In-Ground Basketball Hoop

W hether you play basketball professionally or just for fun, the hoop remains one of the most important parts of the game, so you should pay close attention when picking one for your backyard, driveway or maybe for your professional basketball court.

The offer is broad and includes in-ground hoops and portable basketball hoops as well, but the first variant is almost always better, as it offers more stability, larger backboards and quality rims that can stand serious drills and practice sessions. Moreover, some models feature bolt-on bases, allowing you to take them with you if you decide to move in the future.

Shooting hoops is a great activity for kids, but it can bring joy and recreation to hard-working adults that need to blow off some steam after a day spent in front of the computer as well. We took a look at the offer and came up with 13 of the best models, so if you need help to choose one, you’ll find all the information in our article. Check it out.

Top 14 In Ground Basketball Hoops Compared

Photo	Product Name	Backboard Size	Backboard Material	Height	Pole Size	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Pro Dunk Hercules Platinum	72”	Tempered Glass	10’	6” x 6”	Lifetime	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	2. Goalrilla FT54	54″/60″/72″	Tempered Glass	7.5′-10′	5″ x 5″	Lifetime	Check Price
Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for Kids	3. Pro Dunk Silver PDSAWRA	54″	Tempered Glass	5′-10′	5″ x 5″	Lifetime	Check Price
	4. Goalrilla GS54	54″	Tempered Glass	7.5′-10′	5″ x 5″	Lifetime	Check Price
	5. First Team Game Changer	60″	Tempered Glass	7.5′-10′	5″ x 5″	Lifetime	Check Price
Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for the Money	6. Spalding 88825G	54″/60″/72″	Tempered Glass	7′-10′	5″ x 5″	5-year	Check Price
Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for Driveway	7. Silverback B5402W	60″	Tempered Glass	7.5′-10′	4″ x 4″	5-year	Check Price
	8. Spalding FPS-5564	54″	Tempered Glass	7.5′-10′	4″ x 4″	5-year	Check Price
	9. S.R. Smith S-BASK-CH	N/A	Acrylic	12″ setback to center of anchor	N/A	3-year	Check Price
	10. Silverback B8402W	54″	Polycarbonate	7.5′-10′	5″ x 5″	5-year	Check Price
	11. Lifetime 71525	54″	Polycarbonate	7.5′-10′	3.5″ x 3.5″	5-year	Check Price
	12. Lifetime 71281	52″	Polyethylene	7.5′-10′	3.5″ x 3.5″	5-year	Check Price
	13. Spalding 88291	54″	Acrylic	7.5′-10′	3.5″ x 3.5″	1-year	Check Price
	14. Lifetime 90020	48”	Polycarbonate	7.5’-10’	3.5” in Diameter	5-Year	Check Price

1. Pro Dunk Hercules Platinum

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Basketball enthusiasts know that you cannot obtain professional performance at home if you don’t invest in a solid hoop that can ensure you gym conditions and handle the pressure of dunks. A solid backboard is also required, with excellent rebound, so you can enjoy the thrill of a real game. Pro Dunk Hercules Platinum features all these, and more, as it was designed to cover the needs of both professional players and basketball enthusiasts.

Rock-Solid Pole

The most important thing about in-ground hoops is the stability they provide after being fixed, and this depends mainly on the size, material, and quality of the pole. You should take into consideration the fact that this isn’t a portable hoop. It was designed for institutional use and can be placed in parks, schools, or a nice spot in your neighborhood. This is why it comes with a 6” x 6” one-piece square pole, with walls as thick as 7 gauge that, once fixed, will remain in the same spot for years, without wobbling or bending in the face of the harshest slam dunks.

Real-Life Experience

The whole structure is made of stainless steel to safely support the weight of the players. The backboard measures 72 inches in height and is 1/2-inch thick. Moreover, it is made of tempered glass, which is known for its outstanding resistance and rebound. The set includes a competition-grade rim designed to resist in front of hanging and dunking without voiding the warranty. Besides that, a free padding set is included for extra protection.

Rust Armor

The problem with cheap hoops is they rust. And this doesn’t happen after years of practice when the old pall has done its job and needs a well-deserved rest. They tend to degrade in just a few months from the date of purchase. Pro Dunk, however, seems to have found the solution and provided their hoop with a rust armor to protect it against rust and corrosion. This means that the whole structure is made of stainless-steel and zinc-galvanized. Plus, it is covered by an extended corrosion warranty, apart from the lifetime warranty for all the components, including the rim, and the 1-year warranty for the free padding.

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2. Goalrilla FT54

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No matter if you are a master of basketball or a kid training for the big dream, this hoop is designed to fit everyone’s needs. Including a large backboard and a solid round pole, it provides the perfect equilibrium and steadiness for any level of game or practice. Moreover, it comes with a solid frame that is powder-coated for a professional aspect and gives you the feeling you are already playing the big basketball match.

Kids are growing and the hoop should grow with them for a complete and continuous sports experience. That’s why Goalrilla FT54 allows you to adjust the rim height from 7.5’ to 10’, turning this model into a lifetime acquisition. Weight is not a problem due to the solid steel pole and the Pro-Style Breakaway rim that flexes and keeps everybody safe by diminishing the force on the player during dunks. Plus, it comes with dual extension arms and a triple-joint connection that increase its stability and reduce the risk of accidents.

You can choose between three backboard sizes, as it can easily accommodate a 54″, a 60″ or a 72″ one. Made only of tempered glass, which is 10 times stronger than regular glass, it is incredibly durable and won’t shatter with ease. As a matter of fact, it won’t shatter at all, as this material resembles car windshields, and is more likely to crumble and remain in place than fall over your head. Furthermore, due to its well-thought design that allows you to see through the backboard, your view won’t be obstructed, plus, you will get the best rebound performance that will strengthen your skills and improve your practice.

A hoop that trembles whenever the ball touches it and seems to crush over you every time you try a dunk is never welcomed, as it will not only affect your play performance but endanger you and all the other players. Hers’s where FT54’s anchor system proves its efficiency as it cures in concrete for incredible improved strength. Plus, it includes rebar steel rods that add even more stability. And if you worry that such a sturdy anchor won’t allow you to move it later, you shouldn’t, as the goal base mounts to anchor and includes the option to unbolt the hoop if you need to find another space for it.

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3. Pro Dunk Silver PDSAWRA

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The smallest brother in the Pro Dunk hoop family, but also the most affordable, Silver PDSAWRA carries with it the great quality and sturdiness of the Gold, Platinum and Diamond models. Equipped with a rust armor that includes galvanized and stainless steel components, it is ready to fight any weather conditions that can cause it to corrode or rust. And, more as a precaution, the manufacturer throws in an extended corrosion warranty as well, along with the limited lifetime warranty for every damage occurred during playing, including hanging and dunking.

The backboard has the proper 54″ size for regular basketball practice and is made of tempered glass, guaranteeing a great lifespan and security during every play session. Its ½-inch thickness ensures a realistic rebound and helps the player get the hang of what a real game feels like.

Since you pay good money for this product, the adjustable height is a nice touch, as it allows you to set the proper height for every member of your family within the 5’ and 10’ range. Other extra benefits are the thick padding on the backboard, gusset, and pole that offers protection against harsh outdoor conditions, and the 5’ x 5’ solid round pole which can be fixed in cement due to the included anchor kit.

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4. Goalrilla GS54

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This is a more compact model, produced by Goalrilla for smaller driveways that cannot accommodate regular-size hoops. Provided with the in-ground anchor system, it can be fixed in cement with the possibility of later removing the bolts, if it needs to go with you to a new home. The pole is made of solid steel and measures 5’’ x 5’’, ensuring a sturdy base and the stability required by the game. Furthermore, the entire construction is powder-coated and treated against UV effects, with increased resistance to rust and corrosion.

It allows you to set the right height with a range of 7.5’ to 10’ so every single user can get the perfect experience. The wide 54” backboard is made entirely of tempered glass with a thickness of 3/8 inches and provides great rebound and security, no matter how intense your game is. Besides unshuttering glass, you get a rim that flexes and absorbs part of the pressure and a very strong goal, all protected by a limited lifetime warranty.

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5. First Team Game Changer

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Designed to ensure a real-life game experience, this model comes with an extra-large 60-inch backboard that is made of tempered glass for increased strength. The solid 1-piece 5” x 5” pole is made of heavy-duty steel and offers the stability required by long-term, serious practice. Besides that, features anchor bolt mounting system that allows you to move or remove the basketball goal. The height is adjustable and the rim can go as high as 10’ and as low as 7.5’, so if you are looking for a hoop for your children that can grow with them, this model from First Team is a great option.

The glass backboard is as thick as 5/16” and produces optimal rebound so you can effectively practice your skills. There are 30 inches between the backboard and the post so the risk of the player coming in contact with the board is minimal. Besides that, the backboard is padded, so it will last longer. Not to mention that the entire structure is covered by an excellent limited lifetime warranty.

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6. Spalding 88825G

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This is the official basketball system of the NBA and it truly deserves its position as it comes with many attractive features and one of the steadiest designs. The backboard is not only made of thick tempered glass, but it is padded with a steel frame, thus delivering incredible rebound and genuine game experience. Able to withstand harsh weather conditions and aggressive play, you won’t have to invest in repairs for many years to come. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty for any damages that may appear during basketball games.

If you plan on buying it for your kid, this is a very smart investment, as it allows you to adjust the height between 7’ and 10’, by increasing it every time your child’s height reaches a new level. Moreover, it features a safety stop that won’t let it go under 6’6”, helping you keep a good space between the ground and the rim. The 5” x 5” pole is NBA branded and made only of heavy-duty steel, offering the robustness this unit needs.

Apart from the many adjustment settings delivered by the U-lift pro system, you will find extra versatility in matter of backboard sizes, as it allows you to choose between a 54”, 60” and 72” one, depending on your experience and practice needs.

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7. Silverback B5402W

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We appreciated this model’s safety features like the 4” x 4” padded steel pole or the backboard pad, specially designed to add extra support to the backboard and keep it in place no matter how active your game is. Equipped with a Pro-style breakaway rim that is flexible and able to absorb the extra impact energy, and 5/16” thick tempered glass, it is perfect for dunks and intense basketball activity. Furthermore, it comes with a rim height adjustment option that allows you to set its height anywhere between the safety-approved 7.5’ and the NBA regulation height of 10’ in 6 inches increments.

The great deal about this model is the price that makes it a great fit for every pocket and this without cutting corners when it comes to quality. In fact, you will get a large 60” backboard and a powder-coated rust-resistant structure which offers the performance of a gymnasium-style goal. The 5-year warranty is also welcomed and you will be able to use it for any deterioration that may arise from normal basketball-use.

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8. Spalding FPS-5564

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Moving on to medium-priced hoops, you will find this one more than perfect for regular backyard practice. Including a 54” tempered glass backboard and adjustment settings that allow you to set the height between 7.5’ and 10’, it can be safely used both by adults and children. Moreover, once you’ve secured the pole in cement, you will be able to enjoy its incredible stability and robustness. The Pro Image Breakaway rim is provided with a weather-resistant net that will go through several seasons before requiring to be replaced. Not to mention that the whole structure is made of stainless materials and provided with a strong aluminum frame, meant to keep the backboard in place and provide a professional look.

Although the assembly may take a while as you have to dig a hole and wait for the concrete to dry out, your hard work will pay off in the end, once you discover its excellent steadiness. Plus, the ground sleeve will save you time if you ever decide to move it or replace it with a new hoop.

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9. S.R. Smith S-BASK-CH

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Provided with a 12-inch anchor seatback and with a 304 stainless steel frame that is coated by a vinyl finish, this hoop is perfect for water basketball. Sealed against salt, it won’t rust or corrode even after years of being splashed with salty water. Moreover, the design is intuitive and it won’t take you long to put it together, although you may need an extra hand as it weighs 68 pounds. Sturdy and durable, it allows you to do some serious practice and is a wonderful choice for pool parties where it can add some extra fun.

The acrylic backboard is clear, offering perfect visibility, while the 0.065” thick, 90” OD frame allows dunking and ensures a perfect balance. The package includes the plastic anchor, needle, net, regulation rim and escutcheons, and you will find everything you need for assembly in your garage. Plus, when the basketball season is over, you can easily remove it and store it inside.

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10. Silverback B8402W

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If you are not willing to put up with extended assembly procedures, you should take a look at Silverback B8402W which comes with the rim and other hardware components already installed and is ready for the game in no more than 90 minutes. All you need to do is stick it in its hole, pour concrete and wait for it to dry. The result will be a highly resistant and rigid structure that won’t move an inch no matter if you are aggressively practicing or just casually playing. The backboard is clear and 54” wide, providing good rebound and visibility.

In addition, the Pro-Style Breakaway technology is used for the rim, adding extra flexibility and keeping the game safe and pleasant. The height can be adjusted from 7.5’ to 10’ with the help of a single easy-to-operate crank actuator which can be handled both by adults and children. Furthermore, all components are backed by a 5-year warranty for any kind of damage produced during normal game activity.

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11. Lifetime 71525

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Don’t let this hoop’s small price deceive you, as it comes with the same quality and strength as many more expensive models. The 3.5” x 3.5” pole fixes in the ground with cement and once it’s dry, you will be able to practice your game in whatever manner you like. Aggressive player? It will hold. Dunk enthusiast? It will hold. The rebound is also great, with a shatter-proof 54” backboard made of strong Makrolon polycarbonate and protected by a blow-molded frame. Moreover, it comes with a Slam-It Pro rim which includes double-compression springs. These absorb the pressure during dunking, ensuring the safety of the player while conserving the rim’s shape and position.

You can also set the rim’s height by operating a handle with a single hand. Even kids can manage this mechanism that allows them to choose a height between 7.5’ and 10’ without a limit in increments. The whole system is made to resist harsh weather conditions, as it comes with an all-weather nylon net and is powder-coated, providing better protection against rust and corrosion. Plus, it includes a 5-year warranty that covers damages produced during game activities.

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12. Lifetime 71281

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The hoop doesn’t need to weigh a ton to provide the right levels of safety and stability, as long as the technology used to keep it in the ground is performant enough. Lifetime 71281 is equipped with a 3-piece 3.5” round pole and a friction-weld joint that eliminate vibrations, offering a robust stand for any kind of game activities. It will bravely go through any season thanks to its powder-coated steel structure and weather-resist treatment that protects it against UV radiation and prevents rusting and discoloration.

The NBA standard for rim height is 10’, but you may need a lower height for your kids, and here’s where the easy-to-use adjustment handle proves its utility, allowing you to lower the rim as low as 7.5’, which is the limit for a safe play. Moreover, there’s no limit when it comes to increments, so you can get exactly the height level you need with just a squeeze of the handle. The 52” backboard is large enough for home practice and offers good visibility and rebound, as it is made of strong, clear polyethylene.

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13. Spalding 88291

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You can turn your in-ground hoop in a portable one by using a ground sleeve which in many cases is not included in the package. However, Spalding took care of this problem and provided its model with one, offering you the option to take it with you if you change houses. The 54” acrylic backboard is unexpectedly large for the price and includes a steel frame for support and extra safety. Designed for outdoor residential play, it can resist high temperatures, wind, snow, and rain without rusting or getting easily damaged. The 3.5” round steel pole is strong enough to ensure stability and limit trembling to a minimum. Moreover, it features a Pro Slim breakaway rim that absorbs shocks during slam-dunking, allowing intense sessions of training.

The height of the rim adjusts in 6” increments, going from 7.5’ to 10’, so this model will grow at the same pace with your kids, allowing them to progressively develop their game skills. Although the backboard is made of acrylic, it produces a great rebound which can only be rivaled by tempered glass.

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14. Lifetime 90020

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Designed by one of the most reliable basketball hoop manufacturers, Lifetime 90020 comes with all the trademarks: durability, adjustability, and easy installation. It is smaller than other models, therefore it will be an excellent purchase if you are a bit short on space. Although the backboard is polycarbonate, it is provided with a Makralon surface and fade resistant graphics that increase its durability and make it look like glass.

High-Quality Accessories

The hoop’s structure is stainless steel, therefore it will easily support dunks and other exercises. It is provided with a 3-piece round pole, which is made of stainless steel and measures 3.5 inches in diameter. Moreover, this model comes with high-quality accessories, including:

• 18” Slam-It Rim – Built with 0.5” steel braces, a 5/8” solid steel ring, and double compression springs
• 48” Shatterproof Fusion Backboard – Comes with fade-resistant graphics
• Action Grip Adjustment – Allows you to adjust the hoop’s height from 7.5” to 10” in increments of 6”
• All-Weather Net – Weighs 70 grams

The pole is powder coated, so you don’t have to worry that it will rust and destabilize the hoop. Furthermore, the backboard features extra padding and you get a 22-inch offset from the playing surface of the pole.

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Conclusion

Whether you are an experienced player looking for a hoop that can stand your intense practice sessions or a basketball enthusiast who wishes to bring home the thrill of the competition, you will find a great model within our top, as we have paid great attention when choosing the products and picked only those that meet the highest quality standards. We’ve also checked the prices and made sure there’s a great model for every pocket, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding the one that best fits you.

Not sure what to buy yet? Here are some products that deserve a second look:

Best Overall: Pro Dunk Hercules Platinum

One of the most robust hoops on the market, Hercules Platinum comes with a rock-solid stainless steel structure, designed to bear the pressure of institutional use. The base is 1-piece and measures 6 x 6 inches, increasing the stability of the hoop. Furthermore, it is protected by a rust armor, this meaning that the stainless-steel components are zinc galvanized so they can resist corrosion and rust.

Another impressive feature is the huge 72-inch backboard. Not only that it is 1/2 inches thick, and thus more resistant, but it is made of shatterproof temperate glass that produces the rebound of a professional hoop, thus creating the conditions of real-life competition.

Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for the Money: Spalding 88825G

It costs under $1,000 but is able to recreate the conditions of a real-life game, allowing you to practice your skills without exceeding your budget. The backboard is tempered glass and you can choose between size 54”, 60” or 72”. Additionally, it includes a handle that allows you to adjust the height from 7.5’ to 10’ in infinite increments.

The breakaway rim breaks to the front reducing the pressure put on it by the user’s weight. This way it doesn’t break. Another excellent safety feature is the safety stop that doesn’t allow you to lower the goal below 6’ 6”.

Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for Driveway: Silverback B5402W

Less heavy than professional hoops but just as sturdy and stable due to the large 4” x 4” powder-coated stainless steel pole, this model is perfect for backyards, driveways or patios, as it is easy to install and can be relocated when needed. The pole is secured into the ground through a concrete anchor system that allows you to remove the hoop from the ground and place it elsewhere if you are moving or just need the space for something else.

Additionally, we should mention that even if this hoop is moderately priced, it still comes with some of the premium features, including the large tempered glass backboard, pro-style breakaway rim, and height adjusting settings.

Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for Kids: Pro Dunk Silver PDSAWRA

If you are looking to turn your kid into a basketball champ, helping them practice from an early age is important. That’s why you’ll need a hoop that can adjust in height to meet their stage of development. Pro Dunk Silver allows you to adjust the height from 5 to 10 feet in infinite increments with the help of a handle that is so easy to use a kid can operate it.

Moreover, this model is highly resistant to rust, due to the Pro Dunk rust armor and comes with a 1-piece stainless-steel pole that once fixed in the ground won’t ever wobble or shake.

Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for Dunking: Goalrilla FT54

If you are going to practice dunking, you need a stable hoop that can hold your weight without getting unstable or wobbling. Luckily, you will find everything you need in this model from Goalrilla. The pole is one-piece and is fixed into the ground through an anchor system and reinforced with rebar steel rods. This increases stability to a maximum, while the anchor system allows you to take the hoop with you if you change houses.

Another important element when it comes to dunking is the rim. This hoop is provided with a Pro-Style breakaway rim that flexes under pressure, absorbing some of the player’s weight. Furthermore, for best performance, the backboard is tempered glass, mimicking the conditions of the real-life games, and the hoop adjusts in height to fit every player, no matter the age.