Portable, Combination, or In Ground Basketball Goals: Which is the Best Choice?

Perhaps you've recognized the value of setting up a basketball hoop at your home. It encourages your children to get outside and get some good old-fashioned activity?like when we were kids. And in my own personal opinion, there aren't many more positive ways a parent can influence a child's habits than getting them intrigued in sports from a young age. But you may have noticed there are a few options when it comes to setting up your basketball hoop?portable, combination, and in ground basketball goals.

1. Portable Basketball Goals

The portable basketball hoop stands wherever you want it to stand and can be moved around your yard or driveway whenever needed?all the elements of the goal are contained in one standalone system. It includes a rim, a backboard, and a base for support (which is sometimes filled with something heavy, like sand or water, as needed).

Some portable goals are even built on wheels or have the option to adjust the height as you see fit. For many, this versatility is appealing, and the fact that it doesn't take a lot of work to set it up makes it a popular choice.

That said, for many people, a portable basketball goal is a little too cheap and flimsy; it doesn't offer the stability of in ground basketball goals, and it comes across as a bit hokey.

2. In Ground Basketball Goals

The in ground basketball hoop is mounted by burying and cementing the pole into the ground, just as the name suggests. Although it is a more permanent type of addition to your home and yard, most in ground systems are installed using a "ground sleeve," and in fact, this is required in some cities and counties. When a ground sleeve is used to keep the cement from binding with the pole, the goal can be removed at a later date and put in another location if the owner chooses.

While these types of hoops obviously require more work to install, which can always be hired out to any general laborer, by the way, most people favor them because they offer a lot more stability and an authentic game experience.

3. Combination

The combination goal is your standard "hang-it-off-the-front-of-the-garage" basketball hoop that comes with a backboard, mounting apparatus, and a rim. While it might seem these are a bit more portable in nature, they are actually very difficult to remove once mounted and should really be considered permanent?at least a quality hoop fits this description, anyways.

While these are often a choice for people who don't have room for in ground basketball goals in their yard, some people find them a hassle because they can't be removed very easily and may even damage the home if removal is absolutely necessary.

The system that works for you largely depends on your needs, the limitations of your home environment, and the type of experience desired.