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Just because there is not enough room for a proper in-ground basketball hoop in your back garden or on your driveway, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy your favorite sport at home.
In fact, mini basketball hoops are more popular than ever, and while they are often associated with kids, the truth is they are just as popular among adults.
Mini hoops are quite diversified these days. Some of them can go above a door, outside. Some others are portable and can be moved here and there. Your options are countless, which can be a bit confusing.
Choosing the best mini basketball hoop implies figuring out what you truly need first. Once you figure it out, shopping becomes a breeze.
This article will introduce you to some of the best hoops out there, but I will also give you a quick guide on what to pay attention to when shopping.
Available in a few different designs and colors, I find this product to be the best mini basketball hoop based on the value for money, features, quality materials, and package. The unit has a steel rim, a shatterproof backboard that measures 16×12 inches, and a strong net.
It can be installed on a wall, be it over the door or somewhere in your backyard – make sure you have a solid surface to play, though. It has some sponge strips at the back to prevent damaging the wall or causing too much noise.
Compared to other hoops, this one is also small and compact – it is excellent if space is limited. You might as well install it indoors, but the noise might be a bit too much – you have been warned. The installation is straightforward – all tools and a manual of instructions are included.
If you do install it by a door, it should not be more than 2.17 inches in width. Other than that, the package also includes three mini basketballs, so there is nothing else you need to buy – just install it and get playing.
If you are unsure about a mini hoop or do not want to spend too much money, this unit from Rawlings will pleasingly surprise you. It costs less than most quality hoops out there, but it brings in some nice features that will not disappoint – great for kids and adults.
The backboard is available in more designs. Whether you like the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, or Chicago Bulls, there are backboards with each of these teams, so choose whatever you love. The package is quite complete – a 18×10.5-inch backboard, a metallic rim, and a solid nylon net.
Just like you have probably guessed already, the package also includes a rubber basketball. The polycarbonate backboard is quite durable and will give the rubber basketball a nice rebounding performance – however, I recommend taking it easy if you plan to install the hoop indoors.
While the rubber ball is soft enough to limit indoor damage, I would rather play in the basement than in the living room, especially if you get this mini hoop for your kid.
Assembling the hoop is a matter of minutes only. You do not require any solid tools to do it, and it has a detailed manual of instructions. You can mount it on any door indoors, but you can also install it outdoors – a bit more hassle there.
Pros
Great value for money
Durable materials
Soft rubber ball to limit indoor damage
Can be installed within minutes only
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor uses
Cons
Screws might rust if you install them outdoors, especially during the rainy season
This is the best mini hoop if you want to play basketball outdoors. It has a classic portable design and a solid base that must be filled up for stability. The difference? It is a mini system, so some adults may not find it too good for intense basketball.
Altogether, the hoop is good for adults and kids looking for some fun. The base is mobile and can fill with water or sand – as you may already know, I usually recommend sand because even if you do have a leak, sand will not escape and will not affect the stability of your hoop.
The base has wheels, so you can also move it fully – I recommend finding the right position before filling it up, though. It is just easier. The backboard is made of polycarbonate and shatterproof – it measures 33×23 inches and has a spring action rim measuring 14.5 inches in diameter.
The height is adjustable. It can go down to three feet for kids, but it can also go up to seven feet. As if all these were not enough, the package includes a seven-inch basketball too.
Pros
Ideal for outdoors, but you can also install it in a basement or a garage
Solid materials to withstand weather elements
Adjustable height
Shatterproof backboard
Comes with a basketball
Cons
You might want to apply a rustproof coating on it for extra durability if you keep it outdoors
Franklin Sports will not fool around when it comes to quality. This mini basketball hoop comes with a shatter-resistant backboard, which can successfully take long-distance shots without rattling or causing too much noise – besides, the rebounding performance is not bad for a mini hoop.
Then, what impressed me is the dual spring rim. Basically, this mini hoop has some of the features you would expect in more professional hoops. You can take three-point shots, but also dunk every now and then – I mostly recommend it to kids, though, and make sure your little one never hangs from the rim.
The setup is done with professionalism in mind. It can fit most regular doors, but it also comes with extra EVA foam for surface protection. It is the best indoor basketball hoop, but based on the materials, I think it could do a pretty good job outside too.
The setup is solid and requires an installation – no hassle at all. You have steel hardware, as well as all the tools you need. The package includes a five-inch rubber basketball. The rim measures 9.5 inches in diameter, so adults will find it quite easy to score.
Pros
Long lasting hardware
Shatter resistant backboard
EVA foam protection
Available in more colors and designs
Can take dunks and three-point shots
Cons
Adults will find it too easy to score the five-inch basketball into a 9.5-inch rim
If you have a kid who loves basketball and you do not want your house to be turned upside down, this is probably the best mini basketball hoop I can recommend. It is a miniature system – while adults can shoot some balls too for fun, it is mostly aimed at kids.
After all, the basketball included in the package only measures five inches in diameter. It is far from what an adult might expect from a basketball game, but throwing balls after a long day at work is still quite relaxing.
The unit comes with a clear polycarbonate backboard. It is shatterproof and measures 18×12 inches. Then, the breakaway steel rim is nine inches in diameter and features spring action. Your kid can also try dunking or slamming, but do not let them hang from the rim.
The installation is fairly simple – you also have a manual of instructions. All the tools are included in the package. You will notice the mounts have plenty of foam padding on the mounts, so the surface underneath will be protected.
Pros
Easy to put together
Extra padding for protection
Full package
Good value for money
Can take dunks
Cons
Adults will find it a bit too small for any real action
When I say this is the best mini basketball hoop for dunks, I mean it is suitable for kids interested in dunking. As an adult, you may not really want to try it – unless you are planning on soft dunks and mostly outdoors. Other than that, make sure your kid never hangs from the rim – chances are those screws will come off.
The mini hoop is recommended for door installations – and mostly indoors. You can have it outdoors too, but those screws may not get past a couple of rainy seasons. Based on polycarbonate, the backboard measures 16.5×12.5 inches and features a shatter-resistant design – great for durability.
There is a thick protective layer of foam at the back, as well as brackets. The role is to reduce noise when you play indoors, but also to prevent damage. Talking about the installation, it is quite intuitive – it can go on walls or doors. All the tools required are in the package.
The breakaway rim is based on solid steel and has spring action for dunks. Moreover, the package includes three 6.3-inch rubber balls, so there is pretty much nothing else you will need to start playing out of the box. Get it up and start shooting.
Pros
Can mostly take dunks from kids
Breakaway rim with spring action
Easy to install in more places
Comes with three basketballs
Shatter resistant backboard
Cons
While it does take dunks, adults should avoid them and be careful
Choosing the Best Mini Basketball Hoop – Our Buying Guide
Choosing the best mini basketball hoop can be a bit tricky. As you can see, there are different sizing standards – make sure you know what they mean and how large a five-inch basketball is before purchasing it – you might be surprised. All in all, here are a few things to pay attention to.
Design and installation
Door-mounted hoops go both indoors and outdoors. They are mostly aimed for indoor uses, though. However, they can also go outdoors, but make sure materials can withstand weather conditions. If you go for such a design, ensure there is plenty of padding to protect surfaces and prevent rattling noises.
On the other hand, wall-mounted hoops seem to be more durable. Again, they also go both indoors and outdoors. I recommend looking at materials and ensuring they are corrosion-resistant. If not sure, simply get some rustproof coating on them.
Type of play
The type of play is usually directly proportional to the players’ sizes. For instance, mini hoops are mostly aimed at kids. But then, adults can also use them – do not expect to be able to dunk without breaking it though, even if your kid can do it.
If dunking is important, spring action is mandatory. You also want solid screws and a top-notch installation. If you are after shooting, dunking falls on the second position, so spring action is not a necessity.
However, long-distance shots can ruin the backboard. Therefore, you want a shatterproof – or at least shatter-resistant – backboard. The rebounding performance is also worth some attention, especially if you have enough room to actually play against others.
Indoors or outdoors
Indoor hoops require solid materials, but they do not necessarily need to be rustproof or resistant. Sure, a humid climate could still cause issues in the long run, mostly because of the humidity targeting joints and hardware.
If you want to install the unit outdoors, you need to ensure materials can withstand humidity and rain – the most important weather conditions for such hoops. You need to ensure rust and corrosion will never be an issue. Regular maintenance may also be required.
Available budget
The budget is obviously a top consideration – after all, you cannot spend more than what you can afford. So, how much money are you willing to put in? Some hoops can cost two times more than others. They are still affordable, but you also want value for money.
The most expensive hoop out there will not necessarily be the best one. The cheapest one is likely to last you weeks or even days. Therefore, I suggest looking for value for money within your available budget.
Package
You can go for a full package with everything you need or buy it in small parts. A full package includes the backboard, rim, hardware, and specific tools, as well as at least one mini basketball. You only have to put the unit together, and it is ready for a game.
You can also buy a single hoop and choose the ball after, but I do not really recommend it. Small parts need to be compatible one with another. You need to check sizes and ensure everything matches – simply too much hassle. Instead, buy something with everything, put it together, and have fun.
Best Basketball Mini Hoop – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does shooting on a smaller rim help?
Shooting on a small rim asks for more concentration and skill. Youths training with small rims will find it easier to shoot on normal-size rims, so it is definitely a plus in their training.
What is the best material for mini basketball hoop backboards?
There are more options out there, but mini hoops are mostly aimed at kids – as well as adults looking for a bit of fun. Polycarbonate is almost always shatterproof, even if the rebounding performance is not the best – still good, though.
Bottom Line
The best mini basketball hoop is a concept that varies from one player to another. Choosing the right set depends on more aspects, but the above-mentioned systems stand out with their quality standards and use.
Make sure you know what you expect from a mini hoop – decide on your needs, and choosing the best system will become a breeze.
