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In the past few years, basketball has gained more popularity than any other sport, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fun. It’s fast-paced. And, it can be played individually or as a team.
If you’re passionate about this sport or are trying to perfect your skills, you should consider investing in a mini basketball hoop. Sure, you can go to an outdoor court around you. But if you want the convenience and flexibility of being able to practice anywhere and at any time, this portable hoop really comes in handy.
To help you get a hoop that meets your needs, we’ve put together a detailed guide to enlighten you on the features to look for and the best models to choose.
Top 7 Mini Basketball Hoops
Last update on 2022-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Mini Pro Xtreme Hoop Set
Last update on 2020-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Durability is the name of the game with this mini basketball hoop by JustInTymeSports. It has a breakaway type of rim that’s made from ½-inch steel. With such a strong material, this hoop can withstand any moves you throw at it.
More importantly, the rim has a diameter of 12 inches, which is an ideal size for those who are still learning how to aim and shoot.
The backboard of this hoop measures 24 x 16 x 0.5 inches, and is made from polycarbonate. To prevent scuffing on your door when you’re performing dunks, the bottom part of this backboard is padded.
Pros
- Comes with a 7-inch ball
- Rim is made of durable steel material
- Has padding on the backboard frame to keep you safe
Cons
- Must be mounted on a wall
2. SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop
Last update on 2020-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a basketball fan, there is nothing as thrilling as running up to the net and shooting the ball. Unfortunately, the majority of us are too short to make a perfect shot, which is where this SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop comes in.
Mount this hoop on your bedroom door and practice as often as you can. What we like most about this tool is that the mounting hooks work well on any type of door. Plus, they set in a nice way that doesn’t damage the door frame.
The foam backing incorporated along the perimeter of the backboard is an added bonus. This prevents your door frame from getting damaged regardless of how intense your game gets.
Pros
- It has a nicely-sized net that can be used with other balls other than the one included
- Hooks are compatible with most doors
- Foam backing to protect your door frame
Cons
- The ball is slightly heavy, making it unfit for kids’ use
3. Spalding NBA Mini Basketball Hoop Deluxe Set
Last update on 2020-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re serious about improving your basketball skills, but can’t afford to add a permanent hoop in your driveway, the Deluxe Mini Basketball Hoop by Spalding is a better alternative.
This set is pricier than other basketball hoops in our review. However, it has several features that make it stand out from the pack.
For one, it’s engineered to look exactly like the professional-grade hoops from NBA games. In fact, the backboard features fairly similar proportions and color scheme of the NBA Logoman. Essentially, this set is the closest thing you’ll get to the real NBA experience.
The whole set includes 18 x 10.5-inch polycarbonate backboard, a ¼-inch scale replica of the NBA breakaway rim, a 4-inch rubber basketball and foam padding to protect your door from damage.
Pros
- Backboard padding for safety
- Breakaway rim for increased durability
- Pre-assembled brackets makes for an easy installation
- NBA replica backboard and ball that make you feel like you’re playing on the real courts
Cons
- Pricier than other hoops
4. Stumptown Sportz Mini Basketball Hoop
Last update on 2022-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looking for an all-inclusive set to help you get started on this sport? If you are, the Stumptown Sportz Mini Basketball Hoop is a fantastic choice.
For the price of one hoop, you get 2 4-inch, small-sized balls, and a hand pump. This means that you can easily pump the basketball and start playing as soon as you receive the package.
Though this hoop is not meant for hardcore dunking, it’s sturdy enough to get the job done. The rim is made of metal, and is connected using a tiny spring. This spring is what allows it to flex during play while also providing a good bounce.
Pros
- Includes 4-inch balls and a hand pump
- Comes with all the tools needed for installation
- Door mount is padded to prevent damage
Cons
- Generates noise from rebound
5. Franklin Sports Over The Door Mini Basketball Hoop
Last update on 2022-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If the Stumptown set is out of stock, Franklin Sports Basketball Hoop is a great substitute.
The package includes a 9.5-inch metal rim equipped with a reliable 8-loop net. You also get a 5-inch rubber basketball, and steel-made hardware for an easy installation.
As you might have guessed from the name, this hoop is strictly for indoor use with placement over the door. The good thing about this is that it’s designed to fit most common sized doors you’ll find in homes and offices.
Another plus of this hoop is the dual spring setup for the rim. This enables it to tilt when landing a shot and then spring back to its original position.
Pros
- Dual spring mechanism to boost gameplay
- Comes with a shatterproof backboard
- Compatible with most doors
Cons
- A bit difficult to adjust once it’s mounted
6. Iserlohn Mini Basketball Hoop
Last update on 2022-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the greatest challenges of playing basketball indoors is that you’re likely to make noise for your family members and perhaps even your neighbors.
Thankfully, Iserlohn understands this, which is why they provide 2 quiet-shooting balls along with their sturdy basketball hoop. These balls are made using a unique cotton blend, making them soft, light and less likely to break things in your room.
The backboard is made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate and it measures 18 x 12 inches. It’s also equipped with padding and brackets to reduce impact on your door frame.
The hoop also includes a break-away steel rim and a highly-durable nylon net for practicing slam-dunks. The rim has a spring that instantly bounces it back to its initial position.
Pros
- Comes with upgraded silent balls
- Shatterproof backboard to withstand intense games
- Easy assembly
Cons
- The included pump does not function well
7. Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set
Last update on 2022-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For your mini NBA player in the making, the Little Tikes EasyScore is a superb option. Designed for kids aged 18 months to 5 years, this basketball set is a nice way to keep them active and away from their electronic devices.
A noteworthy feature of this set is its versatility. You can set it up outdoors or indoors. And since the biggest portion of this system is made of plastic, you don’t have to worry about your kids damaging things in the house while they play.
Better yet, this basketball hoop has an adjustable height, allowing it to grow with your toddler. But since it’s designed for kids, it can only reach a maximum of four feet.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Bigger rim size for easy scoring
- Weighted base for stability
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Quality of the backboard can be improved
Mini Basketball Hoop Buying Guide
Mini basketball hoops are cheaper than their full court sized counterparts. Regardless, you’re making an investment so it’s important that you get a quality piece of equipment. This will require you to understand the main features to look for when shopping.
Space
The phrase “you should measure twice and cut once” really comes into play here. In other words, you should determine the size of your play area before you rush to buy any hoops. The more space you have, the bigger the size of the basketball hoop you can get.
In addition to the width and length of your playroom, also measure the ceiling height. If it’s 8 feet or less, you shouldn’t choose a big-sized hoop as this will force you to mount it very low to the ground. Ideally, there should be at least 18 inches of distance between the rim and ceiling.
Backboard
Having a sturdy and durable backboard for your basketball hoop is crucial to your gameplay. After all, this is the first thing that your ball will hit every time you aim.
Based on the material used in their construction, backboards can be classified into three types. Each of these has its fair share of merits and drawbacks. They are:
Polycarbonate backboards
Polycarbonate is simply another name for plastic. However, the type of plastic used here is rigid and strong enough to withstand the impact of the ball. These types of backboards are loved for their affordability.
That said, they have one major disadvantage, and that entails their lack of brace support. As a result, the ball doesn’t bounce as it should on the board.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider them as an option. If you’re purchasing the hoop for family game nights or the occasional contests with your work buddies, this polycarbonate board will do the trick.
Acrylic backboards
Acrylic backboards are superior to polycarbonate models as they have better rebound. They’re designed using thermoplastic acrylic, and you’ll often find them in middle-tier basketball hoops.
The only problem with acrylic is that it’s a soft material, a factor that causes it to pick up scratches over time. Ultimately, you end up with a board that looks dull. In addition, low-quality acrylics get affected by mildew.
Tempered glass backboards
If you want a backboard that will stand the test of time, tempered glass is your best bet. This material weighs 4 to 5 times as much as acrylic, and this makes it a more durable option. It also offers a great performance when it comes to the bouncing action of the ball.
However, this high quality doesn’t come cheap so expect to pay more for hoops with tempered glass backboards.
Rim
There are two main kinds of rims: standard and breakaway. Standard rims have been around for centuries. However, they became less popular following the invention of the breakaway models.
The main difference between them is that breakaway rims are equipped with springs, which enhances their flexibility. The spring system minimizes stress not only on the rim but also on your hands.
By comparison, standard rims don’t have any springs. As a result, they’re likely to warp after being dunked on too many times.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to installation, you should look for two things:
- Whether the mounting hardware is provided
- The mounting technique
The installation method is important because some hoops need to be drilled into walls or ceilings. If you don’t want to go through this cumbersome task, you should look for hoops with studs or hooks. With these hoops, all you need to do is hook them to your office door or any other door.
FAQs
What routine maintenance is required for mini basketball hoops?
You should check the quality of the net. If it’s torn or damaged, then you’ll need to replace it.
Though this is not mandatory, it’s also a good idea to lubricate pivot points or any moving parts to enhance durability.
Are mini basketball hoops difficult to install?
No, they’re not. Although it might take a while, it’s not hard to mount these hoops. And the good thing is that most manufacturers provide detailed instructions and the hardware needed for this process.
Conclusion
Mini basketball hoops are the perfect solution for those who want to take this sport indoors. Simply mount this hoop on your bedroom door and start dunking. They can be used by people across all ages, and they come in fun, economical options.
If you’re looking to buy this hoop, you should consider the amount of play area you have, material used in making the backboard, type of rim and ease of installation.
One product that strikes a good balance between these factors is the Franklin Mini Basketball Hoop. It’s reasonably-priced, has a durable steel rim and comes with all the tools you need for a quick installation.