There are three primary types of basketball hoop systems.

In Ground Basketball Hoops - If you have the room and can afford it, it is always preferable to purchase an in ground basketball goal over any other kind. These systems feature a pole that you cement straight into the ground. However, you may also install into the ground with the help of a ground sleeve or a ground anchor. This makes the system much more stable, and is therefore able to offer much better rebound than other kind of basketball systems.

This cement installation provides a much sturdier base, this also means it is much easier to get a larger backboard at an affordable price. In ground basketball hoops also offer a much broader range of backboard materials than either portable or wall mounted units.

Portable Basketball Hoops – Portable basketball hoops are supported by a base that you fill with water or sand. For convenience, these systems often features wheels that make it much easier to move them around.

Portable Basketball goals are your best choice if you don’t want to permanently install a basketball hoop in your backyard. They are also a great option if your housing association doesn’t allow for permanent basketball hoops to be out during the day. You can simply roll the system to your driveway when you want to shoot some hoops, and roll it back into storage when you are done.

Wall Mounted Basketball Hoops – Wall or roof mounted basketball hoops are great for when you don’t really have the space for an in ground or portable system. With some of the lower end residential wall mounted basketball goals, you will actually need to purchase the bracket that attaches the backboard to your wall separately. Most manufacturers offer two kinds of basketball brackets for wall mounted units: fixed and adjustable. If you have young children who might want to

There are actually two more kinds of basketball hoops that you are more likely to find indoors.

Electronic Basketball Hoops - An electronic basketball hoop system is an arcade style game that keeps track of how many baskets you successfully make in a given period of time. They can range anywhere from cheap home models, all the way up to arcade quality units that can cost thousands of dollars.

Toy Basketball Hoops - Toy basketball hoops are smaller systems that you can hang with brackets on your door or attach with suction cups. They often come with smaller rubber or foam balls that are much safer to throw around indoors. These systems are a great, fun way to practice your free throw in your room or at the office. Many units even feature licensed logos from NBA or NCAA teams.