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Smart Shopping for Basketball Goals

Basketball goals have changed dramatically over the years, and are now available for a variety of settings. Most consumers purchase a basketball hoop or goal to be placed on the side of the driveway. You can purchase and install a permanent goal, anchored to the ground in concrete, but if moving is a possibility, a portable goal is recommended. This type basket is not built into the ground, but is weighted down with sand or water to keep it from moving. Institutional goals are for professional, college and high school teams. They are bigger, heavier and designed for excessive wear and tear.

What to Look for
Most consumers look for versatility from their outdoor basketball goals, whether they are permanent or portable. The most versatile hoops have adjustable height settings. If you want to introduce basketball to your family, keep in mind that younger children cannot shoot the ball at a regulation 10-foot hope. Younger athletes need to shoot at a 7-foot, 8-foot or 9-foot goal. A versatile hoop should be easy to adjust so parents can raise or lower the basket as youngsters get older and bigger, or new generations start to play.

Common Pitfalls
Some homeowners who want to install a goal will opt for a permanent hoop and then find themselves moving within 6 months because of a job transfer. While the permanent goal can add value to the home, it can also limit the number of those interested in purchasing the property. Older people, for example, who have no children might not be interested in a home with a permanent basketball goal. In past generations, baskets were often attached to a garage or part of the house. These goals usually will not last more than a season or two before they tip or pull away from the house. Also keep in mind the installation process; trying to install a goal without proper tools is usually a recipe for disaster.