| Author |
Message |
    
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1256
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 9:50 am: | 
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My kids want a basketball hoop. What's the best type? I've noticed three types -- the backboard nailed to the garage, the adjustable pole attached to a plastic base that can be moved around, and the pole concreted into the ground. Which would you recommend? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5159
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 10:27 am: |
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I think the best bet is the one that moves around. My nephews have that one. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 3123
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 10:32 am: |
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No real opinion but two comments learned over the years:
If it is on the garage and the garage is attached to the house whenever they play you will hear the slam-slam-slam of the ball against the house.
If it is on a pole the kids will have to chase the ball whenever they miss the basket, instead of having the ball bounce off the garage back to them. This may be more incentive to hit the basket, AND the kids will get more exercise as a result. But kids like it bouncing back to them a lot better.
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Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 447
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 10:36 am: |
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Never hang a backboard off the garage.
I used to only recommend in ground set ups but now that the portable hoops are made of much higher quality I would go in that direction. Definitely spend some money as the less expensive units tend to fall apart easily or are less stable. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1142
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 10:52 am: |
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shoshannah, we have one of the (semi-)moveable hoops, regulation height (but adjustable I think), fill the base with sand or water and it's very steady. We are moving and would be glad to give it to you if you want to pick it up. I will PL you.
cheers -
MC |
Bill232
Citizen
Username: Bill232
Post Number: 173
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 11:31 am: |
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Portable hoop is much better. Fill base with water not with sand if you ever have to move to a far location. Add anti freeze to water so it wont freeze in winter time. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1258
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:12 pm: |
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Josh, Why is it not recommended to bolt a backboard to the garage? |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 449
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:57 pm: |
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Shosh: I have played a lot of basketball in my day and my feeling is:
1. Most garage doors have glass in them - so the last thing you need is for the ball to break some.
2. The hoop will sit very close to the doors where someone could very easily run into them.
3. I have seen hung hoops that eventually need to be replaced, due to rusted metal, broken boards or just the law of gravity taking its toll. In any case replacing the unit or having to take it down will most likely leave damage to the garage.
Also, if you ever have to move just take the portable with you. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1144
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 2:01 pm: |
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This might not apply to all garages, but in our case the garage door has windows, nuff said. A few of the windows "got it" from extra strength rebounds anyhow.
But I love to see a backboard on a garage, so homey, you can almost see phantom kids, even when the driveway is empty. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1259
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 2:43 pm: |
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Thanks everyone. This all makes sense. One more question: If I get a portable set-up, should I situate it alongside the long part of the driveway so that there is more side-to-side space, or on the short side of the driveway so there is more front-to-back running space? |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 455
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 7:38 pm: |
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What are the driveway dimensions and how old are the kids? |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1261
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 10:58 pm: |
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Hmmm. I am guessing here, but I'd say the driveway is about 15 feet wide (would fit a car-and-a-half side by side) and about 20-25 feet long (it fits a minivan and a sedan front to back without any extra room). Kids are 9 and 7. |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 456
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:25 am: |
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As it would be a portable I would it put center on the long side. That way you get 15' in front and about 12.5' on each side. Fifteen feet is the length of a traditional free throw so at ages 7 and 9 those dimensions should be fine. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1262
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 1:21 pm: |
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Thank you so much! Very helpful everyone, and especially Josh and mjc! |
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