it up at first and even though the quality of the materials is great, there’s always the chance that someone pokes a hole into the air sections. On the other hand, once deflated, it’s super easy to take with you to the lake or another pool and the injury risk is really low.

This hoop comes with a size 5 (kids) basketball that is surprisingly heavy and high-quality. For younger kids, or crazy trick shots jumping from the side of the pool, you might want to get some additional smaller balls that are a little softer and easier to grab.

GoSports Splash Hoop PRO

Price: $99.54

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

If you don’t like to shoot on a moving target that’s floating in the water, the GoSports Splash Hoop is a little more conventional and placed at the side of the pool.

The 14-inch rim is a bit smaller than a regular basketball rim (18″) and the same is true for the two 7″ balls (compared to 9.5″) that come with this hoop.

The hoop is made from thick and solid plastic and the assembly takes less than 15 minutes (no tools needed!). The base can be filled with up to 50lbs of water which makes it sturdy enough to handle even powerful dunks by teenage boys. I also like that there are no metal pieces to this construction – guaranteed rust-free!

Overall, this is a really affordable, well-built, and durable hoop that will provide years of fun for kids and adults alike!

Lifetime 44-Inch Poolside Impact

Price: $199.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

+1 more store

This basketball hoop comes with a big 44-inch backboard, adjustable height from 4 to 6.5 feet in 6-inch increments, and a regulation basketball rim.

This is THE hoop to get for rough teen boys. It can be raised so high that no one can dunk (or goaltend), the standard rim allows you to use a regular basketball and the base is super sturdy – you won’t be able to pull this hoop into the pool even with your most powerful SHAQ impression.

The assembly is a bit tricky and requires at least one additional person and an hour of your time. You might also want to spray the metal parts with Rustoleum before your start the assembly as many customers report rust issues after 1-2 years.

Overall, this is a great swimming pool hoop for the more “serious” pool hoopers out there that don’t want to ruin their shot with flimsy basketballs and smaller rims.

Dunnrite Splash and Shoot

Price: $323.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

This is the premium option when it comes to pool hoops: you get a big 43-inch backboard, a regulation-sized vinyl-coated rim that is adjustable up to 56 inches, and an aluminum powder-coated pole that is guaranteed to remain rust-free for a long time!

The base can be filled with 200lbs of water which makes it by far the sturdiest hoop shown in this article. Even though the rim says “no hanging” you will find it impossible to move this hoop by even the most vicious dunks!

The hoop comes with a smaller ball included, but thanks to the standard rim size you can use any regular basketball your already own.

Overall, this is by far the most expensive hoop in this article but it shows! If you are looking for a super sturdy pool basketball goal that will last for 10 years then the Dunnrite is your choice. Hey if you paid all the money to get your own pool you might just want to splurge on a hoop that doesn’t leave any rust stains on your pool deck!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cheap and fun pool toy that you can also easily take to the lake I would go for the GoSports Splash Hoop 360.

The GoSports Splash Hoop PRO is a fun-sized poolside hoop that is surprisingly sturdy and won’t rust thanks to the all-plastic construction.

If you want to splurge on a regulation-sized basketball hoop go for the Dunnrite Splash and Shoot.

The post The Top 5 Best Pool Basketball Hoops appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

The 6 Best Portable Basketball Hoops in 2022

Andy — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 15:19:14 +0000

My love for the game of basketball started very early when my parents installed a basketball hoop in our driveway. It wasn’t anything special – a cheap backboard mounted to the wall of the garage probably only 8 feet high. But I loved it!

I spent every day of the summer shooting hoops with my friends and neighbors; I even made my first dunk on that basket. One thing is clear: this basketball hoop was definitely one of the best investments my parents ever made.

These days, a lot of neighborhoods don’t allow permanent basketball hoops anymore. Fortunately, if you don’t want to miss out on the fun of shooting hoops in your driveway, there is an easy solution: portable basketball goals.

In this article, I want to recommend different hoops for every budget and to help you find the best portable basketball hoop for your situation.

Click on any of the links to read an in-depth description or continue with this article and find out which hoop will work best for you.

The Best Portable Basketball Hoops:

Basketball Hoop	Volume of Base	Backboard Size	Backboard Material
Lifetime Pro Court	27 gallons	44 inches	Polyethylene
Lifetime Front Court	34 gallons	50 inches	Polycarbonate
Lifetime 52″ MVP	35 gallons	52 inches	Polycarbonate
Silverback NXT	35 gallons	54 inches	Acrylic
Spalding NBA Pro Tek	40 gallons	54 inches	Tempered Glass
Spalding "The Beast"	55 gallons	60 inches	Tempered Glass

What to look for:

There are a lot of things you want to consider when looking for the best portable basketball hoop; in the following paragraphs, I want to talk about the most important ones.

Backboard

Whether you want to practice the iconic Tim Duncan bank shot or work on your lay-ups, the backboard of your hoop better be of good quality! You want to look for these three factors:

1. Size of the backboard:

The regulation basketball backboard used in the NBA and NCAA is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high, but you will rarely see a backboard of these dimensions in a driveway. If money’s no object and you are building a professional basketball court in your backyard, then go for a 72″ backboard (and an in-ground basketball hoop). Otherwise, there are more sensible options on the market.

Backboards usually start at 44 inches wide, which is very small, makes layups hard and bank shots almost impossible. Backboards offering better playability start at 54″ inches. These give a much more professional feel and allow for easy layups and angled floaters. More expensive, high-quality hoops often come with 60″ backboards while regulation 72″ backboards are almost entirely reserved for the most luxurious and professional basketball goals on the market.

2. The material of the backboard:

Backboards are usually made of either one of these three materials:

Polyethylene (or Polycarbonate) is a fancy name for plastic and is most often used for the cheapest basketball hoops. It has one significant advantage: it is almost indestructible and, therefore, a great option if you are looking for a basic hoop that will last you for years. If you want a high-quality basket, however, plastic has two problems. The rebound effect is pretty bad, which means the ball basically stops dead once it hits the backboard. Also, the look of plastic boards just screams “kids hoops”.

Acrylic backboards are a definite step up from cheap polyethylene backboards. Transparency offers a much more professional look. Unfortunately, acrylic is a very soft material and will pick up scratches over time, which will slowly spoil the great look.

Acrylic is very popular with hoops in the moderate price range because it weighs considerably less than tempered glass. This reduction of weight means that the support structure doesn’t have to be as sturdy in order to support the weight of the backboard. Unfortunately, lighter basketball hoops are more susceptible to wind, and the rebound response of the backboard is only average.

Tempered glass is the material used in professional basketball hoops in the NBA, NCAA and all over the world. It is by far the heaviest material used in backboards and requires a solid base and support pole. In return, you are rewarded with the best playing experience by far, with a true rebound response which makes layups and bank shots so much more satisfying.

On top of these advantages, tempered glass doesn’t scratch easily and keeps its clean look forever, unlike other materials which tend to yellow out after being exposed to the sun for too long.

3. Offset of the backboard:

The offset of the backboard describes the distance between the backboard and the support pole. If the offset is too small, it is easy to crash into the basketball post after a layup or dunk attempt.

Professional basketball goals feature an overhang of at least 4 feet, but portable ones usually have far less, which is no problem if you just practice your shooting. But if you want to play real games, make sure that the overhang is deep enough, otherwise, padding the goal post is a good idea.

Rim

The rim diameter of 18 inches is the same for every hoop on the market. What is different, however, is the way the rim is attached to the backboard:

The standard rim is simply screwed into the lower backboard. This construction gives the rim a lot of stability, but it also results in a lot of long rebounds and shots that bounce in and out. You also don’t want to dunk on a rim like that, where all the force is transmitted (unchecked) onto the backboard. On rims like these, it is easy to injure your hands or tear down a part of the backboard.

Support Pole

A stable and robust support pole is very important for the stability of a basketball hoop. Most portable basketball goals these days have the ability to adjust the height. Adjustable basketball hoops are great for kids who want to learn the game (or adults who want to pretend they can dunk), but it makes the construction of stable support poles difficult. Cheap and moderately-priced hoops often use three-piece pole constructions. If you want something less shaky, look for two-piece support poles – usually reserved for more expensive basketball hoops.

The height adjustment systems also differ widely in quality and ease of use. Cheap basketball goals often use a telescope pole fixed by a knob in 6-inch increments. More expensive hoops like the Spalding NBA system offer a screw jack adjustment system, which is much easier to use and allows you to choose any height between 7.5′ and 10′.

Base

The base is one of the most important parts of any portable basketball hoop. Not only does it provide the hoop with the necessary stability but it’s also a crucial part of its portability.

The base usually includes a container that is filled with water or sand. The bigger the capacity of the base, the more stability it provides.

Pro Tip: Add Base Gel to the water of the base to create a firm and stable gel that keeps your base from cracking in the winter, prevents leakage and adds extra stability.

Beginner hoops often come with a capacity of around 27 gallons. But the plastic backboards of these basketball goals are rather light, so the base doesn’t need to be very heavy. More advanced hoops (with bigger backboards made from acrylic) usually come with heavier bases with a volume of around 35 gallons. The base of the most expensive (and much heavier) hoops can easily exceed 50 gallons, which has the negative side effect that it hurts the portability to some degree.

If you need to move the hoop after every basketball session and portability is very important to you, you should make sure that the base has wheels. Fortunately, this is the case for almost all portable basketball hoop these days.

Base of the Spalding "The Beast"

Alright, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular portable basketball hoops:

Basketball Hoop

Features

Lifetime 1221 Pro Court

Build Quality:

Very affordable beginner hoop
Light & portable, adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet
Great for kids <13 years old

Price: $189.99

Lifetime 51544 Front Court

Build Quality:

Easily change height of the rim
50-inch, see-through backboard looks great
Great hoop in the medium price range

Price: $399.00

Lifetime 52" MVP

Build Quality:

Big 52-inch backboard made from Polycarbonate
Even small kids can adjust the height of this hoop (7.5-10 feet)
Best Lifetime hoop in the moderate price range

Price: $449.99

Silverback NXT

Build Quality:

Excellent build quality at a fair price
Very detailed instructions and easy assembly
Frameless backboard offers unique style

Price: $664.24

Spalding 54″ Glass Pro-Tek

Build Quality:

Tempered glass backboard provides best rebound
Very stable due to big 40-gallon base
This heavy duty hoop will last for years!

Price: $1,800.00

out of stock

Spalding "The Beast"

Build Quality:

Huge 60″ tempered glass backboard
Dunking and hanging on the rim is no problem
Not very portable due to size and weight

Price: $1,199.99

out of stock

+1 more store

Amazon Prices were last updated on 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Best Portable Basketball Hoops for every Budget

Lifetime Pro Court Portable Basketball System

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	44 inches
Backboard Material:	Polyethylene
Base:	27 Gallons
Rim:	Fixed
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Price:	$189.99 on Amazon *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

If you are looking to buy the first height-adjustable basketball hoop for your kids, and you don’t want to spend a fortune, the Lifetime Pro Court is a great choice. Very light and portable, the height is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet and the material is durable enough to withstand rain and wind for years.

The assembly of the Lifetime Pro Court is relatively easy and shouldn’t take you longer than two hours. While you can put it together on your own, a second adult makes the process much easier. Once the hoop is assembled, fill the base with water and you are ready to go!

If you want to lower the hoop for your kids, you can adjust the height using the telescope mechanism of the support pole. Unfortunately, this takes two people and is a bit complicated. If you need to change heights often and quickly, there are much easier adjustment systems available in more expensive basketball hoops.

The backboard of the Lifetime Pro Court is made of Polyethylene and only 44 inches wide. That’s perfectly fine for kids, but if you want to practice bank shots, you should probably look into options with bigger backboards.

Another reason this hoop doesn’t work for more serious play is the fact the backboard is screwed directly onto the support pole. So if you want to work on your best Michael Jordan imitation and dunk from the free-throw line, you will inevitably crash into the post. The Lifetime Pro Court is best used for shooting around and less for real basketball games.

Overall, this is a great basketball hoop for goofing around or for kids under the age of 13. For older (or very dedicated) kids, you may want to look into something closer to a professional basketball hoop.

Price: $189.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Lifetime Front Court Basketball Goal

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	50 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Base:	34 Gallons
Rim:	Uncovered Breakaway
Height:	8 - 10 feet
Price:	$399.00 on Amazon *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The Lifetime Front Court is a clear step up towards more professional basketball hoops. The 50-inch, see-through backboard looks great and allows for more creative layups; the rim has a breakaway mechanism that softens the bounce and is great for dunking. The Lifetime Front Court is a little heavier than its little brother the Pro Court, but it is still very portable and can be moved easily by one adult.

If you have kids of different ages and you are looking for a basket where you can adjust the height quickly, this hoop is a great choice. The one-hand, speed shift adjustment allows you to change the height in 6-inch increments within seconds. In fact, it’s so easy, your kids can do it on their own!

Speed shift mechanism

What’s also great about the Lifetime Front Court hoop is the backboard is not directly screwed onto the support pole, instead, the backboard hangs 18 inches in front of the goal post. This overhang is a real game-changer because it gives you extra space to land after a layup and allows for real basketball games.

The only downside to this hoop is probably the assembly process. A lot of customers complain about the poor quality of the instructions and the number of tools needed. So, if you are not a talented handyman, you better reserve enough time!

Overall, the Lifetime Front Court is a great hoop in the moderate price range that is especially awesome if you need to adjust the rim height often and quickly.

Price: $399.00

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Lifetime 52″ MVP

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	52 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Base:	35 Gallons
Rim:	Covered Breakaway
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Price:	$449.99 from DICK'S *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

This Lifetime portable basketball hoop is very similar to the “Front Court” shown in the previous paragraph. It comes with a slightly bigger 52″ backboard that is made from the same transparent and durable Polycarbonate material, and a 35-gallons base that provides good stability while still allowing you to move the basket from the driveway to the garage without too much of a sweat!

Where this hoop differs from the “Front Court” is the height adjustment system: The pneumatic “Power Lift” system lets you adjust the hoop from the regular 10 feet all the way down to 7.5 feet – that’s 6 inches lower than the “Front Court” model. And that’s great if you have little kids that are not yet strong enough to shoot baskets on higher hoops and will increase the fun factor for them by a lot!

This hoop is priced similarly to the “Front Court” and offers a slightly bigger backboard and a more flexible height adjustment system – overall this is my #1 Lifetime hoop in the moderate price range.

Price: $449.99

Silverback NXT Portable Basketball System

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	Acrylic
Base:	35 Gallons
Rim:	Covered Breakaway
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Price:	$664.24 on Amazon *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The Silverback NXT features a 35-gallon base, adjustable height, and a covered breakaway rim. The most obvious distinguishing factor from other basketball hoops is the infinity-edge backboard, which is not covered by a frame like every other backboard and offers a very modern, clean look.

This basketball hoop is produced by the same company that makes the Goalrilla in-ground baskets which are very well known for their incredible build quality. The excellence of this hoop is obvious the second you unbox the Silverback NXT packaging. Every part is numbered and the instructions are very detailed. You can easily assemble this hoop in 2 hours, and if you need help there is even a youtube assembly video!

The Silverback is a great example of thoughtful engineering – the frame is very stable, the hoop doesn’t rattle at every shot and the 26-inch overhang gives you a lot of space under the backboard. The adjustment system is easy to use and allows you to change the height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. If you want to get an idea about the quality of the Silverback NXT, check out this video:

The Silverback is not cheap, but it is a great choice if you want to invest in a really high-quality basketball hoop engineered to last. If you want to save a little bit, there is also a smaller version with a 50-inch frame .

Price: $664.24

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Spalding 54″ Glass Pro-Tek

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	Tempered Glass
Base:	40 Gallons
Rim:	Covered Breakaway
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Price:	$1,800.00 on Amazon *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

This portable basketball hoop by Spalding is the first one in this article that comes with a tempered glass backboard – the same material used in professional indoor hoops. The glass is less thick compared to the NBA (1/4″ instead of 3/4″) which reduces the weight but still gives you that nice rebound effect that only real glass can offer. You will notice it immediately when you are working on your bank shots!

When it comes to build quality and stability, this basket is in another league entirely. In fact, this portable basketball hoop comes very close to in-ground basketball hoops.

The 40-gallon base is massive and provides the necessary weight to avoid the shaking and rattling which is present in a lot of cheaper baskets. Adjusting the height, using the screw jack mechanism, is easy too – your kids will be able to lower/raise the hoop to their height preference without any help from an adult.

Unfortunately, your kids will not be able to move this basket on their own. Once the 40-gallon base is filled with water the hoop gets very heavy and hard to move. But a strong adult should have no problem rolling this basket from the driveway back to the garage.

Overall, this Spalding is an extremely solid, heavy-duty hoop that could easily last you 10 years. If you don’t want to compromise and need that true feel of a big 54″ tempered glass backboard, then this is the perfect hoop for you!

Price: $1,800.00

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Spalding "The Beast"

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	60 inches
Backboard Material:	Tempered Glass
Base:	55 Gallons
Rim:	Covered Breakaway
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Price:	from $1,199.99 *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

This portable basketball hoop by Spalding was named “The Beast” for a reason. With a huge 60-inch backboard and a massive 55-gallon base, it comes closer to a professional basketball hoop than any other portable hoop on the market.

This portable basketball hoop has a backboard made from high-quality tempered glass. Combine this material with the weight of the huge backboard, and you get a rebound efficiency unlike any other. If you plan to throw alley-oop passes off the backboard, this is definitely the hoop for you.

Other advantages: while cheaper and lighter baskets tend to vibrate/rattle after long shots, this basket stays quiet and unfazed. And even if you are a big and athletic player, you can still hang on the rim without worrying about getting buried underneath the basket.

If for some reason, you can’t go with an in-ground basketball hoop but you don’t want to compromise with smaller, lighter, and easier to rattle basketball hoops, then the Spalding "The Beast" is your choice!

Price: $1,199.99

+1 more store

Final Thoughts

Portable basketball hoops come in a very wide price range! If you are looking for the first basketball hoop for your little kids, and you are not sure if they are going to stick with it, then the Lifetime Pro Court is a decent beginner hoop.

The Silverback NXT is my top pick for basketball players who are looking for a moderately-priced, high-quality hoop that will last a long time.

If you are an ambitious basketball player and you want the true feel of a tempered glass backboard then the Spalding 54″ Glass Pro-Tek is the way to go!

The post The 6 Best Portable Basketball Hoops in 2022 appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

The Top 7 Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops

Andy — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:30:10 +0000

A high-quality basketball hoop will bring you years of fun. It’s a great place for the kids of the neighborhood to meet up, practice their skills, and compete in shooting games.

But, that doesn’t mean adults can’t have fun with it, too. After a hard day of work, being able to relax and shoot hoops in your own driveway or backyard is just absolutely priceless.

Nowadays, most homeowners opt for the versatility of portable basketball hoops, but those tend to rattle and shake after every shot. If you have enough space to install a permanent basketball hoop, go for it – you will have a lot more fun!

This article aims to help you find the in-ground basketball hoop that’s perfect for you. I am going to explain what you need to look for and show you some of the most popular basketball hoops on the market:

The best in-ground basketball hoops for every budget:

Basketball Hoop	Backboard Size	Backboard Material	Support Pole
Lifetime 90020	48 inches	Polycarbonate	3.5" round
Lifetime 71525	54 inches	Polycarbonate	3.5" round
Goaliath 54″ GoTek	54 inches	Acrylic	3.5" round
Spalding NBA System	60 inches	1/4" Tempered Glass	4" x 4"
Silverback SB 60	60 inches	5/16" Tempered Glass	4" x 4"
Goalrilla GS 54	54 inches	3/8" Tempered Glass	5" x 5"
Goalrilla GS 72	72 inches	3/8" Tempered Glass	6" x 6"

Permanent basketball hoops are not cheap, and, once they are installed, they often stay for decades, so it makes sense to plan the installation carefully. Here is all you need to know:

Before buying an in-ground basketball hoop:

Legal restrictions:

If you plan to install the basketball hoop in your driveway or backyard, make sure you are legally allowed to do so. Unfortunately, many HOA or municipalities have strict rules against “unsightly nuisances”. You really don’t want to install an expensive basketball hoop just to find out you have to remove it again a few days later. If permanent basketball hoops are not allowed, check out my article about portable basketball hoops.

Check for underground utility lines:

Permanent basketball hoops require you to dig a pretty deep hole (usually 48 inches) for the goal post. Make sure there are no underground utility lines where you want to put the hoop. There is a free service that can tell you where you can dig safely. Find out more at www.call811.com.

Dimensions of the court

Measure your driveway, backyard, or wherever you want to install the hoop. A regulation NBA basketball half-court is 50ft x 47ft ( 50ft x 42ft for high school), but of course, your court doesn’t have to be that big. Let’s assume a typical overhang of 2ft (distance from goal post to backboard) plus another 2ft of clearance behind the hoop for the height adjustment mechanism. The distance of the high school 3-point line is 19’9″, so if you want to have at least 3 feet space behind the three-point line, you will need a court about 27 feet long.

If you don’t have that much space, however, and the dimensions of your court are going to be significantly smaller, it might make sense to stick with a smaller hoop with less overhang and a smaller backboard. This way, your court doesn’t shrink even more and the dimensions don’t look completely out of whack.

What to look for when buying an in-ground basketball:

If you have decided to buy an in-ground basketball there are a lot of options to choose from. The main differences are the thickness of the goal post, the size, material, and overhang of the backboard as well as the quality of the rim. Let’s take a closer look:

Support Pole

Installation of the Support Pole:

The support pole is the foundation of every basketball hoop and responsible for its stability. Cheaper hoops often come with a multi-piece support pole where the bottom pole is directly inserted into a 24″ hole filled with fresh concrete. This installation can be a bit tricky because you need to make sure the pole is perfectly vertical as you won’t be able to adjust the support pole later.

More expensive hoops come with an anchor kit. The construction of the anchor kits is pretty much the same for all in-ground basketball hoops and usually requires a digging depth of 48″. This means you will need anywhere between 8-25 bags (80lbs) of concrete!

One big advantage of this construction is you can later level the backboard by adjusting the nuts of the J-Bolts beneath the anchor plate.

example anchor kit

You can check out an example of anchor plate installation in this instructional video.

Thickness of Support Pole:

You want the pole to be as sturdy as possible to keep the shaking of the hoop after shots (or dunks) to a minimum. Cheaper hoops often come with thinner support poles (3.5″ round diameter) lacking the necessary stability for a professional playing experience.

The top-of-the-class hoop in this article needs a massive 6″ x 6″ pole to support its heavy 72-inch tempered glass backboard. A support pole like that eliminates almost all wobbling. Even Shaquille O’Neal himself could dunk on this hoop!

Height Adjustment:

Most of the basketball hoops sold today are height-adjustable and allow you to lower the rim to 7.5 feet. This is very useful for kids who are not yet strong enough to shoot on a regular 10ft goal and it’s also great fun for adults who want to feel like Russell Westbrook destroying a 9ft rim.

However, the height adjustment mechanic is also a source of instability. If you don’t plan to adjust the height, it might make sense to pass on this feature and go for a fixed height hoop.

Backboard

Size of the Backboard:

The regulation backboard used in the NBA and NCAA is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high. These huge backboards weigh a ton and are therefore reserved for the most expensive and massive basketball hoops.

More affordable basketball hoops usually start with backboards that are 48 inches wide, but the most common dimensions are 54 or 60 inches. These backboards allow you more than enough space for bank shots and layups – 72 inches is only necessary for the most advanced basketball purists out there.

Material of Backboard:

Entry-level backboards are often made from Polycarbonate because this material is very light and durable. Unfortunately, as polycarbonate is so light and soft, the rebound response of polycarbonate backboards just doesn’t feel right.

This is especially true if you are used to high-quality indoor hoops. Another weakness of Polycarbonate is that it tends to discolor and get yellow after being exposed to the sun for too long.

Acrylic backboards are a little more expensive and their transparency offers a much more professional look. Unfortunately, acrylic is a very soft material and will pick up scratches over time, which will slowly spoil the great look.

Professional backboards, on the other hand, are made of tempered glass. This material is very hard, scratch-resistant, and offers the best rebound response. You also won’t find any discoloration, even after years.

Because of the heavy weight of tempered glass, moderately priced hoops often use relatively thin layers of glass (1/4″). The top-notch hoops feature glass backboards that are up to twice as thick.

A 72-inch wide backboard will easily weigh over 100lbs and will be completely unfazed by the impact of a basketball, offering a playing experience like no other. If you want to see an example of a basketball hoop like that, check out the Goalrilla GS 72 .

Overhang of the backboard:

On an official NBA basketball court, the distance between the baseline and the backboard is defined to be 4 feet. This allows players to attack the rim without crashing into the support pole. It also enables them to dribble underneath the basket. If you want to do the same, you need a hoop featuring a large overhang (distance between backboard and goal post).

Cheaper hoops like the Lifetime 90020 offer a relatively small overhang of only 22″. However, if you only have a small driveway, this can actually be an advantage as it saves a lot of space.

More expensive (and heavier) hoops offer up to 4 feet of overhang and allow for much more under-the-basket action. 3ft of overhang is a good compromise between stability and enough space for reverse layups.

Rim

Almost all in-ground basketball hoops come with breakaway rims. Rims like that dampen the impact of shots and make rebounds a bit shorter. They are also much more comfortable if you want to hang on the rim after a powerful dunk.

If you are buying a hoop, make sure the springs of the breakaway mechanism are covered to prevent rust and ensure longer durability.

covered breakaway rim

Alright, let’s take a look at the features of some of the most popular in-ground basketball hoops:

Basketball Hoop

Features

Lifetime 90020

Build Quality:

Very affordable beginner hoop
Installation is easy
Works best for young kids <13 years

Price: $324.99

Lifetime 71525

Build Quality:

Kids can adjust height on their own
54-inch backboard allows bank shots and layups
Good option in the affordable price range

Price: $386.14

Goaliath 54″ GoTek

Build Quality:

54-inch backboard made from lightweight acrylic
Support pole is installed directly into the ground and secured with concrete
Entry-level basketball hoop with very good build-quaility

Price: $499.99

Spalding NBA Aluminium Trim Glass

Build Quality:

Big 60-inch tempered glass backboard
Affordable option for serious basketball players
Challenging installation

out of stock

Silverback SB 60

Build Quality:

Big 60-inch backboard at an affordable price
Anchor mounting system gives you the option to move the hoop
Instructions are very clear and installation is a breeze

Price: $799.99

Goalrilla GS 54

Build Quality:

Premium build quality with no shaking at all
Thicker 54-inch tempered glass backboard
High-quality basketball hoop at a fair price

Price: $1,449.99

+1 more store

Goalrilla GS 72

Build Quality:

Regulation-sized 72-inch tempered glass backboard
Very sturdy one-piece 6″x6″ pole supports the 3ft overhang
Premium basketball hoop that offers an experience as close as possible to professional indoor hoops

Price: $1,999.99

Amazon Prices were last updated on 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The Best In-ground Basketball Hoops:

In the following paragraphs we will take a closer look and talk about the pros and cons of each basket:

Lifetime 90020

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	48 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	22 inches
Support Pole:	3.5-inch round
Price:	$324.99 on Amazon *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Lifetime is a company known for producing very affordable basketball hoops of good quality. The 90020 is on the lower end of their price spectrum and a great option if you are looking for a first basketball hoop for your kids. Compared to their cheaper portable models, the overhang of 22 inches allows a decent amount of under-the-basket play and reduces the danger of crashing into the goal post.

The backboard of the Lifetime 90200 makes bank shots a bit tricky because it is only 48 inches wide and much smaller than a professional 72″ backboard. The small size, combined with the very light material (Polycarbonate), makes the required digging depth (24″) very manageable and a massive support pole unnecessary.

Compared to heavier and more expensive hoops, the stability and sturdiness of this hoop can be a bit disappointing. The hoop will rattle for a few seconds after every shot, especially after long three-pointers. At this affordable price, you just can’t expect to get a completely rattle-free hoop.

Overall, the Lifetime 90200 is a good option for kids who want to shoot a few baskets in their driveway. If you are looking for a more professional playing experience, you will want to look into sturdier, more stable basketball hoops.

Price: $324.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Lifetime 71525

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	Polycarbonate
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	22 inches
Support Pole:	3.5-inch round
Price:	$386.14 on Amazon *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The Lifetime 71525 improves on one of the biggest weaknesses of the 90020 and comes with a bigger 54-inch backboard. This is a welcome change and allows players to make bank shots and layups more easily. Apart from the size of the backboard, the tech specs are pretty similar. The backboard is also made from the same Polycarbonate, the overhang of 22″ is identical and the support pole is equally thick (3.5″).

What is different, however, is the height adjustment mechanism. While the 90020 Action Grip adjustment allows you to adjust the height in 6″ increments, the 71525 allows you to adjust the height between 7.5′ to 10′ in infinite increments. The power lift pole is easy to use and allows kids to adjust the hoop on their own. Great news if you have kids of different ages! Unfortunately, the adjustment mechanism is also a source of instability, so don’t expect this hoop to be as stable as fixed-height baskets you know from the gym.

Overall, the Lifetime 71525 is a great option if you are looking for a beginner, in-ground hoop with a decent-sized backboard.

Price: $386.14

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Goaliath 54″ GoTek

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	Infinity Edge Acrylic
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	24 inches
Support Pole:	3.5-inch round
Price:	$499.99 from DICK's *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Goalrilla, one of the industry-leading basketball hoop manufacturers, was founded in 1991 and is known for producing some of the highest quality basketball goals available on the market.

When you start your research, their product range might be a bit confusing as it is split into three different brands: Goaliath, Silverback, and Goalrilla. Of these three brands, Goaliath is focused on entry-level products that offer a good playing experience while remaining affordable – the Goaliath 54″ GoTek is just that!

The 54-inch Acrylic backboard has a very sleek look and provides a decent rebound response while being much lighter than more expensive tempered glass backboards. This reduction of weight means that the Goaliath GoTek gets away with a much thinner support pole (only 3.5 inches in diameter) compared to other hoops.

Installation is a breeze as the hoop comes partially assembled and you don’t have to dig such a massive hole as you need for heavier basketball goals. The support pole is directly installed into the concrete which removes a source of instability, but has one big downside: If you need to move in the near future, it will be very hard to take the hoop with you.

Overall, the Goaliath 54″ GoTek is a perfect choice if you are looking for a high-quality product that doesn’t break the bank. This hoop will last you a long time and is especially well-suited for kids or beginner-to-intermediate basketball players who don’t rely on the authentic experience of a heavy glass backboard, large overhang and perfect rebound response.

Price: $499.99

Spalding NBA Aluminium Trim Glass

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	60 inches
Backboard Material:	1/4-inch tempered glass
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	24 inches
Support Pole:	4x4 inches
Price:	*

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

This Spalding basketball hoop is one of the cheapest options with a big 60-inch backboard made of tempered glass. And believe me, a backboard like this makes all the difference. The size is very close to professional dimensions and the additional weight and rigidity of the tempered glass make the rebound response much more satisfying. If you like to finish your layups high off the glass, this hoop is for you!

The adjustment mechanism is very stable, but a bit difficult to use. Kids probably can’t adjust the height of this basket on their own. Combine the sturdy 4″x4″ support pole with the heavyweight and stable adjustment mechanism and you have a basketball hoop that restricts rattling and shaking to very acceptable levels.

The overhang of 24″ is still far away from allowing the official 4ft distance between backboard and baseline, but this also means you don’t need a huge backyard for this hoop.

If you are looking for a moderately-priced basketball hoop with a big backboard and good build quality, the Spalding NBA system is a great option.

Price:

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Silverback SB 60

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	60 inches
Backboard Material:	5/16″ tempered glass
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	30 inches
Support Pole:	4x4 inches
Price:	$799.99 on Amazon *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

In Goalrilla’s lineup of brands, Silverback is a step up from Goaliath and focuses on mid-range products that offer great bang-for-the-buck. Compared to the Goaliath Go Tek, the Silverback SB 60 is a bit more expensive but also offers more advanced features:

The heavy 60-inch tempered glass backboard gives you a much nicer rebound experience, and the added 6 inches make it much easier to practice your “Tim Duncan” angled bank shots.

The heavier backboard is supported by a 4″ x 4″ support pole that comes with an anchor kit. If you ever need to move, you just install a new anchor kit, and moving the basketball hoop will be no problem!

The 2.5-foot overhang allows for more action under the rim and makes it harder to crash into the pole after a driving layup.

The installation of the Silverback SB60 is pretty easy but you should plan for enough time to let the concrete cure and get two buddies to help with the assembly of the heavy backboard. If done right – you will have a basketball hoop that is super stable and will keep shaking within very acceptable levels.

Check this Youtube video to get an impression of the build quality:

Overall, the Silverback SB 60 is a great pickup in the moderate price range and perfect for intermediate to more advanced basketball players who are okay with a little bit of shaking if it saves them $500. If you are looking for the full premium experience keep reading and check out the Goalrilla hoops coming next!

Price: $799.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Goalrilla GS 54

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	54 inches
Backboard Material:	3/8-inch tempered glass
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	30 inches
Support Pole:	5x5 inches
Price:	from $1,449.99 *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The Goalrilla brand is known for the premium quality of its basketball hoops. The GS 54 is their entry model and comes with a heavy 54″ backboard made of thicker 3/8th-inch tempered glass.

Now you might wonder: why is the GS54 much more expensive than the Silverback SB 60 even though it comes with a smaller backboard?

The answer is simple: the backboard is made of thicker glass which makes it heavier and gives you a much nicer rebound response. The support pole is made from a single, 5″x5″ (compared to 4″x4″) piece of solid steel connected to the 48″ (compared to 36″) deep concrete base via an anchor kit.

This super-solid construction ensures there is pretty much no shaking or wobbling. While the SB60 is meant to provide great bang-for-the-buck, the GS54 offers a true premium experience for basketball players who don’t want to compromise.

The Goalrilla GS 54 fits perfectly in smaller backyards or driveways where a giant 72-inch basketball hoop would look completely out of place. It’s the go-to-pick if you are looking for a hoop that will last you for years and keep rattling and shaking to an absolute minimum!

Price: $1,449.99

+1 more store

Goalrilla GS 72

Technical Specifications:
Backboard Size:	72 inches
Backboard Material:	3/8″ tempered glass
Height:	7.5 - 10 feet
Overhang:	36 inches
Support Pole:	6x6 inches
Price:	$1,999.99 from DICK's *

* as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The Goalrilla GS72 is for the basketball purists out there! It comes with a giant (and incredibly heavy) 72-inch backboard – the same dimensions are used in the NBA!

This heavy backboard is supported by a massive 6″ x 6″ support pole that makes sure there is no rattling and shaking even though the hoop features a generous 3-feet overhang.

Currently, there are two versions of the GS72 on the market: the older GS72 and the newer GS72C. The only difference between the two versions is that the GS72 backboard is held with two “H brackets” while the GS72C moved the arms to the outside of the backboard giving it a clearview backboard.

There really isn’t that much more to tell! The GS 72 comes with all the features of the GS 54 but takes it to the next level in terms of dimensions. This is the cream of the crop! Get two of these and your backyard is ready for MTV cribs:-)

Price: $1,999.99

Stephen Curry’s Masterclass

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a hoop for your young kids or beginner basketball players I recommend the Goaliath GoTek It’s affordable, high quality, and will offer years of fun!

More advanced players looking for great bang for the buck should look into the Silverback SB 60 or Spalding Aluminum Trim .

If you are looking for the premium, authentic NBA experience then the Goalrilla GS 72 is your pick!

The post The Top 7 Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

Stephen Curry Masterclass Review

Andy — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 10:20:29 +0000

Finding a good basketball coach is tough, especially at the youth level! More often than not, the coach doesn’t really know how to teach the kids the fundamentals of the game because he never played at a high level himself, he just happens to be the father of the point guard.

If you want to teach your kid the basic skills of basketball the right way, or if you are a more advanced basketball player who wants to model his game after one of the best scorers of all time – then Steph Curry’s Masterclass might be the solution!

Masterclass.com promises to teach you how to dribble, shoot and score like the 2x MVP for a one-time payment of only $90. But does it work?

I signed up for the Masterclass to check it out, this is my review:

Summary:

Steph Curry’s Masterclass is made of 17 video lessons (each 10-20 minutes long) that teach you how to shoot, dribble and score the basketball like the 2x NBA MVP. The masterclass comes with a 54-page workbook, shot-tracking worksheets and the chance to ask Steph Curry questions during the “office hours”.

Pros:

Incredible opportunity to be taught by one of the best basketball players of all time

The videos and the workbook are of very high quality

Incredibly motivating to see what discipline and work ethic can do for you

Great gift for kids who idolize Stephen Curry and want to learn how to play basketball like him

Cons:

No defensive drills

My Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

I wish this masterclass had existed when I was young! I could have learned so much that no coach ever taught me. Steph is a great teacher and this masterclass will make a huge difference, especially for young basketball players who are still learning the game.

Learn more on Masterclass.com

Check Out The Trailer:

Table of Contents

What’s a Masterclass?

Masterclass.com is an online platform that allows you to learn skills from some of the most recognizable artists in the world. Through well-produced online video classes, you can learn acting from Samuel L. Jackson, cooking from Gordon Ramsey or attend a lecture about comedy held by Steve Martin.

The San-Francisco based start-up has raised over $35M of venture capital so far and is releasing new classes regularly – this is a very professional company, you definitely won’t be scammed out of your money here!

Masterclass.com offers two different methods of taking a class:

You can buy lifetime access to a single class for a single payment of $90
Or you can get access to the complete library and every teacher for $180 per year

I decided to buy just the single Steph Curry class, paid via Paypal (credit card is possible too) and only seconds later I got an email with my access data and I was ready to go! If you are thinking about gifting the masterclass to someone, there is also an option to buy the course as a gift.

How Does It Work?

Once you log-in to your class you will be greeted by a list of all 17 classes as well as links to community, resources and office hours.

Community

This is a simple bulletin board where students can introduce themselves and communicate with each other. Some courses like the Kasparov chess lessons have lively discussions, however, there was very little activity among Steph Curry’s students. That’s not a big deal though, as I didn’t sign up to chat with other basketball players on a bulletin board straight from the ’90s. For stuff like that, the target audience of young basketball players can always go to Instagram or Youtube.

Resources

As a student of Steph’s class, you will get a very nicely designed workbook that is 54 pages long and accompanies the video lessons. This workbook includes recaps of what you learned, more detailed explanations and diagrams which help you to do the exercises correctly.

You are also provided with shot tracker spreadsheets that allow you to monitor your progress through the shooting exercises which I really appreciated as someone who is a bit crazy about crunching numbers:-)

Office Hours

The office hours allow you to record a video of yourself asking a question to Stephen Curry and he will post answers from time to time. At the time of writing the article (May 9, 2018) there were five answer videos posted, but I am sure there will be more as soon as the NBA playoffs are over.

Lectures

The 17 video lectures are about 10-20 minutes long and focus on different aspects of basketball like shooting, dribbling, or more advanced techniques like using off- or on-ball screens. Steph Curry introduces every drill step-by-step in an empty gym and shows you what to look for and how you can avoid common mistakes. There are also film sessions where Steph breaks down plays from the Golden State Warriors and shows you how he uses the techniques you just learned in an NBA game.

Below every video lecture is a comment section where students discuss what they learned and can ask questions if they didn’t understand something. Employees of Masterclass.com are present in these comment sections to answer questions, but most of the time the very friendly community will help out each other.

In each lecture, you will also find a link to the relevant tracking sheets and a link to download the corresponding chapter of the workbook.

Below you can find a short breakdown of each lesson:

Lesson 1: Introduction

In the first lesson, Steph Curry introduces himself and talks about what it took for him to become one of the best basketball players in the world. He shows how hard work pays off even if you are not the biggest, or most athletic player, and talks about low points in his careers (like not being heavily recruited out of high school) and how he used it as motivation to become the great player he is today.

This 5-minute video is a great start to the masterclass and really gets you pumped about what’s to come!

Lesson 2: Shooting Stance, Alignment, and Mechanics

The second video is 15 minutes long and all about the mechanics of shooting a basketball. Steph emphasizes that you need to shoot from “the ground up” and how important the stance of your feet and the posture of your lower body is. He then talks about the proper ball positioning, where to aim, the height of the release and the angle of the shot.

You not only get slow-motion videos from one of the best shooting mechanics of all-time, but Steph also talks about common mistakes and gives tips on how to correct them. I was really impressed by how detailed this lesson is and it really shows you how much thought and practice went into Steph’s shot.

He also shares the story of how he changed his shot from a lower-release “catapult shot” after his freshmen season in high school and how it took him a whole frustrating summer and thousands of shots to get used to shooting above his head. It’s very motivating to hear that even the best shooter of all time wasn’t born with the perfect shot but worked very hard at it from a young age.

Lesson 3: Form Shooting Practice

In this video, Steph shows you how to work on your shooting form. My main takeaways were that you should always start your workout by making 100 perfect makes from different angles at a close range. Don’t start off by jacking three-pointers, but work on perfect mechanics at close range before extending your shots to the perimeter.

I also liked his tips on how to practice your shot if you are alone in the gym and how to learn from your misses by checking whether you are missing left/right or short/long.

Lesson 4: Shooting off the Catch

In this lecture, Stephen Curry talks about one of his biggest strengths: shooting off the catch. You learn how to receive the ball in a shot-ready position, how to move your body to the ball and how to avoid the most common mistakes. It’s also the first lesson where we get to see how watching film can improve your game and provide a better understanding of the action on the floor. Steph breaks down a play frequently run by the Golden State Warriors where the team sets three different screens to get him open for a quick catch-and-shoot three-pointer.

Lesson 5: Ball-Handling: Foundations

The first lesson concentrating on dribbling skills was really interesting as it showed me a few things that I could definitely improve on. Steph starts off by showing basic concepts like dribbling stance, dribbling height and how to keep the basketball away from your own feet. He then introduces the three most important dribbling moves: crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-backs and shows common mistakes like dribbling too high, too softly or moving your body around the ball instead of the ball around the body.

Ball handling is one of the weaker spots of my game and these lessons really showed me that I need to work on some basic skills if I want to become a more confident and efficient playmaker.

Lesson 6: Shooting off the Dribble 1

In this lesson, Stephen Curry shows you how to transfer your off-the-catch shooting mechanics to shooting off the dribble by using a strong last bounce and getting the ball into your shooting pocket quickly. He also talks about the mindset you need as a shooter, how to keep confidence in your shot and how to impact the game if your shot is not falling.

Lesson 7: Ball-Handling: On the Move

In this shorter lesson, you learn how to work on the basic dribbling moves we learned earlier, but this time on the move. The key is to stay in a low stance, lead with the ball, not your feet, and avoid glancing at the ball. In the accompanying section of the workbook, you also get a ball-handling circuit that will improve your handling if you keep working on it every day!

Lesson 8: Shooting off the Dribble 2

This lecture combines previous ball handling and shooting drills for more advanced moves like shooting off crossovers or behind-the-backs. The ease and speed of Steph Curry during these moves is really incredible and showed me that this is something I need to work on for sure.

I also liked the film session where Steph Curry breaks down NBA in-game action and we get to hear about his thinking process during the game.

Lesson 9: Creating Space from Your Defender

In lesson #9 we learn how to create enough space to get a shot off by looking at the defender’s feet, hands and nose to determine weak spots and possible moves. Steph shows a series of jab steps, dribbles, and step-backs he likes to use to shift the weight of his defender and get him off-balance.

All these moves are shown in great detail with a guy acting as Steph’s defender while he shows and explains the details of every attack and countermove.

Lesson 10: Beating Your Defender

I love this lesson because it is 100% dedicated to watching NBA film. You don’t often get the chance to have a 2x MVP explain his moves and what he was thinking during a game. It also shows you that most of the time it’s not about flashy moves but more about understanding the basics, reading the footwork of your opponent and using his weaknesses to your advantage.

I especially liked the concept of looking for the lead foot of your opponent and trying to get him off-balance by attacking it.

Lesson 11: Ball Screens

Ball screens are an important part of every NBA team’s strategy and Steph Curry is one of the most dangerous players coming off a screen. In this lesson, he shows us how to communicate with the screener, where and how to set screens and how to react to the actions of your defender.

I especially loved that Steph went into great detail on how to dribble over the screen to make sure that you lose your defender because I sometimes have problems with that. He shows that you want to drop your inside shoulder to hip height of your screener and you can even touch the outside calf of your screener with your inside hand when dribbling by the screener – I am definitely going to try that!

Lesson 12: Ball Screens – Film Session

Another film session – my favorite kind of lecture in this Masterclass!
Steph breaks down 4 different ball-screen plays and explains how to read the floor, your defenders and potential help defense to make the best possible decision. He also shows how a hand-off can act in the same way as a ball screen.

Lesson 13: Scoring at the Rim

In this video, we learn how to protect the ball when scoring at the rim and how to use your shoulder to create separation between you and your defender. Stephen Curry also teaches different moves like reverse finishes of a euro-step or different types of floaters and shows how he uses them in-game.

Lesson 14: Off Screens: Curl, Pop, and Fade

Less flashy than on-ball screens but just as important: off-ball screens.
Steph Curry shows us three different options on how to use an off-ball screen:

Curl to the rim: come off the screen and cut towards the basket, receive a pass and read the help defense to determine if you are going for a jump shot, layup, or for a floater.
Pop: Use the screen to get to the three-point using a straight line cut.
Fade: If your opponent tries to cheat and go under the screen you fade away from the screener to create separation between you and your defender.

This lesson is a nice mix of learning the theory using a chair as a screener and watching game film to see those moves in action. I especially liked how detailed Steph breaks down the actions of not only his defender but also the possible rotations of the help defense.

Lesson 15: Ball Handling: Overloading

If you are following basketball at all you have probably seen Steph Curry’s crazy pre-game dribbling drills using two basketballs – that’s called overloading. By working on your dribbling skills using an additional basketball or tennis ball you increase the difficulty and intensity and overload your current motor skills. Once you have mastered these drills, simply dribbling one basketball will seem so easy that the game slows down for you and you can use all your attention watching your teammates and the defense, not the ball!

This lecture goes through a progression starting with relatively easy stationary drills using two basketballs and goes on to more difficult drills on the move using basketballs and tennis balls. The workbook contains the exact progression you can use during your warm-ups.

Lesson 16: Pregame Preparation

In this lesson, Steph goes into how important it is to prepare for a game the right way by getting enough rest, stretching, eating right and watching tape of the opponent. He then shows his famous pregame dribbling sequence before he talks about his mindset and what he does to calm his nerves before a game.

Lesson 17: Conclusion: The Journey Towards Perfection

In this last lesson, Steph Curry talks about how to stay motivated, work hard, and how to push yourself to become the best player you can be. My main takeaway was that you have to love the process!

To become one of the best basketball players in the world you have to work incredibly hard. You will never be successful if you don’t enjoy the process of shooting thousands of shots, getting up early to lift weights or stretch an hour after every game.

As a fan of the NBA you like to think that these guys are just extremely gifted and that the game comes easy to them. And while that might be true, the best NBA players work extremely hard and try to improve their game every day!

What I Liked About the Masterclass

Steph Curry is a Great Teacher

If I had to pick one NBA basketball player to teach this masterclass it would be Steph Curry! Compared to other NBA players he is relatively small (6’3″), he isn’t extremely athletic, and wasn’t even recuited to play at one of the top colleges. But he has become one of the best basketball players in the world by perfecting two basic skills that everybody can work on: shooting and dribbling.

Steph teaching how to create space

It’s hard to find a better role model than that!

Steph has a great presence in front of the camera and explains the techniques and drills in great detail without being boring or mechanical. I like how he starts off with basic skills like shooting and dribbling but really emphasizes how important it is to get these basics down.

You often see kids coming into the gym and start jacking threes immediately. If you have ever been a youth basketball coach you will have an idea about how difficult it is to get kids to work on less flashy stuff like making 20 perfect shots close to the basket before moving on to more difficult shots. Watching this masterclass will teach them the importance of basics! If the 2x NBA MVP Steph Curry, the master of the deep three himself, starts off every training session with making 100 perfect shots from close range, it becomes difficult to find a reason why you shouldn’t.

Learn How to Shoot Like Steph Curry

Learning how to improve your shot from the best shooter of all time? What’s not to like about that!

Overall, there are five lessons which focus 100% on shooting. You start by learning the correct stance, posture and ball positioning and move on to more difficult drills like shooting off the dribble or coming off ball screens. I was really impressed by the depth of these lessons and how much I could learn from them – even though I always considered myself to be a good shooter.

Work on your shot

Learn How to Dribble Like Steph Curry

Another one of Steph’s strengths as a basketball player is his ability to handle the basketball! He isn’t the most explosive or athletic player in the NBA, but he can get to the rim at ease because he has the ball on a string!

As part of the masterclass, there are three lessons that are exclusively about working on your dribbling. They start by teaching you the basics of dribbling stance, height and how not to dribble on your feet. They then go on to show you how to do crossovers, between-the-legs and behind the back and end with difficult overloading drills using tennis balls or a second basketball.

This part of the masterclass really showed me how much room for improvement there still is for my dribbling. Especially the mistake of moving your body around the ball, instead of the ball around your body is something I need to work on!

The famous pre-game dribbling drill

Watch Game Tape With Steph Curry

For more experienced basketball players this will be the most interesting part of the Masterclass. Steph breaks down game-action from the NBA, talks about his thought process and shows you how to exploit weaknesses of your defender. He also isn’t shy to talk about the mistakes he made or open teammates that he missed.

The film sessions of the masterclass do a great job of showing you the amount of preparation and thought that goes into the plays run in NBA games. It’s easy to watch a game on TV and only pay attention to the guy dribbling the ball only to miss all the action on the weak side, the screens and defensive rotations which are just as important for the result of the play. I absolutely loved this part of the Masterclass!

Study game tape with Steph Curry

Customers Are Loving It

Below each video lesson is a comment section where students ask questions, leave comments and talk about the progress they’ve made. These are just a few comments I found in the first shooting form lesson:

“The form shooting tips and practice have been a huge win for my son David. His accuracy is up dramatically, as is his confidence with shooting the ball. He got a personal best 38 points this weekend including 5 three’s. Thank You, Steph for breaking down your shot and emphasizing making 100 perfect makes. It works!”

“Steph, my form has changed and I am making more shots now!”

“I can’t wait to start to warm up and use the things I learned.”

Students are loving the masterclass and they give an average rating of 4.7/5 after finishing it. And if you’ are not 100% satisfied you have a 30-day money-back guarantee!

What I Didn’t Like About the Masterclass

It’s really hard to come up with negative stuff about this masterclass, but I’ll try!

There Are No Lessons About Defense

A lot of kids tend to forget that you have to play defense in basketball too! Being a good defender is just as important as being great on offense – unfortunately, it’s also a lot less flashy.

Steph Curry himself is a passable defender, but he plays with a lot of great defenders on the Golden State Warriors that do most of the work on that end so that he can focus on offense. If they were to make a Masterclass about playing defense they should probably find a different teacher like Draymond Greene or Kawhi Leonard, but I doubt they ever will, it’s just not sexy enough…

I Want More!

Overall, the masterclass is made of around 4 hours of video and a 54-page workbook. I think the length of this masterclass is absolutely fair, and they are still adding new videos in the “office hours” section, but I would have watched another 4 hours – no problem!

Review Results: My Final Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised by this Masterclass. This is not a quick money grab by one of the most popular basketball players of all time, but a very well-thought-out program that delivers value to basketball players of all levels. Beginners will learn the important basics of basketball, intermediate players will learn more advanced techniques like reading the defender when coming off screens and advanced players will appreciate the in-depth film sessions.

Overall, I can recommend this Masterclass 100% and give it a rating of 5/5 stars!

My Rating:

Take Steph Curry’s Masterclass here!

The post Stephen Curry Masterclass Review appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

The Top 5 Best Ankle Braces for Basketball Players

Andy — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:18:59 +0000

Last week in basketball practice: During a 5-on-5 drill, my teammate defending the left wing got beaten by a vicious crossover. When the opponent slashed to the hoop and went for the layup, I decided to come over from the weak side to try to block the shot.

Well, I didn’t actually block the shot. But, I was able to alter it enough that it didn’t go in. Success!

Or, so I thought. Unfortunately, I landed on the foot of my own teammate and badly rolled my right ankle.

Every serious basketball player knows the horrible pain of an ankle sprain like that. In fact, almost 40% of all basketball-related injuries are ankle sprains!

You can try to prevent sprains by strengthening the ankles with wobble boards and other exercises, but there is little you can do when you land with full force on someone else’s foot. In this scenario, the only chance to prevent an ankle sprain is a brace that absorbs the impact of the landing and supports your ankle so that it doesn’t roll.

In this article, I will help you find the best ankle support for your needs, ranging from very affordable ankle sleeves to high-performance braces like the Zamst A2-DX , worn by 2x NBA MVP Steph Curry.

Best Ankle Braces For Basketball Players:

McDavid 511 Ankle Sleeve
ASO Ankle Stabilizer
McDavid 195 Ankle Brace
Mc David 199
Zamst A2DX

You can check the comparison table here, or click on any of the ankle braces to read a more detailed review.

What to look for when buying an ankle brace:

Find the right ankle brace for your purpose:

There are a lot of different reasons why athletes use ankle braces. Gaining extra stability and confidence for sore ankles, preventing low or high ankle sprains, or recovering from injuries suffered in the past. There are ankle braces specifically tailored for these different needs. Get a professional opinion about your ankles to find the perfect fit for you.

Fit & Comfort

If the fit of an ankle brace is too loose, it won’t deliver the necessary stability and protection you want. On the other hand, if the brace fits too tight, your feet will get numb due to the restricted blood flow. Make sure to buy the right size!

Most manufacturers offer charts to help you find the best fit depending on your shoe size. If you have really narrow or wide ankles, you might need to go one size up or down to ensure a proper fit. Also, make sure to wear sturdy basketball socks to minimize any friction on your skin

Durability

There are some cheaper options that tend to lose their elasticity quickly. That’s bad news because these ankle braces won’t offer the same protection after a while. Make sure to buy quality products that don’t lose form and will remain firm enough to support your ankles even after heavy use.

A comparison of recommended ankle braces:

These days, there are a lot of different types of ankle braces on the market. In this post, I want to give an overview of the different options, so you can find the best ankle brace for you!

Ankle Brace

Features

McDavid 511 Ankle Sleeve

Protection:

ankle sleeve works similarly to very tight socks
very comfortable but doesn’t offer a lot of protection

Price: $14.58

ASO Ankle Stabilizer

Protection:

works best for low ankle sprains
affordable option that offers good protection

Price: $31.88

McDavid 195 Ankle Brace

Protection:

simulates the use of athletic tape
works best for moderate instabilities

Price: $25.47

+1 more store

McDavid 199 Ankle Brace

Protection:

uses spring steel stays for increased protection
suitable for low and high ankle sprains

Price: $22.79

Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace

Protection:

worn by Steph Curry in the NBA
offers ultimate protection

Price: $69.99

out of stock

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

+1 more store

This ankle brace is constructed of single-layer polyester fabric for full support and minimal weight. The construction of this ankle brace doesn’t use any inlays but mimics the function of athletic tape. Therefore, it is very light and fits comfortably even with narrow shoes.

The brace can feel a bit stiff in the beginning but after a short break-in period, the material starts to feel really nice. The McDavid has 9 sets of eyelets (compared to 6 of the ASO), which makes it a bit bulkier and more difficult to put on. In return, it also offers a bit more stability compared to the ASO.

Overall, the McDavid 195 ankle brace is a high-quality product that offers good protection while still being relatively lightweight and comfortable.

Ankle Braces with Inserts:

Ankle braces with inserts or exterior support structures offer more protection and are especially useful if you want to prevent high ankle sprains or if you are recovering from one. However, they are heavier, less comfortable, and restrict your movements to a higher degree than the previously-presented lighter options.

Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace

The Zamst A2-DX ankle brace became very popular when Stephen Curry started to wear it in the 2012/2013 NBA season to protect his often-injured ankles. He credits it with finally giving him the full confidence to play without the fear of re-injuring himself.

This is also the ankle brace I currently use myself and I couldn’t be happier! The Zamst A2-DX is definitely the most well-built ankle brace. As soon as you put your hands on one of these, you will notice that the quality is on another level.

Price: $69.99

out of stock

+1 more store

When you put on the Zamst A2 DX for the first time it will probably take you a little while. I almost had to read the instructions and I never do that! In total, there are 4 velcro fasteners around the heel and one anchor strap above the ankle to ensure your feet are secure.

Despite the added bulk, the Zamst remains very comfortable. In fact, I barely notice this ankle brace anymore when playing basketball. This level of comfort is achieved by the very good fit of the plastic support splints as well as the added padding on the inside of the ankle brace.

Overall, the Zamst A2-DX is an expensive, high-end ankle brace made especially for athletes with serious or recurring ankle problems. If you want to treat your ankles to the best brace on the market, go with the Zamst A2DX.

McDavid 199 Ankle Brace

Price: $22.79

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The McDavid 199 is another very popular ankle brace offering serious protection by using steel spring stays on both sides of the brace. The construction is durable and lightweight but needs some time to break-in. Lacing them up takes a while, but eventually, you get used to it.

It offers a little less support compared to the Zamst A2-DX but is a great option for athletes on a moderate budget who are recovering from an ankle sprain or need maximum protection because they are prone to ankle injuries.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of ankle braces to choose from and the best ankle brace for you will vary depending on your needs and prior injury history.

Ankle sleeves like the McDavid 511 are a great choice if you want a simple way to add a little bit more stability to your feet. Get the great combination of support and flexibility of an ASO ankle stabilizer if you want to prevent low ankle sprains. Choose the Zamst A2-DX if you have problems with recurring high ankle sprains and need the best protection available.

The post The Top 5 Best Ankle Braces for Basketball Players appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

The 6 Best Basketball Hoops for Kids and Toddlers

Andy — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 12:36:17 +0000

In the book “Outliers”, social psychologist Malcolm Gladwell made a startling observation. Children, it seemed, were not born gifted at any one sport. It was the sport that they were exposed to early in which they excelled. It’s essentially a race towards 10,000 hours of practice because that’s the amount of time it takes to master any one skill.

So whether you want your baby to be the next Lebron James or Lisa Leslie or you’re just looking to develop a bond over basketball, buying your kid a hoop is definitely a good move.

Here’s all the info you need to make an educated purchase and find the best possible basketball hoop for your kid:

Safety

The first concern with a hoop for children and toddlers is safety. There are a few things to consider when it comes to safety including materials, breakaway rims, and stability.

Fiberglass and metal can do a lot more damage than plastic. It’s a good idea to graduate your little ballplayer from plastic to metal and fiberglass at the right age after introducing them to the fundamental skills of basketball. They’ll be less likely to hurt themselves if they have a pretty good idea of what they are doing.

Plastic hoops like the Little Tikes Easy Score won’t hurt!

All the hoops reviewed here have breakaway rims for safety purposes. A young ballplayer can be easily hurt on a rigid rim no matter skill level. It’s a good idea to avoid any hoop that won’t bend or move when dunked upon unless you want to deal with jammed fingers or face bops.

Stability plays into safety in a big way. The small plastic hoops aren’t much of a worry because they are too light to hurt if they fall over. But you may want to delay the purchase of a moveable outdoor hoop until your ballplayer can handle the responsibility. Even at five feet, a sand-based hoop made of metal and fiberglass can tip over if slammed into or dunked on aggressively. Your child should be old enough to know the dangers before using a hoop that can tip.

Make sure to buy a hoop with a virtually unbreakable backboard. The hoop should advertise such invincibility and the backboard should be made of some composite material, such as fiberglass or polycarbonate.

Durability and Longevity

Kids grow quickly so do the math when investing in a hoop. You may not need to buy that intermediate hoop if you don’t have any younger kids rising through the ranks. After all, your little hoops star will grow more quickly than you think and you don’t want a garage full of dinosaur basketball hoops waiting to be thrown out.

If you plan your little rising star’s ascent properly, you may be able to skip a few hoops purchases. Of course, you’ll want to get that extremely early-age hoop. But instead of upgrading to a larger plastic hoop for larger toddlers, you may be able to hold out for a door-mount hoop that’ll last him or her through older age.

The Lifetime Youth Hoop is adjustable from 5.5′ to 7.5′ and will last for many years

Fun and Addictability

Basketball is fun and you want to share that with your kid. That means you want hoops that will be fun and rewarding; the kind of hoops that will keep your kid shooting hoops all day and night. What’s more fun than making baskets?

For the most fun, it’s advisable to get the youngest one a hoop that is colorful and easy to make shots on. The hoops can become more challenging with age as your ballplayer comes closer to the real deal.

Adjustable heights play a huge role in the challenge and fun of a hoop. Being able to adjust the height of the rim allows you to set new challenges. You can put it on the lowest rung for the most fun and then move it up slowly as the skill progresses. This keeps the kids engaged and having a good time as they get better.

Alright, so those are the three things to keep in mind when buying a child’s basketball hoop:

Safety
Durability and Long-term vs. Short-term Usefulness
Fun and Incremental Challenge

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular mini basketball hoops:

Basketball Hoop

Features

Height: 2-4 feet

Easy to put together and very safe
Perfect first hoop for toddlers

Price: $35.99

Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro

Height: 4-6 feet

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Perfect for kids who are 2 years or older

Price: $88.99

Little Tikes Attach 'n Play Basketball Set

Height: Adjustable Door Mount

Door mount takes up very little space
Durability is an issue

Price: $19.99

SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop

Height: Fixed Door Mount

Unforgiving rim is a real challenge
Keeps older kids challenged and occupied in winter

Price: $21.99

Lifetime Youth Basketball

+1 more store

Height: 5.5 to 7.5 feet

Great outdoor hoop with a 5 year warranty
Perfect hoop for kids older than 5 years

Price: $65.00

Lifetime 1221 Pro Court

Height: 7.5 to 10 feet

Adjustable from 7’5 to regular height
Perfect first regular-sized hoop for kids aged 6 and older

These hoops tend to break from time to time. Despite the fact that the Little Tikes assembly comes with a break-away rim, the plastic holding the hoop to the door can be ripped down on an epic dunk. The opening and closing of the door can also jar the assembly loose. Despite the fact that it is made out of soft plastic, the backboard can fall to the ground loudly.

You also have to be careful about which door you choose. Doors that open up to stairways can be dangerous as the door can open during a game to leave a falling hazard. And there’s always the risk of someone simply entering the room during a game.

SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop

This door mounted hoop is made of shatterproof fiberglass and comes with a steel rim. The hoop is not adjustable in any way. The rim is unforgiving and some have been disheartened at how difficult it is to make a hoop.

Price: $21.99

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

+1 more store

The court-like feel of this SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop is obviously intended for older children with some basketball skills. You wouldn’t want to buy this assembly for an extremely young player who would lose interest quickly after finding it difficult to make a basket.

While the same warnings hold true for the SKLZ hoop as the Little Tikes Attach n’ Play, this assembly may be a good option for an older child who loves the game. It’s an especially attractive option during the winter.

Falling hazards, the opening of doors and breaking the hoop with a monster jam are all less of a worry with an older child. After all, if the hoop breaks, there’s no more basketball.

Lifetime Youth Basketball Hoop

This outdoor hoop adjusts from 5 feet all the way up to 7.5 feet. The base can be filled with sand or water allowing you to run the hose out to the hoop for convenience and cost savings. It also saves you a bit of mess.

Price: $65.00

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

The Lifetime assembly is made mostly of metal with an impact shatter-proof backboard. It does not come with a ball. But the Lifetime hoop gives you an opportunity to save money.

The very first hoop — Little Tikes Easy Score — is a plastic hoop adjustable up to 4 feet. Why not make the jump from 4 feet, the highest setting on the Little Tikes, to 5 feet, the lowest setting on the Lifetime hoop, right away? After all, this Lifetime Hoop comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Get them started on the Lifetime hoop early and you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

Lifetime 1221 Pro Court Portable Basketball System

The final step. The Lifetime 1221 starts adjusting right where the Lifetime Youth Basketball Hoop left off — 7.5 feet up to the regulation height of 10 feet. The 44-inch backboard is virtually unbreakable and the base of the hoop can be filled with either sand or water. The rest of the hoop is metal.

Price: $189.99

Nike Pro Hyperstong Knee Sleeve 3.0

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

By now, your young basketball player should have the fundamental skills of the game making safety a bit less of a worry. You can also adjust the hoop just out of dunk height for added safety and to save it from abuse.

The Lifetime 1221 is durable and can survive any season. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and watch your little ballplayer develop into a full-fledged athlete one 6-inch rim height adjustment at a time. If you are interested in more expensive and higher quality hoops make sure to check out my article about the best portable basketball hoops.

Conclusion

There seems to be a clear progression — Little Tikes Easy Score , Little Tikes "Adjust and Jam" , Lifetime Junior and then Lifetime 1221 — to a regulation-sized hoop. And you may want to consider skipping the Adjust and Jam to save some money. You’d only cut out the heights between 4 and 5 feet.

The progression should get your little guy hooked with fun and then challenge him as he grows. It should also keep him safe while he develops his skills. After about 18 years, you’ll see if a scholarship or pro contract comes out of all of it. Even if he’s not the next Lebron, you’ll have shared a lifetime of basketball memories together.

The post The 6 Best Basketball Hoops for Kids and Toddlers appeared first on The Hoops Geek.

Best Basketball Knee Pads, Sleeves or Braces

Andy — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 18:53:46 +0000

Watch any NBA game these days and take a look at the legs of the players. You will see very few naked knees! Everybody is wearing something: sleeves, braces, pads, pants. In a league where players have to battle through 82 games over a span of only 5 months, it is important to reduce the wear and tear as much as possible. Fortunately, all this gear is available to recreational players as well!

There are different reasons why basketball players wear protective gear on their knees:

To reduce chronic pain caused by the immense burden put on the knees in basketball
To prevent bruises caused by collisions and hard falls
To provide support after a significant knee injury like an ACL tear

In this article, I am going to help you find the knee pads, sleeves or braces that are best for each scenario.

Now that you know what’s out there, let’s take a look at some of the best knee pads, braces, and sleeves:

Product

Features

Protection:

Keeps muscles compressed and warm
Slick design

Price: $31.24

Shock Doctor 865 Knee Sleeve

Protection:

Very comfortable due to open patella
Perfect for basketball players that suffer from chronic knee pain

Price: $19.99

McDavid 6440 HEX Knee Pad

+1 more store

Protection:

Protects you during collisions and falls
Padding provides a confidence boost for players that like to attack the basket

Price: $24.70

McDavid 6446 Hex Knee Pad

+1 more store

Protection:

Similar to McDavid 6440 but offers additional compression of calves and thighs
Comes in various colors

Price: $25.98

McDavid 429X Hinged Knee Brace

+1 more store

Protection:

Protects knees from hyper-extending
Very good protection at a fair price

Price: $56.78

Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Brace

+1 more store

Protection:

Perfect if you are rehabbing from an ACL/MCL tear
Best overall protection at an affordable price

Price: $44.98

+1 more store

Amazon Prices were last updated on 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

What’s the difference between pads, sleeves, and braces?

If you want to protect your knees from damage, it is important to get the right gear. The following paragraphs will explain the differences between pads, sleeves and braces and show you when to use what.

Knee Sleeves:

Knee sleeves are usually made from tight but flexible material and provide added compression for your knees. Benefits are:

1. Increases blood flow which helps recovery after a workout or basketball game.

2. Actively reduces pain during stress.

3. Improves Proprioception (active recognition of the knee joints by the central nervous system)

Knee sleeves are especially useful if you want to prevent future injuries or want to reduce chronic pain in your knees. However, if you are recovering from serious injuries like an ACL tear, knee sleeves will not be enough.

Knee Braces:

When it comes to protecting your knee from injuries, knee braces are a clear step up from simple sleeves. While knee sleeves mainly provide compression, knee braces increase the stability of your knees and provide the anterior knee and patella with external support. Sewn-in support stays help to increase knee stability – hinges eliminate dangerous hyperextension.

Knee braces are most often used after injuries as part of the recovery process. They help athletes prevent re-injuries and increase the confidence of recovering basketball players. If you want to buy a knee brace, make sure to talk to your doctor to get the right type for your specific injury.

Knee Pads

The purpose of knee pads is different from sleeves and braces. The main purpose of knee pads is not to prevent damage to the ligaments and tendons, but to soften the external impact from opposing players or the floor.

These pads have become very popular with basketball players in recent years, and allow players to attack with an added sense of security. In addition to providing compression, they also prevent floor burns and dampen the pain after banging knees with an opponent. As such, they are a great piece of gear for basketball players with an attacking style similar to a young Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook. A popular example of a knee pad is the McDavid 6446.

Sleeves vs Braces vs Pads – What should you get?

So what do you need in your specific case?

If you have chronic pain in the knees, want to speed up recovery, or are looking for a slight increase in stability, go for knee sleeves.

If you are coming off an injury to your ACL, MCL, etc., go for a knee brace. Make sure to talk to a doctor to make sure you get the appropriate brace for your injury.

However, if you are banging knees all the time and want to prevent knee contusions, go for knee pads.

Finding the right size

If you are looking for knee pads (or sleeves/braces), it is important to get the right size. If they don’t fit, then they don’t offer the protection you want!

Fortunately, most manufacturers offer charts showing you how to choose the right size depending on the circumference of your knee. ShockDoctor even has a tutorial video on their Youtube account:

The following paragraphs will take a closer look at the different options:

Best Basketball Knee Sleeves, Pads & Braces

Nike Pro Hyperstong Knee Sleeve 3.0

Price: $31.24

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

Made by the #1 company when it comes to basketball, the Nike Pro Combat knee sleeve will keep your muscles warm, compressed and ready for action. If you have chronic pain from patellar tendonitis or due to the excessive stress put on your knees, these knee sleeves can save you from a lot of discomfort. Plus they look really cool.

Ariaprene material and strategically placed Mesh parts make the Nike Pro Combat sleeves very comfortable and breathable. If you are thinking about buying them and can’t try them on, consider going down a size because they tend to run large.

The Nike Pro Combat knee sleeves are a great choice if you are looking for good-looking knee wear that provides pain relief and moderate support.

Knee braces are the logical step up from simple knee sleeves. In addition to the compression supplied by sleeves, braces like the McDavid 429X provide excellent stability needed for athletes recovering from serious knee injuries such as ACL or MCL tears.

Price: $56.78

as of 11/27/2022 11:17 PM EST

+1 more store

The steel hinges on both sides of this knee brace protect against excessive lateral movement and therefore help to stave off re-injuries to the side ligaments in the knee, mainly the MCL and LCL. In addition, the hinges feature a stopper that prevents knees from hyper-extending.

Putting on this knee brace is easy and shouldn’t take longer than a minute. Just slip it over your ankle, pull it up to the knee, then close the ligament X-straps in the front as well as the straps on the top and bottom and you’re ready for action!

Compared to sleeves, the McDavid 429X brace is a lot bulkier, but if you are rehabbing from a serious injury, the added protection is absolutely worth the slightly decreased mobility!

Shock Doctor 875 Ultra Knee Brace

The 875 Ultra Knee brace is the most advanced knee brace produced by Shock Doctor. Its bilateral support hinges and tempered aluminum stays provide stability, protection, and increased performance so you can hit the court with confidence!

Price: $44.98