Best In Ground Basketball Hoop 2024: Top Picks & Buying Guides

Scotttfujita.com is an informative blog for readers. The products in the article contain affiliate marketing links. We may receive a small commission when you make purchases through our links. You do not need to pay any additional fees for us. See our full disclosures here

If you are a professional basketball player, you will need the best in ground basketball hoop for your family. However, a top-rated ground goal price is often relatively high, so you need to choose carefully.

Understanding your problem, Scott Fujita wrote this article to help you. Through this article, we will guide you on how to choose and recommend quality in ground hoops.

Contents

In-depth InGround Basketball Hoop Reviews

1. Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoops

Product highlights

The Silverback is a spinoff of Goalrilla – the brand that produces the best in-ground basketball hoop. One of their notable products is the Silverback SB60.

This in-ground basketball hoop features a 60″ wide tempered glass backboard and aluminum trim. This size is just right, not too wide to take up space and not too narrow for an enjoyable playing experience.

Related: Best pool basketball hoop

The support pole is square with a thickness of 4 inches. With the steel drivetrain, you can adjust your liking from 7.5 feet to 10 feet.

With 2.5 feet overhang, it provides ample space for players to stand under it. You won’t have to worry about the problem of hitting the column while running.

The pro style breakaway rim is also our favorite part. While it’s not quite the same rim that the NBA uses, it’s pretty similar. You can be assured of the durability of this rim.

The Silverback SB60’s mounting system also caught our attention. It’s the same system that Hercules and other professional basketball brands use.

Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoops, Adjustable Height Tempered Glass Backboard and Pro-Style Flex Rim. - Multiple Sizes Available

$999.95
4 new from $999.95
2 used from $947.82
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • 60-inch tempered glass backboard.
  • High-end breakaway rim.
  • Easy height adjustment mechanism.
  • Durable and reliable.
  • Good value for the money.

Cons

  • Difficult to assemble.

Bottom line

With tempered glass backboard material and strong pole, the Silverback SB60 will give you plenty of value. You may be surprised when you see its price at first, but you will find the price to pay is too cheap after using it.

The Silverback SB60 is the top-rated in-ground basketball hoop in 2024 on this list.

2. Goalrilla FT Series Basketball Hoops

Product highlights

Goalrilla is a trendy in-ground basketball hoop brand. Their products are mainly for people who want to take basketball seriously. We can’t ask for the best from the Goalrilla FT Series in-ground basketball hoop with such a high price tag.

The key feature of this in-ground basketball hoop is the tempered glass backboard. You can choose between three popular sizes: 54 inches, 60 inches, and 72 inches.

The breakaway rim ring has a heavy duty spring layer. In addition, Goalrilla uses a steel plate to protect that spring area so it is incredibly durable. If you are a fan of dunks, this FT Series in-ground basketball hoop is the perfect choice.

View more: Best portable basketball hoop

The powder coated steel pole is also a strong point of the FT Series. The type of support pole that Goalrilla uses for their product is a one-piece for added durability.

The bolt anchor system will fasten your best in-ground basketball system to the surface. However, it is also very portable. You simply unscrew the bolts, load the ring and go.

Goalrilla FT72 Basketball Hoop with Tempered Glass Backboard, Black Anodized Frame, and In-ground Anchor System, 72" Black, 72" Backboard (B3017W-1)

$2,399.95
2 new from $2,399.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • Three different sizes for the backboard.
  • Maximum stability.
  • Limited lifetime warranty.
  • Heavy-duty rim.
  • Easy height adjustment.

Cons

  • Expensive price tag.

Bottom line

If you want to practice professional basketball and your finances allow it, choose the Goalrilla FT Series.The variety of backboard sizes coupled with the system’s quality make this one of the best in-ground basketball systems money can buy.

3. Ironclad Game Changer In-Ground Basketball Goal Hoop 

Product highlights

If you’re not interested in the options above, check out this Game Changer basketball hoop from Ironclad. With a price tag just slightly higher than the Silverback SB60, the best in ground basketball goal shows very consistent performance.

We will review starting from the bottom, the hoop comes with an anchor system so you can install the support pole perfectly upright. It helps you a lot during installation and will save you a lot of time.

The powder coated steel square pole part has a 5” x 5” thickness. Its one-piece design ensures the ultimate durability and will stay strong against any impact.

The 60″ thick tempered glass backboard with supreme breakaway rim ensures the performance of this in-ground hoop. Whether you specialize in jump shots, layups or dunks, Ironclad Game Changer has the power to satisfy.

Game Changer in-Ground Adjustable Basketball Goal Hoop with 60" Glass Backboard System for Outdoor Basketball Courts with Post & Backboard Pad

$1,949.00
Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • Large backboard.
  • Pole pad offers good protection.
  • Anti-rust.
  • Good adjustment system.
  • Versatile ground hoop.

Cons

  • Not suitable for slimmer feet.

Bottom line

The key features of this best ground hoop from Ironclad are the reason we included it in the list. It has all the necessary things for you to show your ability in the match.

4. Silverback 54″ In-Ground Height Basketball 

Product highlights

If you’re in an area with limited space, you’ll probably want to consider the Silverback SB54. It will be the most suitable choice for small and medium yards.

The backboard is the area that receives the most force when the players play. With that in mind, Silverback used a 5/16-inch thick tempered glass backboard. It ensures high durability and good resilience.

Additionally, Silverback adds a backboard pad to protect players from injury when attempting layups or catching rebounds. The 2.5-foot overhang provides ideal space for players to move around without fear of hitting the pole.

Due to having a crank actuator, changing the height of the pole is extremely simple. You can change the range from 7.5 feet to 10 feet. If you have multiple generations in your family using it, this feature will save you some money.

Silverback uses Dupoint paint for their support poles for optimal UV and rust resistance. As a result, the performance and form of this best in-ground basketball system will remain the same over time.

Silverback 54" In-Ground Height Adjustable Basketball System with Tempered Glass Backboard, Pro-Style Breakaway Rim, and Backboard Pad

$799.99
3 new from $799.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • Gymnasium style ground hoop.
  • Anchor mounting for concrete strength.
  • Suitable for action-packed games.
  • Easy to adjust the height.
  • Natural rebound.

Cons

  • The backboard shakes a little.

Bottom line

Silverback is a brand that regularly appears in the in-ground basketball hoop reviews 2024 for many good reasons. The main reason is because they offer high quality basketball hoops at a very affordable price. The two products that appear on this list are the most obvious examples.

5. Lifetime 71281 In Ground Power Basketball System

Product highlights

Lifetime products often appear in a lot of reviews, and this in-ground basketball hoop review is similar. The first product that we would like to introduce to you is the Lifetime 71281.

The backboard of this basketball hoop has a backboard size of 52 inches. This size is quite suitable for entertainment purposes and can meet any space of use.

To increase durability, Lifetime has framed a steel frame around the backboard. The backboard material is polycarbonate with high strength. Although it’s not as good as tempered glass, we’re satisfied with the product’s price ratio.

The Lifetime 71281 uses the Power Lift Height Adjustment mechanism to be easily used with one hand. Starting at the height of 7.5 feet and ending at 10 feet, it is suitable for all ages.

The breakaway basketball rim with exposed springs is also a notable feature of this basketball goal. It has an unquestionable durability compared to the standard rim. However, hanging on the rim will result in warping it.

The three-piece support pole is suitable for recreational play but not the best choice in terms of stability. However, it is very portable as a plus.

Lifetime 71281 In Ground Power Lift Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard

$429.00
2 new from $429.00
1 used from $420.55
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • Reasonable price.
  • Easy height adjustment for all ages.
  • Steel frame for durability.
  • Five-year warranty.
  • Powder coated pole.

Cons

  • Extra vibrations during shots.

Bottom line

Among the best in ground basketball systems on the market, Lifetime is the one to dominate. Lifetime 71281 is a clear example. It offers pretty good quality at a price that can’t be better when compared to the competition.

6. Lifetime 1008 Adjustable In-Ground Basketball Hoop

Product highlights

If you are looking for a basketball hoop suitable for beginners, perhaps the Lifetime 1008 will be the right choice for you. Its price is also very comfortable for those on a tight budget.

The Lifetime 1008’s backboard is quite small at only 44 inches. However, it will be suitable for children or teenagers who are in the process of learning basketball.

If your home space is not very large, this is also a very good choice.

The classic rim gives an elegant look to the overall design of the product. However, we do not recommend dunking when using this basketball hoop. This type of rim is suitable for longer throws.

You can adjust the height of the Lifetime 10008 between 8 and 10 feet. This distance is just enough and suitable for many different generations in the family.

The eye-catching graphic part uses UV resistant ink to print so it is very durable. Lifetime affirms that the ink will not fly away even after a long time of use.

Lifetime 1008 Adjustable In-Ground Basketball Hoop, 44-Inch Backboard, Red/White/Blue

$223.39
3 new from $221.93
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • Eye-catching graphic.
  • Minimalist design.
  • Relatively cheap price.
  • Easy height adjustment.
  • Shatterproof backboard.

Cons

  • It is not really durable.

Bottom line

With an in-ground basketball hoop under $200, we can’t ask for premium features. However, if you are just looking for a suitable ground hoop for just learning to play, Lifetime 10008 will be the best candidate.

7. Lifetime 1084 Height In Ground Basketball System

Product highlights

Continuing on this list is another contender from Lifetime – Lifetime 1084. It is one of the brand’s affordable yet extremely good quality in-ground basketball hoops.

It would be hard to believe but the backboard material of the Lifetime 1084 is tempered glass. It is 50 inches wide. Although this size is not too large, it is still very flexible. Quality materials so the durability of this backboard is very high.

The double compression springs at the orange rim are also a very nice feature. It is capable enough to withstand fierce ball impacts. However, you should not dunk too much.

You can also easily adjust the height from 7.5 to 10 feet with Action Grip technology. This parameter is standard for in-ground hoops so we won’t review much.

Lifetime 1084 Height Adjustable In Ground Basketball System, 50 Inch Shatterproof Backboard

$349.99
2 new from $349.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • Good value for the money.
  • Easy installation.
  • Tempered glass backboard.
  • Heavy-duty rim.
  • Easy height adjustment.

Cons

  • The delivery is not really good.

Bottom line

With a weather-resistant design, the Lifetime 1084 is perfect for high school or college basketball courts. Its price is very good but the quality you get is very high. It will be a pity if you miss this product.

8. Spalding NBA Aluminum In-Ground Basketball 

Product highlights

Spalding is a proud brand. Their name is associated with the NBA, so their products are of very good quality.

The Spalding NBA SB54 is such a product. This in-ground basketball system has premium features, all at a pretty decent price.

The 54-inch tempered glass backboard lets you get the best soccer experience. It is very durable and highly responsive.

Besides, the case that comes with it comes with a good back cover. There is a professional visual breakaway rim that is quite versatile and capable of handling competitive games. It gives a nod to the adults that they can dive without fear of any injury.

For maximum strength and stability, a two-piece, four-inch diameter steel pole is mounted on the ground quite firmly.

The grounding sleeve anchor system is included with this spacer in the grounding ring to make installation easier. It may take you some time but most buyers have expressed satisfaction with it.

Spalding 54 Inch NBA Aluminum Trim Glass Backboarrd In-Ground Basketball System

Amazon.com
as of June 28, 2024 2:06 am

Pros

  • High quality backboard material.
  • Easier installation.
  • Weather-resistant.
  • Quick height adjustment.
  • Solid standing.

Cons

  • No padding pole system.

Bottom line

SB54 is a great system, very solid, looks good on startup and everything works as expected. How many bracelets do you look at at this price point, with all the specs and safety features, they’re not quite worth it.

But the Spalding NBA in this ground basketball system offers good value for your money. For the price, you really can’t beat this hoop and assembly shouldn’t be difficult if you have the tools on hand.

Buying Guides

1. Portable vs. In-ground Basketball Hoop

best in ground basketball hoop scottfujita 1

Best in ground basketball system.

The benefit of portable basketball hoops is portability and sometimes you can customize them. However, it is not the right choice for those who aim to play and compete in basketball seriously.

The lightweight design of these consumer portable hoops also greatly affects the playing experience. The board will bounce back and be difficult to keep balance if you let the ball hit it.

Also, we don’t recommend doing dunks on their loose rims.

If you’re looking for stability, opt for in-ground basketball hoops. The pillar connects to the concrete foot, and the installer will bury it deep underground for absolute stability.

Often people will screw into the post to anchor the bolts that are attached to the concrete foot. The strength of this type of installation is that it is both rigid and stable.

You can even remove your in-ground basketball hoop easily with just a few taps. So, it will support you during the moving process.

The best in-ground basketball systems will give you the best experience if you want to feel like playing pro at home.

2. Backboard

Sizing

Although backboard sizes come in many varieties, we’ll only cover the most popular sizes in this article:

  • 54-inch backboard size: This size is suitable for those who are tight on budget or space. It is ideal for single-car roads and small yards.
  • 60-inch backboard size: If you have a larger yard or driveway, consider this size. It will provide a more enjoyable playing experience without taking up too much space.
  • 72-inch backboard size: If you’re serious about competing, this will be the right size for you.

Surface area

Don’t let yourself be too concerned about size. Anyway, in the old days, middle school basketball tournaments still used small and fan-shaped backboards.

However, no matter the size of your backboard, most shooter’s squares are about the same size. The standard size of the shooter’s square is 24″ wide x 18″ tall x 2″ wide stripe.

You should not buy the basketball hoop if the size of the shooter’s square is not correct. It will affect your competition and practice.

In addition, personal aesthetic issues will also affect a lot when you choose the backboard size. Usually, 54 inches results in a square look. While the 60 and 72-inch models will have a rectangular shape.

Support system

For the longevity of your best in-ground basketball hoop, they need a good support system. There are two types of support systems to support direct edge mounting:

  • H-Frame: It is the strongest type of support system. It has a metallic H shape located behind the backboard in the shooter’s square area. If you like hardcore hanging on the rim, this will be the more appropriate choice.
  • Clear View: Clear View perimeter support provides a clean look without obstructions behind the glass. This table holder will integrate with the edging rack into a steel perimeter frame that runs along the outer edge of the board. It is quite durable and can withstand dunking on the rim.

Material

There are three types of materials that we will often encounter in basketball hoops. They are:

  • Polycarbonate backboard: This material is very popular and often appears in basketball hoops. The main reason is that it is very cheap. However, it still has stable durability to withstand the effects of weather.

The problem with this material is that it does not support the brace well. It means the ball won’t bounce well enough on the board. So it’s not suitable for serious competition.

  • Acrylic backboard: Acrylic backboard is quite an updated version compared to the former. It appeared in the basketball hoop at an average price.

Of course, it still retains good durability. Along with that, you will realize the performance of an acrylic backboard is much higher than a polycarbonate backboard.

If you want to have fun with friends as well as participate in school basketball games, choose this type of backboard.

  • Tempered glass backboard: In professional leagues, such as the NBA, people use tempered glass backboards. This material is not plastic, so we judge its performance as excellent.

However, the cost is the biggest problem of this type of backboard. It will be overwhelming if you are a normal person and just want to have a basketball hoop for fun.

You’ll find tempered glass backboards at professional soccer fields instead of parking lots.

3. Rim and Net

best in ground basketball hoop scottfujita 2

The rim of a in ground basketball hoop.

A breakaway rim should be part of a premium in-ground basketball system. However, there are more types of rims than you might think. Let’s learn more about it below:

The Standard Rim

The standard rim is the most common type of rim in today’s basketball hoops. However, it is not suitable for professional competition.

If you are just looking for a bracelet to entertain, this will be the right choice. Its price in the market is very low.

Because it does not add a decoupling mechanism, it is easier to bend it than other rims. They can also break or heat up if you apply too much force. If using a standard rim then you should only play layup or shoot.

The Exposed Spring Breakaway Rim

Spring breakaway rims are also popular as a regular recreational rim. This type of ring offers good value for the money.

However, its problem is that the spring is exposed, it will rust if you live in a humid place. Plus, if you’re a dunking lover, this bracelet will last too long.

The Enclosed Spring Breakaway Rim

The closed spring breakaway rim is the most advanced type of rim that you can choose. Usually it will only appear in medium or high-end basketball hoops. Professional players will choose this type of rim.

The biggest advantage of this type of rim is the closed spring. It solves the problems of the above two types of rims and is therefore much more durable.

Although you will have to pay quite a bit more for it, the sealed spring breakaway rim is a worthy investment for the money.

4. Pole

Round Pole

You can usually find this round pole in poor quality in-ground basketball hoops. It lacks portability and impact resistance.

Usually people will use steel less than ⅛-inch thick for this type of pole. Since this steel is quite thin, it will rust not long after.

Worse still, people often stack many parts on top of each other to make a long pillar. Joints where these cross-sections are located tend to loosen over time. Ultimately, the pole will be loose and affect the quality of play.

Square Pole

Square pole design provides high stability and reduces vibration. With a thickness of 11 gauge or more, it will provide maximum durability and will not rust.

For larger units carrying heavier backboards, 7 gauge (3/16″) recessed tubes are best. Heavy-duty basketball post sizes typically fall into four categories: 5” x5”, 6” x6”, 6” x8” and 8” x8”.

best in ground basketball hoop scottfujita 3

Best inground basketball hoop review 2024.

5. Height adjustment

The most common height adjustment range is 7.5 – 10 feet. More advanced in-ground basketballs allow you to adjust down to 5 feet.

There are different types of mechanisms so you can customize the height to your liking. Read the manufacturer’s description carefully to master it.

If you have young children, starting from a low milestone is highly recommended. Gradually increase over time so that your child can react quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make a dunk on a Goalrilla basketball hoop?

The Goalrilla is the toughest Basketball System on the planet and has a limited lifetime warranty. Goalrilla designed their goals to perform your best shot or throw in the game of basketball. Hanging on the rim is unsafe and not recommended.

2. How much concrete do I need for an indoor basketball hoop?

The recommended hole size is 16 inches in diameter and 48 inches deep. You will need 11 80 lb concrete bags for installation.

3. How deep should I dig to set up an in-ground basketball hoop?

A general rule of thumb is that 1/4 of the pile length should be above the ground and the hole should be 3 times as wide as the length of the stake. You can shorten the depth if you increase the width.

4. How long does it take to install a basketball hoop?

Whether you choose the in-ground or portable basketball hoop, plan to give yourself 3-6 hours to build your hoop.

5. What is the recommended height for me to dunk?

To dunk, you’ll need to jump about 35 inches high, which would be considered impressive even in professional sports. Some players consistently make vertical jumps over 40 inches in the NBA that allow them to perform spectacular jumps during games.

Final Words

Choosing in ground basketball hoops is an easy but difficult task. You need to pay attention to your needs as well as your budget before making a decision.

Unlike portable basketball hoops, in ground hoops will stay with you for a long time. In addition, it has advanced features suitable for professional practice.

Hopefully, Scott Fujita’s article has somewhat helped you decide for yourself. Don’t forget to tell us your choice!

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