Basketball is one of the most loved and famous sports worldwide. It needs a combination of physical and mental prowess to thrive in. playing basketball is always fun, and if you have a neighborhood court, watch the kids play and realize how much joy it brings them.
The younger generation at the moment spends too much time cooped up in the house, either playing video games or on social media. They are more familiar with PS4s and iPads than going outside to play and have a good time.
It is up to every parent to ensure their children live a healthy lifestyle that includes enough exercise. Outdoor activities are necessary for every child as it is beneficial to their health as well as enhancing their social skills.
Buying your child a basketball hoop for kids on one of the best ways you can encourage their physical activity. Millions play basketball, and this is a common ground for most kids. As they play, they come together and learn how to socialize and communicate.
Why Buy your Child a Basketball Hoop?
The main reason is safety and comfort. Most basketball hoops can be adjusted but will still not feel comfortable for a kid. Kids’ basketball hoops are made with a child’s dimensions in mind. This age-specific equipment will help your child play basketball more comfortably.
This equipment also guarantees your kid’s safety. They will shoot hoops with no strain, which will be more enjoyable. An age-appropriate hoop for your child is more efficient at helping them learn how to play the game.
The more they comfortably try to shoot hoops, the more they learn, and you never know, someday they may become a famous NBA player. If your child shows interest in the game, go ahead and get them one.
Let us look at some of the best basketball hoops for kids you can shop online, their disadvantages and advantages and what areas they are suitable for. Our list comprises hoops that are best for family settings.
5 Best Basketball Hoops for Kids Online
Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set:
This complete basketball set will grow with your kid from toddlerhood to childhood. You can start it off at 2.5 feet and can be adjusted 6 levels up. It is made of very stable plastic and can withstand any high amount of activity.
However, you should avoid overly heavy activity to ensure your child’s safety. The set comes with an oversized ring and 3 basketballs meaning your child can play with their friends. It is easy to assemble, and you can have it indoors or outdoors.
The hoop comes with a base, and you can add sand for stability, especially when your child grows older and heavier. It comes with a stiff backboard that reduces the chances of bank shots.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- It is adjustable
- Your kid will play with it for a long time through childhood
- It is an effortless slide set with a lock function and does not require tools to assemble
- Durable and sturdy
- Pocket friendly
Cons:
- The rim can be flimsy at times
- The net easily comes off, and you have to hook it up often
- The base can be wobbly without sand
- You have to get your own sand
Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Toy Basketball Hoop
This basketball hoop for toddlers is one of the best, and your kid will enjoy playing basketball on it. It has been ranked as the best basketball hoop for toddlers this year. Because it can be adjusted, it is also suitable for kids between 5 and 12 years old.
It comes with an easy to follow assembly manual, is easy to set up and you can have it in the house or outside.
Pros:
- It comes with a heavy base plate for more stability and sturdiness
- Suitable for kids of all ages
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor usage
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
Cons:
- Sometimes parts of the set go missing during shipment
- It cannot withstand heavy activity as the net is weak and can break easy
Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Portable Basketball Hoop
Fisher-price is a well-known brand selling quality toys for toddlers and kids. Their Fisher-Price Grow-To-Pro Portable Basketball Hoop is no exemption for quality. It is user-friendly and very lightweight.
Since it is portable, you can effortlessly move it from place to place. You can have it outdoors and indoors if your child prefers to play in the house and you have enough space.
It has a sturdy and solid base well suited for toddlers and kids who love to play rough. It is very stable and can withstand heavy activity without falling over.
Pros:
- The set comes with minimal parts making it easy to assemble
- It is very portable as it is made from a lightweight material
- It comes with a straightforward interactive manual you can use to set it up
- It comes with a 40-inch pole to cater for adjustment
Cons:
- Since it is made from plastic, it has a foul smell upon arrival, but the scent does go away after a few days of exposure
- Fisher-price is a traditional company that offers no guarantee even if your product arrives damaged
- Its adjustment point is very loose and becomes useless over time
Franklin Sports Kids Basketball Hoop
This Franklin Sports kids basketball court is a versatile model that suits grown-up kids more than toddlers. It has a stable surface and comes in a comfortable design. It has a movable base with wheels making moving and portability easier.
You can choose to set it up in the house or have it outside as it suits both environments. Its setup is not that small, fitting your child as they grow up. The structure can be adjusted to a maximum of 7 feet, making it a good investment.
The backboard is made of good quality material, is very sturdy and unbreakable. This makes it long-lasting. The free-standing hop has portable wheels that make it convenient for moving. You, however, need to fill the base with water or sand to make it stable.
Pros:
- You can play with your kids as it can be set on a telescoping height
- It comes with a mini basketball suitable for younger kids
- The rim functions under a spring-loaded mechanism
- The wheels make it easily portable
- It is ideal to set up as a driveway court
Cons:
- Too big for toddlers
- You have to fill the base with sand or water before playing to keep your child safe and stable
Step-2 shootin’ Hoops for Junior Basketball Set Review
The Step-2 Shootin’ Hoops for Toddlers is a lightweight, simple and easy to use basketball set for kids. This hoop set for juniors is made from light plastic, making it portable and easy to transport. The plastic material is also very durable and sturdy.
It comes with different vibrant color combinations. It is an attractive set, and your kid will enjoy playing with it. A five-year-old can easily play with it because it has a 48-inch pole making it ideal for your kid to play comfortably.
Pros:
- Vibrant colors that make the setup attractive
- Portable
- Durable and sturdy
- Lightweight making it easy to transport
- It can be adjusted for kids with different heights
Cons:
- Plastic makes it have a horrible smell once you unwrap it, but it goes away after a few days
- Suitable for toddlers and younger kid
Buyer’s Guide for Basketball Hoops for Kids
The hoop’s material
Basketball hoops made of high and robust material are the best. Low-quality material makes the basketball hoop shaky, and it often breaks while your kid is playing. Also, make sure that the material is environmentally friendly and not toxic to your child.
Backboard Material
The backboard is a significant part of a basketball hoop and plays a big role in how your child will play. It is the guiding point for a player when aiming as it holds the ring, and that is where the ball bounces off to get into the rim.
The backboard should be material that should not primarily affect the ball’s bounce. Your child should have an idea of how far the ball might go after heating the backboard. Two of the most common materials used are tempered glass and acrylic.
A backboard made of tempered glass is sturdy and can withstand any weather. It hardly causes any vibration when the ball bounces on it. However, it is a more costly option but a durable and elegant one.
On the other hand, an acrylic backboard is cheaper but is affected by the weather. The plastic is sensitive to heat, vibrates on impact with the ball and discolors quite fast.
The size of the backboard
Backboards come in sizes of 44″, 48″, 54″, 60″ and 72″. The more extensive the board, the more costly it gets. Sizes that suit your child better are 44″ and 48″ or if the area you are planning to put up the hoop is limited.
Is it an in-ground or a portable hoop?
Your child can play in the house or outside on different grounds depending on what kind of hoop you plan on getting them. A portable basketball hoop can be moved around and even carried away after the game. It comes with a base that you can fill with water or sand for stability.
An in-ground hoop is constructed into the area of concrete flooring, and it is permanent. With no permanent place to play or space in your home, go for a portable basketball hoop for your child. If you have the room to spare, choose an in-ground basketball hoop.
The basketball hoop assembly
Most basketball hoops come separated with assembly instructions. Make sure when you buy one that is separated, it comes with an easy to follow assembly manual so as not to disappoint your kid when you cannot put it together.
Price
What an item costs is the most significant factor for any purchase. Basketball hoops for kids are no exemption. Consider how much you are willing to spend on the hoop before breaking the bank for an item your child might outgrow someday.
FAQs
Can my kids play basketball on a slanted driveway?
Whether you can have your kid’s basketball hoop set up next to a slanted driveway is a common question with most parents. It should not be a problem with a perfectly installed hoop and a stable base.
Where should I install my child’s portable basketball hoop?
You can set it up on the driveway, park, or streets. Always make sure to watch your child and keep them safe while outside.
What is better for the base, water or sand?
Sand is denser than water making the base of your child’s basketball hoop more stable. On the other hand, water is readily available and a cheaper option.
Conclusion
It is never too early to introduce your kids to sports. They provide motor skills that kids need to develop into young adults. Basketball is one way to encourage your child to exercise and play other than having them in the house all day staring at a screen.
Introduce your child to basketball by buying them a basketball hoop, and they will carry on with physical activity even later in life. You will be glad you invested in one.
