How to Select
a Basketball System
Choosing between
a Portable vs. an In-Ground System:
- A Portable system depends on a base filled with sand or water for stability. It will
take up more space than an In-Ground system. The portable base rolls on
wheels allowing players to position the basketball system in the desired
location. Simply assemble, fill the base and play today. There is no fussing
with concrete. Most portable systems can be Adjustable or Fixed-Height.
- An In-Ground system is permanently cemented into the ground, so
be sure to pick an ideal location. In-ground systems tend to be more rigid
and take up less space than portables. In-Ground systems can be Adjustable or
Fixed-Height.
Choosing between an Adjustable In-Ground vs. a Fixed-Height
In-Ground System:
- An Adjustable
system is desirable when used by younger players who vary in age or who enjoy
lowering the basket to dunk.
- A Fixed-Height system will be more rigid, and is the best choice if daily height adjustments
are not necessary.
Choosing Special
Purpose Systems:
- A Wall-Mount system can be mounted on the side of a house or garage. Wall-Mount
systems generally include backboard, rim, net and mounting kit.
- Playground systems are built for rugged playground use.
Choosing
Backboards:
Backboard Material:
- Glass is used for all competition backboards in high
school, college and pro arenas because a glass backboard gives the best ball
rebound.
- Clear Acrylic backboards provide the look of glass at a
more economical price. Tinted Acrylic is available on some systems.
- Steel backboards are vandal resistant.
- Aluminum and Fiberglass backboards have an extra
measure of rust resistance.
- The rebound effect of acrylic, steel, aluminum or fiberglass
backboards can vary significantly. The thickness and weight of the
backboard will in large measure determine the quality of the rebound effect,
with thicker and heavier backboards having the more authentic rebound effect.
However, for gymnasium ball response, no backboard compares to glass.
Backboard Size:
- Official gymnasium size backboards are 42” x 72” and are offered on the best systems.
- Backboard sizes
are matched to a system’s strength with larger backboards offered on the more
rugged systems.
Choosing Poles:
- An in-ground system with a built-in anchor system
will allow pole removal if you need to relocate the system.
- Poles that are cemented directly into the ground cannot be
relocated, unless the system offers an optional ground sleeve.
- Stability and durability of a pole varies
depending on the thickness of the metal and size of the pole. Generally the
most stable poles are thicker and larger in size. Single piece poles are
generally more stable than multiple piece poles.
Choosing Safety Setback:
- The distance between the pole and the backboard can range from 18”-66” between
systems.
- If you have aggressive players, you should
consider a larger safety setback.
Choosing
Basketball System Accessories:
Pole Padding
or Backboard Padding
for added safety. Ground Sleeves to add portability to
in-ground systems.
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