In-Ground Basketball Hoops

An in-ground basketball hoop is one of three types, including portable and mounted. It's the most traditional of the three, as it most replicates professional style hoops. From a performance perspective, it's thought of as the best because of the stability it provides. They are installed in one of three ways; directly into the ground, using a ground sleeve, or a J-Bolt with a Pier.

The first one is most common for lower-to-mid level models in particular. This is where you simply cement the pole into the ground. You dig a hole, set the pole down into it, then fill it with concrete. The key here is to ensure that the pole is straight and so the rim height is exactly 10 feet.

A ground sleeve tends to be used on more expensive hoops. The process is similar to a direct burial, with the difference being that you cement a sleeve into the hole. The pole then is set into the sleeve, and the backboard is attached.

The advantage with this system is that the hoop is more portable, since it can be removed from the sleeve. However, doing so is not easy as the pole tends to become attached to the sleeve, especially when exposed to freezing weather.

The J-Bolt and Pier installation is a bit more unique. You slide a square pipe into the hole, then attach a plate that hinges on top of it. Next, you bolt the pole to the plate while it's lying flat on the ground. Finally, you push the hoop up to an upright position. This is the best system because the hoop can be easily removed from the plate and taken elsewhere. It's primarily used for the most expensive hoops.

Overall, in-ground hoops are best for residential use. Even some of the higher priced portables still lack the sturdiness of an in-ground models. If performance is what matters most, then an in-ground hoop is the way to go. A cemented hoop will create a more rigid backboard, so the ball bounces well coming off the backboard.

It's also better suited for dunking because of its durability and stability. Portable hoops have a base that takes up a lot of room, but in-grounds take up little to no space at all. This allows for more room under the basket so players can utilize this space as they would at a gym. For adults, this almost a must.