When choosing the best basketball hoop for your driveway, there are a few factors you need to take into account. Here are some of the key considerations:
Backboard
Your hoop must have a good backboard if you are going to make a bank shot like Tim Duncan or work on your layups. By considering those factors, you can choose the right one.
Size of the Backboard
The size of the backboard is an important consideration when choosing a hoop. A 44-inch wide backboard makes layups difficult and bank shots almost impossible. According to NBA and NCAA regulations, backboards should be 72 inches wide and 42 inches high.
You won’t often see a driveway with a backboard of these measurements. Usually, the backboard starts from 44 inches and varies from 54 inches to 60 inches. Choosing 60 inches wide won’t be a problem if you don’t have any budget constraints.
Material Of Backboard
A backboard is usually made from one of the materials listed below:
Polyethylene or Polycarbonate
Plastic is called polyethylene, a decorative term. Basketball hoops made with polyethylene are the cheapest. In addition to their low price, they last a long time. Thus, it will make a great option if you look for a hoop that will last for years.
Acrylic
Driveway basketball hoops made of acrylic are most commonly found in residential areas, such as those found in driveways and backyards. Acrylic has a professional look because it is transparent. However, the material is soft and gets scratched during basketball shots.
Due to its lightweight, it sometimes causes downfall due to mid-strong winds. In addition, it has an average rebound.
Tempered glass
In the NBA and NCAA, backboards are made of this material. Shots have never scratched up backboards made of this material. The backboard is made from the heaviest material, needing a solid structure and strong base.
The offset of the backboard
Backboard offset refers to the distance between the backboard and the support pole. The offset needs to be larger to avoid crashing into the basketball post after attempting layups or dunks. A portable basketball hoop has a 4 feet distance between its post and the rim, which is uncommon in professional basketball.
Rim
Each hoop available in the market has a rim diameter of 18 inches. However, there is a difference in how the rim is attached to the backboard. A screw is used to attach the Standard rim to the lower backboard. This allows the rim to be very stable. When a dunk shot is made with these rims, all force is transmitted to the backboard. As a result, the backboard can be broken.
A Breakaway Rim with compression springs reduces bounce on your shots. For a “soft touch” and a dunk shot, you need to have a breakaway rim. There are two kinds of breakaway rims. Cheaper versions come with unveiled compression springs, while the expensive ones come with covered springs protected from rust.
Support Pole
Basketball hoops need a solid and sturdy support pole to last. Today’s most commonly demanded portable hoops can adjust in height, as these kinds of hoops are useful for kids and adults looking to learn the game.
Base
The base of a portable hoop is one of its most important components. In addition to its portability, it contributes to its durability. This contributes to the stability of the hoops. This base has a container on it that holds sand and water. A container with a lot of space will provide more stability.
