Basketball Hoop: Types and Buying Guide

A basketball hoop is essential equipment for any basketball court. It falls under the category of basketball sports gear and includes the backboard and its supporting structure, positioned at the center of both ends of the court. Today, basketball hoops come in various types—including hydraulic, portable, fixed, wall-mounted, swan-neck, and cannon-style systems.

When purchasing a basketball hoop, it’s important to first determine whether your court is better suited for a portable or fixed system based on space and usage needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main hoop types and buying tips:

Types of Basketball Hoops

Hydraulic Basketball Hoop

This type uses a built-in hydraulic system to adjust the hoop to regulation height for games and training. It’s often referred to as an electric hydraulic basketball hoop and is developed according to FIBA standards.

  • Specs: Base dimensions 2.2m × 1.2m; Arm length: 3.25m
  • Features: Supports manual, electric, and remote-controlled lifting. Built-in wheels allow for easy mobility.
  • Materials: The backboard is made of high-strength tempered glass, offering excellent impact resistance, transparency, durability, and safety.

Portable Basketball Hoop With a Weighted Base

  • Main Pole: High-quality square steel tube, 150mm in diameter
  • Arm Length: Typically ranges from 160–225cm
  • Base Box: Made from quality steel plate; dimensions 30cm (H) × 100cm (W) × 180cm (L); filled with weight for stability
  • Support Rods: Triangular design with round steel rods connecting the pole and backboard for added stability
  • Rim: Made of high-quality steel; 450mm inner diameter (meets international standards)
  • Height: Standard hoop height is 3.05m from the ground
  • Color: Default is green (customizable on request)
  • Suitable for: Businesses, schools, military units, residential areas, entertainment venues, and streetball games
  • Use: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments

Fixed Single-Arm Basketball Hoop

  • Size: Arm length between 120–225cm; height is 305cm (standard)
  • Material: In-ground (embedded) design using 18cm × 18cm square steel poles with 4mm thickness
  • Surface Finish: Electrostatic powder coating
  • Structure: Three-point support system; includes tempered glass backboard and spring-loaded rim

Advantages:

  • Tempered Glass Backboard: 180cm × 105cm, framed with aluminum alloy; durable, impact-resistant, clear, and safe
  • Stability: Made from high-strength seamless steel. Longer arms reduce the risk of injury from momentum collisions. Embedded in 60 × 60 × 100cm concrete base for secure support
  • Rim: High-rebound tournament-grade rim for competitive play
  • Finish: Anti-rust, anti-oxidation, and fade-resistant coating

Outdoor Square Tube Cantilever Basketball Hoop

  • Arm Length: 225cm
  • Steel Frame: 5mm thick; 18cm × 18cm square steel tube
  • Backboard: Tempered laminated glass with aluminum edging; size 1800 × 1050 × 13mm
  • Color: Default blue (custom colors available)

Features:

  • High safety and weather resistance due to tempered laminated glass
  • Durable, bright design with high hardness and fade resistance

How to Choose a Basketball Hoop

Determine Court Purpose

If the court is used primarily for games or serious training, and the size is standard, a portable basketball hoop with a weighted base is a good choice. For smaller areas, a fixed (in-ground) hoop may be more suitable. If you’re specifically looking for portable systems, don’t miss our updated list of the Best Portable Basketball Hoops for 2025.

Structure Requirements

If you choose a wall-mounted basketball hoop, it must be installed on the main load-bearing structure of the building. Standard frame walls are not strong enough to support this type of hoop—especially when it comes to slam dunks in official games.

Indoor Use Preferences

Indoor courts typically use portable hoops—either adjustable (electric/manual hydraulic) or fixed height. 👉 For our top picks of the year, check out our Best Portable Basketball Hoops Buying Guide. Adjustable models are more expensive and ideal for competitions or intensive training. For budget-conscious buyers, standard portable options work well.

Backboard Overhang and Base Positioning

The base of a portable basketball hoop houses the counterweights and plays a crucial role in maintaining stability. When setting up the hoop, the placement of the base depends on the length of the overhanging support arm.

Be sure your court is wide and deep enough to accommodate the base and overhang without interfering with play.

The standard regulation distance from the backboard to the baseline is 1200mm.

If your hoop uses an 1800mm support arm, the base should be positioned 600mm behind the baseline to achieve the correct overhang.

The longer the support arm, the more space you’ll need behind the hoop for safe and proper installation.

In-Ground Basketball Hoops

In-ground basketball hoops, similar to those used outdoors, can also be installed indoors. However, due to the need for excavation during installation and the potential risk of damaging indoor flooring, this type is generally not recommended for indoor use.