Are you on the fence while shopping for the best in-ground basketball hoop? We got you covered!
In this guide, you’ll learn about:
- The best in-ground basketball hoops to buy
- Techniques to help you maintain the basketball hoop
- Other useful information in buying and using in-ground hoop systems
Let’s start by showing you a quick list of the products you’ll find in this article. Also, it should be in your best interest to continue reading. That way, you’ll dive deeper into the top in-ground basketball hoops on the market.
IMAGE
PRODUCT
OUR TOP PICK
#1 –Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Lasts a long time
- Easy to use features
- Warranty included
BEST BUDGET
#2 -Lifetime 90020 In-Ground Basketball System
- Great value for money
- Highly durable components
BEST HIGH END
#3 – Lifetime 1084 In-Ground Basketball System
- Beautiful in-ground basketball hoop
- Stable set
- Shatterproof backboard
#4 - Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- First-rate build quality on the two-piece steel pole
- Height adjustment feature is reasonably easy to operate from our perspective
- 5-year limited warranty
#5 - Goalrilla Basketball Yard Guard
- No more chasing after basketballs
- Heavy-duty components
#6 - Cirocco In-Ground Basketball System
- Rugged backboard
- User-friendly adjustable features
#7 - Spalding Pro Glide Lite Shatterproof Basketball Hoop
- Fits most backyards and driveways
- Backboard is highly resistant to wear and tear
- Height adjustment feature is easy to use
#8 - Spalding Exactaheight Performance In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Reasonably inexpensive with premium looks
- Patented adjustment feature doesn’t require significant effort to use
- High-quality build on different components
#9 - Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Power Lift feature doesn’t need significant effort to use from our perspective
- Slam-it Pro rim is sturdy to take on many slam dunks
- Includes a 28.5-inch basketball
#10 - Lifetime 78888 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System
- The hoop can handle the force of many slam dunks
- Polycarbonate backboard is highly resistant to shattering
- Reasonably easy to use height adjustment feature
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On June 29 2021
Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Our top pick for the best in-ground basketball hoop is the Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball Hoop. We chose this model because it offers excellent value for money without making buyers break banks.
Not only does it come with high-quality components, but it also has a 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Each trait that comes with this product promotes peace of mind.
What's In This Guide?
Our Top 10 Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops
Here’s a quick look of the top in-ground basketball hoops mentioned in our guide:
- Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Lifetime 90020 In-Ground Basketball System
- Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Lifetime 1084 In-Ground Basketball System
- Goalrilla Basketball Yard Guard
- Cirocco In-Ground Basketball System
- Spalding Pro Glide Lite Shatterproof Basketball Hoop
- Spalding Exactaheight Performance In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Lifetime 78888 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System
Read More >> Best Portable Basketball Hoops
Table of Contents
How Much Should a Basketball Hoop Cost?
The costs of a basketball hoop depend on several factors, such as type, brand, and size. However, many portable, in-ground, and wall-mounted options on the market fall within the cost range of US$150 to US$300.
What is the Correct Height for an In-Ground Basketball Hoop?
- How to Maintain an In-Ground Basketball System?
- Rust Prevention
- Net Replacement
- Rim Care
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using In-Ground Basketball Hoops?
A quality basketball hoop is important for every enthusiast of the sport. Having one is beneficial for basketball fans of all ages who want to improve their shooting skills. Therefore, you should continue reading to know the pros and cons of using in-ground basketball systems to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Using In-ground Basketball Hoops
The main advantage of using in-ground hoops is their stability. Also, many noteworthy options are more durable than their portable counterparts. Some models even have weatherproof coatings to withstand the elements.
Having an in-ground system can also add value to homes, which can be ideal if you’re planning to sell your property soon.
Read More >> Best Basketball Hoops for Driveways
Cons of Using In-Ground Basketball Hoops
The in-ground hoop is a permanent fixture, which means it cannot be moved. Therefore, if you plan to move it to other locations, expect to spend an at least entire afternoon on this project.
Also, the installation of this basketball system involves digging a hole in the ground. Some users might not find this trait ideal, particularly when they don’t want to put holes in their beautiful gardens.
Are There Legal Restrictions When Installing In-Ground Basketball Hoops?
You should also be aware of the local laws and regulations for the installation of in-ground basketball hoops in the area. For one thing, you can’t install in-ground basketball hoop systems if you’re not the property owner. Therefore, consult with the landlord first (if you’re renting the space) to ensure you won’t incur legal charges.
What Should You Look For When Buying In-Ground Basketball Hoops?
A variety of factors to consider exist when choosing an in-ground basketball hoop system. Some of these elements include the support pole, height adjustment mechanism, and rim quality. Let’s take a look at these essential factors:
- The Support Pole
The support pole is the key component of any basketball hoop. For many in-ground variants, a multi-piece support pole holds the backboard and other components. The multiple pieces allow for better-than-average stability. However, hoops with this feature tend to be more expensive than others.
- Height Adjustment Feature
Most of the height-adjustable basketball hoops on the market today allow you to raise the rim from 7.5 to 10 feet. Opt for high-quality basketball hoops because height adjustment features tend to cause instability. Otherwise, choosing cheap, low-quality variants will make the pole and backboard rattle a lot, causing you to miss on game-winning shots.
- The Rim
In-ground basketball hoops tend to have breakaway rims, which are great for minimizing impact and improving the feel of each shot. If you’re deciding to buy an in-ground system, aim to buy one with a rim that has a rust-protective coating to ensure it lasts longer than average.
Pick #1 Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Lifetime has a reputation for making high-quality basketball hoops, so it was quite difficult for us to pass up on this specific in-ground basketball hoop. To no surprise of the team, this kit checked all the marks for being one of the best, if not the best in-ground basketball hoop system for the money.
This product presented excellent value from the box. It comes with a 50-inch shatterproof backboard surrounded by a highly durable steel frame. We even found out that the backboard didn’t fade over time, thanks to its UV protective coating.
Additionally, this system comes with an easy-to-use height adjuster that allowed us to alter the main pole’s height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet. Finally, it’s safe to say that anyone who’ll get this basketball hoop system will have peace of mind, thanks to the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Cons
- The 6-inch increments in height adjustment might disappoint some users
Pick #2 – Lifetime 90020 In-Ground Basketball System
Our experience with this in-ground basketball system allows us to say that it’s an ideal fit for those who are looking for a hoop kit without spending a significant amount of money.
Although it’s slightly less expensive than many of its competitors, this product has features that make it a valuable choice. For instance, it comes with a 48-inch shatterproof backboard with a Makrolon surface.
Plus, the height adjustment mechanism didn’t give us a tough time in altering the main pole from 7.5 to 10 feet. While still on the topic of this component, the pole comes with a powdered steel coating, enhancing its sturdiness to the next level.
Additionally, the 18-inch lifetime rim is made of solid steel, which makes for some exciting slam-dunking moments. However, it still can’t handle the weight of an average person, so don’t attempt to hang from the rim.
- Cons
- Hanging isn’t recommended
Pick #3 – Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Remember, a basketball hoop should have a pole and backboard in good working order to provide stability and reaction times for players. With the Silverback In-Ground Basketball System, we found it to be an ideal choice for those looking for an authentic at-home basketball experience.
We found that the primary advantage of using the Silverback is its durability. Its two-piece steel pole has been given a powder coat to provide a superior resistance to corrosion. We even saw that this component can resist harsh weather, including heavy rains and deep snow.
The height adjustment feature allowed us to adjust the system’s height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet without significant effort. This component, along with the rest of the kit, is also supported by a 5-year limited warranty.
The backboard is made from 8-millimeter tempered glass, which gives it a strong platform to work on. To keep the weight down, the frame has been built with a weather-resistant aluminum. Still, we prefer if the backboard has a stronger construction, particularly at this relatively expensive price point. We saw that the tempered glass flexes slightly during bank shots, which can also promote extra bounce to balls.
- Cons
- Tempered glass backboard flexes, promoting extra bounce to shots
Pick #4 – Lifetime 1084 In-Ground Basketball System
After looking at the budget-friendly side of the market, the team checked the other side of the spectrum and found this in-ground basketball set. The entire kit is more expensive than most of its competitors. But it justifies the bump in price with a plethora of amazing features.
For starters, the backboard of this hoop is 50 inches of shatterproof glass. Not only is it durable, but the team also found it to be one of the best-looking backboards on the market.
Next, the orange-colored rim is an eye-catcher and is quite durable. The ½-inch steel brace that comes with this component improves its durability, perfect for those slam dunks. Finally, the three-piece pole ensures that the backboard, along with the components attached to it, doesn’t wobble significantly.
- Cons
- Quite expensive, which might not be ideal for interested customers in a tight budget
Pick #5 Goalrilla Basketball Yard Guard
One problem many outdoor basketball players have to face at one point is chasing after the basketball. For instance, you try to shoot a three-pointer, but the ball went beyond the area, forcing you to chase after it.
Thankfully, Goalrilla solved that issue with this unique outdoor basketball yard system. Unlike other competing products, this basketball hoop system has a net. This component attaches to the heavy-duty pole, which becomes reminiscent of a soccer goal. With it, we can say goodbye to chasing the basketball across the neighborhood when someone misses the shot.
Aside from the net, the pole, rim, base, and backboard have solid constructions. These components feel as if they can withstand harsh weather throughout the year.
However, we found two shortcomings with this set: the price and the installation. It’s not going to be for everyone as this product has a premium price tag. Plus, it took three members of the team to install the kit properly.
- Cons
- Fairly difficult to set up
Pick #6 Cirocco In-Ground Basketball System
The last item on our list, but not the least, is this basketball hoop system from Cirocco. Although the company doesn’t seem to be as active as some of its competitors, it doesn’t mean the business doesn’t make quality products.
To prove that point, the company made this in-ground basketball hoop, which astounded many, including some of our team members. One component that offers high marks is the 44-inch backboard. Although it has an acrylic construction, we found it to be quite durable.
As for the hoop’s net, it’s made of nylon, providing extra sturdiness and flexibility. These properties become apparent with every swish of the basket. Finally, the steel pole has a fairly easy-to-use height adjustment system. We could adjust the pole’s height from 7.5 to 10 feet.
However, buying this hoop kit did put a dent in our bank account. It’s quite expensive, which might not be ideal for some interested customers following strict budgets.
Pick #7 Spalding Pro Glide Lite Shatterproof Basketball Hoop
We can say several nice things about this Pro Glide Lite basketball hoop system from Spalding. For one thing, the 44-inch backboard makes it reasonably compact to fit in many driveways and backyards. We know that this hoop will stay at a permanent spot. But it’s still nice to know that many potential buyers won’t have a significantly difficult time trying to find a good spot for this hoop.
While we’re still in the subject of this hoop’s backboard, we should mention that it’s made of a polycarbonate material. The brand advertises this component as shatterproof, so we went out and tested that claim. After making multiple bank shots, the backboard only had minor scratches on it. Therefore, we can safely say that the backboard has excellent longevity, especially with its steel frame.
Plus, the height adjustment system is a joy to use. It’s easy to use as it doesn’t require significant effort to operate. Some of our team members even said that they were able to raise or lower the height within a few seconds.
However, some of the teens in the team said that they had some trouble reaching the rim at its lowest height. It’s because the hoop’s height adjustment feature starts at 8 feet instead of the average 7.5 feet.
- Cons
- The lowest height might still be difficult to reach for some teens
Pick #8 Spalding Exactaheight Performance In-Ground Basketball Hoop
We thought about the premium price tag while we’re thinking about the Spalding brand. After all, the company is known to make official NBA products. However, we were quite surprised to see this in-ground basketball system at a fairly reasonable price point.
The value this product brings doesn’t match its price tag. It’s because we were able to find high-quality components and features in this basketball hoop system that we had difficulty finding in many other competing products at this price.
For instance, we found the brand’s Exacta-Height height adjustment system. It works in a similar fashion as Lifetime’s Power Lift system. In that sense, we didn’t find it extremely difficult to adjust the main pole’s height. It even took us less than a minute to adjust the pole to the desired height.
Next, we found and liked the 50-inch acrylic backboard. If you don’t already know, acrylic tends to work better than polycarbonate in resisting wear and tear. Furthermore, this component has a thick steel frame, enhancing its durability.
Finally, the breakaway-style rim is ideal for recreating the feel of a slam dunk in an NBA court. Despite its excellent ruggedness, we still don’t recommend hanging from the rim.
Pick #9 Lifetime 90962 Power Lift In-Ground Basketball Hoop
By this time, you already know that Lifetime is a known brand in the basketball hoop sector. The company’s products offer top-notch features and benefits, and the 90962 in-ground hoop system is no different.
This basketball hoop takes advantage of the company’s patented Power Lift feature, which is always a welcoming functionality. With it, it didn’t take us more effort and time than needed to adjust the main pole. Speaking of this pole, it can raise or lower from 7.5 to 10 feet, making this hoop system ideal for teens and adults.
Then there’s another patented product in this set that we’d like to mention – the Slam-it Pro rim. The company describes this component to be sturdier than others. So we put that claim to the test by making a few slam dunks. Our skepticism was met with a highly durable rim, seemingly staring at us in the face.
Additionally, we’re happy with the brand’s decision to add a 28.5-inch basketball in the package. That way, we didn’t have to search our warehouse for an appropriately sized ball or go to a local sports equipment store to look and purchase the item.
But we hoped that this in-ground basketball hoop was easier to take down than we expected. After our tests, we took more time and effort than intended to disassemble the parts. You might ask, ‘Why would you want to take down a permanent basketball hoop system?’ It’s a possible option for people living in locations where storms are quite frequent.
- Cons
- Difficult to take down, which might not be ideal for stormy locations
Pick #10 Lifetime 78888 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System
To say that this in-ground basketball system is durable might be an understatement. We can safely say that almost every part in this set has a rugged finish. Our team put its sturdiness to the test by doing a few dunks. In turn, we’re quite happy to report that this particular basketball hoop from Lifetime can handle even the most aggressive slam-dunkers.
Continuing its list of durability-focused features is its large backboard. It’s a 54-inch model and made with highly durable polycarbonate. This component also has a premium look to it. We also like to mention that the company advertises this backboard as shatterproof, and the brand wasn’t joking when it made this claim.
In truth, we thought that this basketball hoop would be quite similar to other similar products on the market. However, our eyes immediately went to the hoop’s Power Lift feature. Our first-hand experience with this feature filled us with nothing but joy. With it, it was easy to raise or lower the height. It didn’t even require us to grunt or break a sweat to increase or decrease the height of the main pole.
Although, this basketball hoop system still has some flaws. For instance, we found that assembly took us more time and effort than intended. This set is more difficult to set up than others. Thankfully, we only needed to do it once on a permanent site.
- Cons
- More difficult to set up than others
Our Top Pick: Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball Hoop
After looking at the other in-ground basketball hoops, it’s still clear that our top pick is the Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball Hoop.
It’s an amazing in-ground hoop system that’s perfect for basketball enthusiasts of different skill levels. This set even comes with high-quality components that can withstand harsh weather.
We should also mention its easy-to-use height adjustment system. Our team can even safely say that this functionality won’t disappoint complete beginners.
