How to Choose an In-Ground Basketball Hoop
When you are choosing among Goalsetter in-ground basketball hoops, you’re choosing from the safest, most durable, adjustable basketball systems in the industry. Goalsetter builds in-ground basketball systems strong enough for driveways, backyards, and institutional courts. This basketball hoop buying guide will walk you through your decisions – pole size, backboard size, backboard material, and height-adjustment – so you can land on the right Goalsetter configuration for your space, players, and budgets.
| Basketball Hoop Category | Options to Consider |
| Pole Sizes | 4" x 4", 5" x 5", 6" x 6" |
| Backboard Widths | 48", 54", 60", 72" |
| Backboard Materials | Tempered glass, acrylic |
| Height-adjustment series | Signature (offset pole), Extreme (straight pole) |
| Adjustment Range | 6'-10' (Signature), 6'8"-10' (Extreme) |
| Country of Origin | 100% of Goalsetter Basketball Hoops Made in the USA |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
DETERMINE WHICH IN-GROUND BASKETBALL HOOP IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Step 1: Match pole and backboard width to your space
The size of your play area determines how large a basketball hoop system can fit comfortably and safely.
| Play Area | Recommended Pole Size | Recommended Backboard Width |
| Large – 3-car driveway or dedicated basketball court | 6" x 6" or 5" x 5" | 72" or 60" |
| Medium - 2-car driveway | 5" x 5" | 60" or 54" |
| Small - 1-car driveway | 5" x 5" or 4" x 4" | 54" or 48" |
Do you have a driveway with a 1, 2, or 3 car garage, or maybe a dedicated court?
No matter where you are installing Goalsetter basketball hoop, the amount of play area will help determine which system will fit best in your area.
The basic rule of thumb is: the larger your playing area, the larger the system can be, fitting your basketball court perfectly.
Step 2: Match backboard size to player level
The skill level of the players who will be using the basketball hoop will determine the size of backboard you need for your system. No matter which Goalsetter backboard size you choose, the ball response will be “competition-grade” quality – the kind of ball response you can expect from an indoor arena at the high school or college level. Goalsetter uses “H-frame” backboard technology to provide precise and consistent ball response. In addition, the H-Frame delivers lifetime durability.
| Backboard Size | Best For |
| 72" x 42" | Former, current, or serious basketball players who want the regulation size used in high school, college, and NBA competition - the closest to an arena feel |
| 60" x 38" | Goalsetter's best-selling size; built for serious play, but sized well for young families and recreational players of all ages |
| 54" x 36" | Families with young players still learning the game; the same ball response and durability as the larger backboards |
| 48" x 32" | The most economical way to get a full Goalsetter; suited to families focused on recreational play with young children |
Step 3: Choose your backboard material – acrylic or tempered glass
- Tempered glass is the standard choice for residential basketball hoop systems and gives the truest, most authentic ball rebound
- Acrylic is recommended recommended for institutional/commercial installations.
Step 4: Choose your height adjustment type
How much a goal’s rim height can be adjusted is a key item to evaluate. With the rim at lower heights, younger children can experience the joy and happiness of making a basket while learning the proper way to shoot a basketball.
- Offset Pole – The SIGNATURE SERIES With Goalsetter’s exclusive offset pole design, the rim height can be adjusted from 6’ to 10’. The offset pole also enables the height adjustment mechanism (the patented Goalsetter Compression Jack) to be located inside the pole. The internal Compression Height Adjustment is unique to Goalsetter. Internal placement protects the mechanism from weather and vandalism, and eliminates exposed pinch and grab points, increasing the safety of the system. The adjustment handle is located 3’ off the ground for “doorknob height,” and is very user friendly for small children.
- Straight Pole – The EXTREME SERIES Goalsetter’s straight pole design, comparable to major competitors, can be adjusted from 6’ 8” to 10’. The durable height adjustment mechanism is attached to the outside of the pole. Goalsetter hardware is coated with Magni 577, a black, UV stable, zinc and aluminum rich finish used by automakers and NASA for products exposed to environmental extremes. The durable coating is completely chrome free, is protected from scrapes and surface nicks, and greatly extends the lifespan of steel hardware.
Understand the basketball hoop foundation
The stability of a goal system starts from the foundation up with the one-of-a-kind Hinged Ground-Anchor. The Ground Anchor is made of 7-gauge (3/16” thick) structural steel which is embedded in concrete, providing a solid foundation to ensure superior performance and durability — a more solid foundation than competitive systems using 4, 18” j-bolts embedded in concrete. Goalsetter’s offset and straight pole designs are both made of square, 7-gauge (3/16” wall thickness) structural steel.
A corrosion-resistant paint process of one primer coat and two coats of acrylic-enamel is applied to each system. The paint is oven-cured to ensure superior adhesion and a high-gloss “car like” finish. Nylon bushings are used at all pivot points to prevent steel-on-steel contact and avoid hole elongation, finish damage and rust. The combination of the Hinged Ground-Anchor, the heavy-gauge steel pole, and the corrosion resistant finish make every Goalsetter pole foundation and pole system more than durable enough for outdoor residential and institutional play. When considering a Goalsetter for an institutional setting, the pole size and board arm configuration must be a consideration when expecting the most aggressive use of a system.
Made in the U.S.A.
100% of Goalsetter basketball hoops are made in the U.S.A and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Which is the right basketball hoop system for your family?
Among Goalsetter’s 13 models, there’s a high-quality basketball system that will accommodate practically anyone’s budget who’s in the market for an outdoor basketball system. Pole and backboard sizes can be combined to achieve a functional and practical system that meet the different needs and objectives for families and athletes.
Please browse our site to discover the system that’s right for you. And, do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-467-1421 with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Goalsetter's Signature and Extreme Series?
The Signature Series uses an offset pole with the compression Jack adjustment mechanism built inside the pole, adjusting from 6' to 10'. The Extreme uses a straight pole with an external, Magni-577 coated adjustment mechanism, adjusting from 6'8" to 10'.
How low can a Goalsetter hoop go for young kids?
The Signature Series offset-pole design adjusts down to 6', the lowest starting height in the Goalsetter lineup, with a handle positioned at "doorknob height" (3 feet) for kids to operate themselves.
Should I choose a glass or acrylic backboard?
Choose tempered glass for residential use — it delivers the most authentic ball rebound. Choose acrylic for institutional or commercial installations that see heavier, continuous use.
What size backboard is best for a young family just learning the game?
The 60" backboard is our most popular and built for young players first learning basketball, with room to grow into as their skill level grows.