Are you the next LeBron James? Or a basketball novice looking to up your shooting game? Whatever your level – pro or newbie – there are lots of outdoor basketball hoops to choose from on the market.
Setting up a basketball hoop in the comfort of your garden or courtyard means you can practice whenever and with whomever you like. They will enable you to perfect your skills, learn new tricks and hone your aim while staying active and giving a non-screen option when friends come round.
What to consider when buying a basketball hoop
- Type of basketball hoop: Choose between wall-mounted or free-standing basketball hoops. Wall-mounted ones usually come with easy-to-follow instructions on how to affix them to your wall, along with the wall-mounting fixtures. If tight on space in your garden area and want something permanently in place, this is a great option. Alternatively, a basketball hoop on a stand may be what you prefer – portable and easy to transport, height adjustable and sturdy with strong bases. This is up to you – what suits your needs, space and shooting style best.
- Height: Make sure you choose a basketball hoop that is a suitable height. Whether a junior one for kids or an adult version, opt for ones with adjustable height mechanisms so that you can tailor to individual heights and will last longer with growing children.
- Weatherproof: Choosing basketball hoops which are weatherproof is crucial – they need to be able to endure all seasons. The nets are normally made from a strong nylon material, while the stands should be strong metals such as steel (and powder coated for extra protection) and the backboards a durable high-density polyethylene. The bases should be sturdy to face up to strong winds, and not buckle in the heat.
- Base: When opting for a basketball hoop on a stand, the bases often need to be filled with water or sand once in place to ensure it is weighted down and stable throughout play. Check the requirements and how much you need. Sand is often a better option as it is denser, and also will not have the slight risk of freezing in cold weather conditions like water could.
Best basketball hoops for the garden at a glance
- Best for a sturdy, versatile hoop for all ages: Lifetime Adjustable 44-Inch Portable Basketball Hoop – £257.99, Amazon
- Best for safe and secure practice for you and the kiddos: Sure Shot Little Shot Basketball Hoop – £89.99, Amazon
- Best for an easy-wheeler for all your daily hoops: Tarmak Pro Basketball Basket – £529.99, Decathlon
- Best for a shatterproof backboard for the at-home pro: Yaheetech Outdoor Adjustable Basketball Stand – £69.99, Amazon
- Best for a long-lasting and adjustable hoop: Forza Adjustable Basketball Hoop and Stand System – £119.99, Amazon
- Best for an easy-to-assemble hoop for all the family: Global Gizmos Premium Adjustable Basketball Hoop – £69.99, Amazon
- Best for that court-side feeling: Tarmak wall-mounted Basketball Hoop – £229.99, Decathlon
- Best for taking you to the next level: Bee-Ball ZY-022 Basketball Backboard – £94.99, Amazon
- Best for buying on a budget: Opti Clear Portable Adjustable Basketball Hoop and Backboard, £100, Argos
We tried these wall-mounted and free-standing basketball hoop units by evaluating their durability, stability, and ease of installation in various settings. For the wall-mounted hoops, we focused on their ability to withstand repeated use and how securely they could be anchored to various wall types. The free-standing models were assessed for their portability, base stability when weighted, and overall build quality during intense play.
We also considered the materials used in the backboards, the responsiveness of the rims, and the adjustability of height to cater to players of different skill levels and ages. Each hoop was put through rigorous shooting sessions to mimic real gameplay scenarios.
Find our pick of the best basketball hoops below
We loved the heavy-duty base, which is capable of holding up to 34 gallons of sand or water and ensuring stability even in our questionable weather conditions. Its built-in wheels allow for effortless transportation, so you can easily position it wherever the game calls.
The Quick Adjust height mechanism offers impressive versatility, letting you tailor the hoop from eight feet to over 10 feet tall, accommodating everyone from younger players to seasoned players. Constructed from powder-coated steel and high-density polyethylene, it features a 44-inch steel-framed shatterproof backboard and an all-weather nylon net, designed to handle countless games without compromising performance.