Choosing a new basketball system can be overwhelming, especially if your buying for the first time. This is a guide to help assist you in choosing the basketball system that is right for you and your family.

By remembering the following 2 simple steps allows you to gain a greater understanding of what the differences are between the systems we available/ the differences between backboards/ correct basketball sizing aswell as frequently asked questions when it comes to choosing a basketball system.

 

STEP 1. CHOOSE A TYPE THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS

When choosing the type of basketball system that suits your needs you will need to consider the following.

Consider where the system will be, and who will be using it.

In-ground basketball systems

Best for:

Where – Premium performance usage in a permanent paved/ concreted area

Who – Competitive or professional players, casual but regular players, families, teens. Standard in-ground basketball systems secure the basketball pole in concrete. These types of basketball systems offer the best level of stability. The pole cannot be removed or adjusted without damaging the concrete, but some systems can be removed using a ground sleeve. The height of these systems is adjustable.

Portable basketball systems

Best for:

Where – Anywhere where portability is important or where the system will be moved

Who – Portable systems with an acrylic or polycarb backboard are best for casual players, young kids and families. Portable systems with a glass backboard are ideal for competitive players. A portable basketball system allows you to play basketball almost anywhere. These standalone units feature a base with wheels, backboard, pole and rim. For stability, fill the base with water or sand. These basketball systems are convenient and easy. Portable basketball systems offer a similar amount of stability as in-ground systems, and are a great option for those who are deterred by basketball system installation. These basketball systems make great Christmas gifts as they are enjoyable for the whole family. They are also adjustable; helpful for teaching young kinds to play. Sportsmart stocks the largest range of portable basketball systems in Australia.

Wall-mounted basketball systems

Best for:

Where – Tight spaces or areas where there is no fixed place for a pole/bar

Who – Casual but regular players, families, teens. Wall-mounted basketball systems can be attached to a garage/carport, wall, side of the house etc. These types of basketball systems will need to be installed, and generally include a backboard, hoop and net. Backboards require the mounting kit/connections to be purchased separately, and they can be either fixed or adjustable. Sportsmart sells suitable mounting equipment in store and online. When purchasing a wall-mounted basketball system, it is important to consider the area in which the system will be placed. Different types of roofs may have trouble holding the backboard straight. When considering this option, ensure you make staff aware of where your basketball backboard will be placed so they can offer installation advice. Basketball rings need to be mounted to 10 feet.

 

STEP 2. CHOOSE BACKBOARD SIZE & TYPE

Size considerations:

The main factors affecting the size you choose are the size of your playing area and the skill level of those who will be using it.

Sportsmart offers a fantastic range of basketball backboards that come in 8 sizes: 24”, 32”, 42”, 44”, 48”, 50”, 52”, 54”, 60” and 72”.

–       The 24” and 32” are junior basketball systems are generally best for young kids from 3 years old.

–       The 42” and 44” backboards are most suited to young children playing casually or for fun.

–       Backboards sized 48”, 50” and 52” are best for a small playing area, and can often be a good option to suit budgets.

–       For a playing area the size of a 2-car driveway, a 54” or 60” backboard will suit best.

–       For more professional players who want to best replicate actual playing conditions, and who have the space and budget to suit, a 72” backboard is ideal.

Material type:

The materials used in the backboard affect the bounce or rebound factor.

Glass

Glass backboards feature the best rebound performance and are ideal for highly competitive play. Glass backboards also stay crystal clear for the life of the basketball system.

Best for: heavy use; competition or professional players

Acrylic

Acrylic backboards feature very good rebound performance and are ideal for competitive play. Acrylic backboards are lighter than glass boards, so they don’t require as large of a pole to support them. While acrylic boards can dull from scratches, this is a cheaper option than glass backboards.

Best for: casual-heavy use; families; teens and children

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate backboards feature good rebound performance and are ideal for recreational play.

Best for: casual use; children

Composite

Composite backboards offer a recreational level of play and a large variety of colour options.

Best for: young children playing for fun

 

There are a number of other considerations that will affect your decision such as your preferred method of height adjustment, which can vary between different systems, ring type, and which basketball systems fit within your budget. But if you follow the 2-step process, you really can’t go wrong!

  

Below are frequently asked questions our staff get asked relating to choosing the right basketball system.

 

What size backboard do I need? 

Sportsmart stocks basketball systems with backboards ranging from 44” to 72”.  For schools and clubs the most common size used is 60”.  For beginners and people just wanting to have fun 44” is a great starting size with the focus on the shooting square to provide guidance for the younger players in becoming a better player.

The most popular size across Sportsmart range is 54” which allows for a balance between great play and practice. Weather it may be layups, shots from the perimeter or free throw shooting.

When talking about the size of the backboard, the size is taken across the top of the board. One of the main benefits of any backboard size is the shooting square and the ring size. The square and ring size stay the same on every system –  meaning you can take your skills the practise court to the real thing.

 

What type of backboard do I need? Do I need to buy glass? 

Sportsmart stocks 4 types of boards. Eco-composite, polycarbonate, acrylic and Glass. The distinguishing factor is the rebound provided by each backboard.

Glass provides the best rebound and is what is used by most schools and clubs on their courts.

Acrylic is a great option for the player that considers themselves competitive. The acrylic backboard provides a great rebound and ensures the players shots have a very close feel to the glass backboard they may use at their local club and school.

For all beginners and younger players, the eco and polycarbonate are a recommended highly. They are a great option to get the players onto the court and learning how to shoot whist at a price that won’t break the bank.

 

What size basketball do my kids need? 

Basketballs come in 4 sizes 1(mini) 5,6 and 7.  Depending on the ages of the kids using them the standard sizes are as follows:

AGE/ SIZE

9 AND UNDER – SIZE 5 (27”)

MALES 9-13 – SIZE 6 (28.5”)

FEMALES 9 AND OVER – SIZE 6 (28.5”)

MALES 13 AND OVER – SIZE 7 (29.5”)

Australian basketball players use the sizing chart of 5,6 and 7 while Americans use sizing charts shown in inches of 27, 28.5 and 29.5.  Please note that this is only a guide to choosing the right basketball be sure to check with your local club as your local club may differ to suit their relevant coaching programs.

 

Are your basketball system heights adjustable?

All our systems are indeed adjustable. Adjustable heights range from 7.5ft (2.3m to 3.05m) with height increments of half an inch.

Each basketball system uses different adjustment mechanisms ranging from a push pin to a screw jack handles. Each mechanism allows easy adjusting when needed.

The purpose for having adjustment systems is to allows the younger players to learn the skills at there own pace, gradually increasing their height as their skills improve or they go up in age group.

A recommendation for all systems is to lower the height of the backboard during strong weather / windy conditions to avoid damage to your basketball system.

 

Do we need to assemble the system when we get home?

Yes, you will. All our systems require assembly and normally require the participation of 2 capable adults.  All the systems come with a detailed step by step instruction manual which is easy to follow to ensure the correct assemble is achieved.

We also provide assembly personal who can come to your house and assemble the systems at your convenience (this does require an extra charge).

TIPS WHEN ASSEMBLING A BASKETBALL SYSTEM

• Using the correct lifting techniques when moving the box containing your basketball system. These systems can be heavy and awkward while in the box.
• Thoroughly read the instruction manual paying special attention to all warnings.
• Write your model number on the manual in space provided and retain for future reference after completing the assembly process. (Receipt should also be retained.)
• Make sure you have all the proper tools available to assembly the system.
• Make sure sand or water, for the ballast, is available before beginning the assembly process.
• Remove all parts from the box and using the parts list make sure all parts are present before beginning the assembly process. If parts are missing please contact place of purchase to obtain missing part.
• As stated in the manual, certain holes need to be reamed out using a bolt, clearing excess paint for a proper fit.
• Typically, two capable adults are required to properly assemble a basketball system. In some cases more people may be needed. Please refer to the safety instructions.
• If you have a clear board option, make sure you peel the protective film from the board surface before assembling the Rim.
• Do not over adjust the height of your goal. This may cause damage to your system height adjustment lift.
• When assembling poles, make sure they are properly marked before assembly and it is very important that the poles not be over assembled or over swaged.
• Do not over tighten fasteners.

 

When it comes to choosing the right basketball systems for you we have you covered this holiday season! Sportsmart has a wide range of basketball systems suited to all types of players.

Feel free to visit us in store at our 3 store locations Moorabbin, Northcote & Kilsyth and one of our friendly and enthusiastic staff members they will be able to assist with any additional advice and information you may require.

Alternately why not contact our online team for more advice on finding the right basketball system. All online orders placed before December 14 Sportsmart guarantees delivery before Christmas!

Click here to view our range of basketball systems.

http://sportsmart.com.au/c/basketball/basketball-rings-and-systems