How to Choose Basketball Hoops For Different Skills and Ages

Basketball hoops that are designed for use by the youngest of players are readily available for school, community and home use. Depending on your venue and the space available you'll find that your selection includes adjustable height hoops, permanent in-ground varieties, roof mounted goals and portable basketball systems. So how do you make an informed choice? Here's what you need to know.

A basketball goal with a basketball hoop is going to fundamentally be the same regardless of its designed purpose, consisting of a ring, usually with a net, designed to allow a thrown ball to pass through. However, the similarities for many different types of basketball hoops and goals end there.

Many types of basketball goals are designed to be very simple, often for very young children still learning muscle and motor control or even designed as a simple novelty. Other types of basketball goals are designed to be used in professional competition, such as NCAA or even NBA games. These are designed to take the repeated abuse of multiple, heavy slam dunks and hanging off the rim without breaking.

If you are shopping for a basketball goals for your children you'll need to consider factors like the available space, future needs and skill requirements. Younger children will naturally require a basketball goal that is capable of accommodating their skills. Adjustable height basketball systems are ideal because you can set a child up for success, and challenge them as needed.

A wall mounted basketball hoop is just as the name implies, a basketball hoop mounted onto a wall. Unlike a basketball hoop mounted to the top of a garage or on a rigid, heavy goal post, most wall mounted basketball hoops are designed for very light, casual use only.

These types of basketball hoops typically mount onto a drywall surface, but may also include brackets or other hardware to mount onto a door or to an office cubicle wall. Even a light slam dunk may be enough to tear this type of basketball hoop off the mounting surface, and leave significant scarring onto drywall. Look for solid mounting hardware or stable "nosecone" installation when selecting a unit that will last for years. You'll also find quality hoops that can be installed on slanted roofs that are more stable.

For long term use, you want to select a basketball hoops that is a long term investment. This means that outdoor models should be powder coated. Adjustable basketball goals should be easy to modify. And any goals or hoops should be strong enough to meet the current and future needs of your players. So consider that a lightweight portable unit may not be appropriate for teenagers hanging off the rims.

Finally, really take a look at the practicality of your investment. Will younger players still want to play with a 10 foot hoop they have little chance of reaching? Will teens that are developing professional skills be challenged enough if they have to hold back from playing their hardest? The bottom line is to take a little time to look at all the options in basketball hoops until you find one that makes sense for you.

Author Trey Carter is the creative author for a basketball equipment store.
Trey discusses ways to setup your basketball hoop system at home, no matter what hoop you decide to go with.
You can browse basketball hoops of all kinds here.