Who doesn’t enjoy a good game of basketball? The basketball game is now so popular that people from the entire world, from adults to kids, appreciate it, and actively participate. However, it is easier for adults to find a basketball court nearby, but the same court is not suitable for toddlers and kids.
As a basketball coach, I believe that toddlers and kids should get their court to play, learn, and enjoy the game. While it may not be possible to build an entire court, getting a simple hoop for kids to throw the ball in should do the trick.
Lifetime 32” Youth Portable Basketball Hoop - Best for Kids from 7 to 10 Years
- Enjoy the game at your level without the use of...
- 32 Inch Impact Backboard is molded of high-density...
- The 15-inch Youth Rim features a 5/8-inch...
- Rust and weather-resistant; Designed to withstand...
- Base dimensions: 31.6 inch x 23 inch x 6.1 inch.
The base dimensions are 31.6 x 23 x 6.1 inches, and it does the job very well. If your kids are starting with basketball and are interested in learning the basics, this portable hoop is an excellent choice. What’s more, it comes with a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty that makes the money well-spent.
Pros
- Portable basketball hoop
- Adjustable height up to 7.5 feet
- Strong and stable base
- Five-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Needs more space to place
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set - Best for Toddlers to Score
- 6 ADJUSTABLE HEIGHTS. Raise the height to increase...
- OVERSIZED RIM. Designed with an oversized rim...
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE. Little Tikes' basketball...
- DEVELOP SKILLS. Encourages preschoolers and...
- Base must be weighted with 40lbs. of sand (not...
This hoop features an adjustable height and can be adjusted anywhere between 2.5 to 4 feet. This hoop set also includes an oversized rim and three junior-sized basketballs, making it very easy for kids to score and have fun. The entire set is of plastic, which makes the set lightweight and easy to move around. Moreover, since it’s plastic made, there are fewer chances of getting hurt.
The only thing that you need to do is add weight to the base to make it stable. You can use a bag of sand or anything similar to do that. I highly recommend this hoop set because I got one of these for my neighbor’s kids, and they loved it. The design was lovely, and the entire system was very durable too.
Pros
- The fully plastic hoop set
- Perfect for kids aged between 1 ½ to 5 years
- Large rim easy to throw in
- It comes with three junior size basketballs
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- May need extra weight to stabilize
Lifetime Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System - Best for Hoop Stability
- 44" Impact backboard is virtually unbreakable.
- Telescoping mechanism adjusts from 7.5 to 10-Feet...
- 27-Gallon base fills with water or sand and rolls...
- All-weather resistant, deigned to withstand the...
- 18-Inch black solid steel rim with 1/2-Inch steel...
Keep in mind that this is a large basketball hoop set and needs sufficient outdoor space to make the most out of it. The entire set comes in parts but is very easy to assemble. The height can be adjusted between 7.5 to 10 feet in 6 inches increment, while the 44-inch bounce-back impact backboard is robust, durable, and can withstand harsh weather elements and provide authentic rebounds. The backboard is wholly made using UV-protected polyethylene and will not crack, chip, or peel with use. Moreover, it features a classic rim with a nylon net with standard dimensions, making it a simple hoop system to play basketball comfortably.
The entire system is firmly held together by a 27-gallon base that can be filled with water or sand. The base is very durable and can withstand any weather conditions, making it a perfect choice for growing kids and even adults to enjoy basketball. For a good time, I too had one of these put in my backyard for some light shooting practice, and I loved the way it held together. Get this set if your kids are growing fast and are interested in playing basketball regularly.
Pros
- It has an orange and classy looking rim
- Adjustable height of 7.5 to 10 feet
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- The 27-gallon base is very stable
- Durable 44-inch backboard
Cons
- It needs a fair amount of space to place
Step2 Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Set - Best for Toddlers Overall
- The Center Pole Fixture Can Be Adjusted To A...
- Large Backboard With Break-Away Rim And A Real...
- Large Stable Base Can Be Weighted Down With Sand...
- Base Has Built In Cup Holders
The Step2 Shootin’ Hoops Pro Basketball Set is perfect for toddlers. It has all the features a toddler needs to get interested in playing basketball. The light colors make it look attractive, while the two molded cups at the base allow kids to place their water bottles and hold the small-sized basketball. I have seen kids running around this set and having fun playing basketball, and I could say that it delivers the fun part.
This little hoop set comes with a large backboard and a wide-rim that makes it very easy for the kids to throw-in. It is effortless to adjust the height and can stand anywhere between 48 to 72 inches. The base looks stable on its own but can also be filled with sand or water for added stability. The entire set is just an adjustable basketball hoop with base and basketball. There is not much to assemble, which makes it almost ready to play with.
If you want to introduce toddlers and pre-school kids to basketball, this hoop set will do it. It looks attractive and may even entice adults and older aged kids to throw in some shots. The entire system is not extensive and can be placed either indoor or outdoor for your kids to enjoy the simple basketball game.
Pros
- Perfect for kids aged under five years
- Easy to throw-in hoop
- Oversized backboard
- Easy height adjustments
- Can be kept indoor and outdoor
Cons
- It could have been more stable
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop - Best for Shooting
- AUTHENTIC BASKETBALL ACTION – This mini...
- POLISH YOUR GAME – This durable 18" x 12" clear...
- DUNK WITH CONFIDENCE – 9" Spring-action...
- AUTHENTIC, DURABLE NET – 30-ply basketball net...
- EASY, DOOR-SAFE MOUNTING – Quickly set up the...
This mini basketball hoop breaks all the records of having fun. It is graphically designed to look pro-style, just in a mini way. I still have it wall-mounted in my room, and there have been days when I was shooting on this mini hoop rather than being on the court. If you are looking for an indoor hoop for your kid, this mini hoop is a perfect option.
The SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop offers every professional hoop feature in a mini style. It comes with foam-padded slide-on door mounts that make it unbelievably easy to set up and includes a pro-grade, spring-action breakaway rim that even allows you to slam dunk. The mini hoop is 9 inches in diameter, while the polycarbonate shatterproof backboard it features has dimensions of 18 x 12 inches.
The set also includes a mini hoop basketball with a diameter of 5 inches and makes the perfect swish when it hits the bottomless net. This mini basketball hoop set is an ideal option for kids and is durable enough for adults to play. You can install it anywhere within the house and simply start shooting.
Pros
- Pro-style graphics
- Can handle slam dunks
- Strong, shatterproof backboard
- Very easy to assemble and setup
- Perfect for kids and adults
Cons
- Not portable
- Only suitable for indoor
Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Basketball Set - Best for Growing Kids
- 5 height adjustments ranging from 4 - 6 feet tall
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Includes a breakaway rim
- Weight the base with sand (not included) for...
- Includes: 1 Adjust 'n Jam Pro basketball hoop, 1...
Little Tikes Adjust, and Jam Pro Basketball Set is a complete solution for introducing your kids to basketball. The hoop set is made very durable and stands firm with every shot. It is a fantastic choice for kids of growing age. Just keep on increasing the height as the kids grow taller and improve their basketball skills.
The entire set consists of one Adjust ‘n Jam Pro Basketball hoop, one basketball net, and one junior-sized basketball. It is effortless to assemble, does not require any professional help, and can be done quickly using the tools you have at home. After building the hoop set, just make sure to weight the base using sand to make it stable. It also comes with five height adjustments that range from 4 – 6 feet and feature a breakaway rim perfect for showy slam dunks.
The large backboard makes the game more enjoyable with rebounds and keeps the game running, while the junior-sized basketball makes it very easy to shoot and score. I highly recommend this kid’s basketball set, mainly because it is very durable and has good stability. You can place this set both indoors and outdoors. If you want to move it, then simply remove the sand, and it becomes lightweight again.
Pros
- Easy height adjustments from 4 to 6 feet
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
- Breakaway rim for showy dunks
- Durable and lightweight (without sand)
- Junior sized ball makes it easy to shoot
Cons
- Rim could have been better
Little Tikes Attach ‘n Play Basketball Set - Best for Pre-School Kids
- Over-the-door strap adjusts to 3 different heights
- Hoop and net fold for easy storage
- Breakaway rim for super slam dunks
- Includes a junior basketball for budding...
Little Tikes Attach ‘n Play Basketball Set is the most simple hoop set in this entire list. It is an excellent way to introduce toddlers and pre-school kids to the concept of basketball. It comes with an over-the-door strap that makes it extremely easy to set up and start playing. I highly recommend this hoop set for energetic little jumpers as it is easy to assemble and offers maximum fun.
The over-the-door strap it comes with has three different height adjustments. You can adjust it to the lowest setting for toddlers and keep on increasing the height as they get used to the game. The hoop and net can also be folded for easy storage, and the rim has a breakaway feature that allows them to go for slam dunks. The set comes with a lightweight junior-sized basketball and makes it very easy for our little superstars to shoot and score.
Everything considered, this attach ‘n play hoop set by Little Tikes is an excellent choice to keep the kids engaged. Using this, you can introduce the kids to basketball and even organize shooting games to get them more involved. One of my friends had got this set for his kids, and I enjoyed seeing them play. If you are too looking for a simple hoop system for your kids, don’t hesitate to go for it.
Pros
- Adjustable door setup
- Foldable hoop and net for easy storage
- It comes with a breakaway rim
- Junior sized basketball makes it easy to score
Cons
- Could have had more height adjustments
The Ultimate Buying Guide
Stability (Base size and strength)
In this entire list, the basketball hoop system that has the most robust base is Lifetime’s Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System. It has a large base that makes the entire system very stable, making it as good as an in-ground hoop.
Height Adjustment
Toddlers and kids grow and learn fast, because of which there is a need to adjust the height constantly. Moreover, some kids grow tall faster than others, so having a hoop system with easy height adjustments makes it easy to set the height limit suitable for every kid playing.
The best hoop system with easy and most varied height adjustments in this list is the Lifetime 32″ Youth Portable Basketball Hoop. It is the best hoop system for growing kids, but even toddlers and pre-school kids can get an equal opportunity to play with its easy height adjustments.
Hoop and Ball Size
The main intention of introducing basketball to kids is so that they can have fun. If shooting and scoring is a complicated process for them, they will not enjoy the game. To make the entire process easy and fun, the hoop they are trying to aim must be large, while the ball they are shooting with is small in size.
The SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop set is the best option for the large hoop and small ball. It has a hoop with a 9-inch diameter, while the ball is comparatively small with a diameter of 5 inches only. Scoring in this hoop set is extremely easy and fun.
Durability
It doesn’t matter whether you are buying a hoop system for kids or adults. Durability is one of the most important factors to be considered. If the hoop set you get does not last long, then it is just wasting money.
If you are looking for a hoop set to help your kids grow and learn playing basketball, then Lifetime 32″ Youth Portable Basketball Hoop is the most durable hoop on this entire list. What’s more is that it comes with five years of manufacturer’s warranty, making it one of the best options in terms of durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size basketball should a 4-year old use?
Ideally, kids aged between 5 to 8 years should use a basketball of size-5. For kids below this age, a size-3 basketball should be the best choice.
What size is a junior basketball?
According to international standards, junior basketball is size-5 and has a circumference between 27.25 to 27.75 inches. It weighs around 14 – 15 ounces and is recommended for boys and girls aged between 8 – 12 years. There is a smaller size-3 available too and is as per the mini international standards. The size 3 has a circumference between 22 to 22.5 inches.
What is the best age to start playing basketball?
There is no age limit to when you should start playing basketball. However, for kids, around 5 – 6 years is considered to be the best age to start playing basketball as many modern basketball programs enroll kids when they are of this age.
The 4th Quarter
Basketball is very popular and one of the most exciting modern games. No matter what age you are, the hoops attract everyone, even the toddlers and kids. Introduce your little ones to this exciting game by getting one of the best basketball hoops for kids and toddlers. All the hoop sets mentioned in this article are excellent choices for your little jumpers to start playing and enjoying basketball.
