The Best Indoor Basketball Hoop | 2023

If you’d like to play basketball without installing pricey equipment outside or heading to a gym or park, an indoor basketball hoop is a great choice. It allows you to enjoy the sport whenever you want and regardless of the weather. Indoor hoops are versatile since you can use them in a bedroom, dorm, recreation room or even your home office. They also usually don’t take up much space since they use a small backboard and miniature ball made of rubber or foam.

One type of indoor basketball hoop is a freestanding one that looks like a smaller model of the outdoor version. Usually made for children, these come in small options suitable for preschoolers as well as larger or adjustable versions that can accommodate older kids. While some freestanding hoops are made of plastic and metal, others are made entirely of thick plastic to be durable enough for rough play and work for outdoor use too. These hoops are a good choice when you want a lot of versatility since you don’t have to mount them somewhere.

More compact than freestanding options, indoor basketball hoops that mount on a wall or door are popular for both children and adults. They’re usually easy to set up and install as long as you have a compatible place to put them. They also come in many sizes ranging from mini models for casual play to larger ones for competition. Some hoops will also have special features such as a glow-in-the-dark backboard, remote-controlled LED lights or an electronic scorekeeper. 

For both types of indoor basketball hoops, there are some considerations for the backboard and rim. You’ll likely want a backboard that is shatterproof to prevent damage, and a breakaway rim comes in handy if you or your children want to be able to grab on to it. If space is a concern, you might want a mounted indoor hoop with a rim that flips up when not in use. 

Plus, you’ll want to consider the indoor hoop’s appearance so that you get something that fits your tastes. You’ll find indoor hoops with backboards that are clear, a solid color and patterned for a lot of variety. While an orange rim is very popular, you can find more creative options too. The ball included can also vary where orange is common, but you’ll even find glow-in-the-dark and neon options.

• Whenever you play basketball inside your house, there’s the risk that something could get hit and broken. It helps to place the hoop away from fragile items that might hang on a nearby wall or sit on furniture – such as picture frames and decorations – and move other items out of the way while you’re playing. You can also consider using a lightweight foam ball, as this is less likely to cause damage. 
• Many mounted hoops will have some foam padding to help protect the surface. Since the backboard can knock against your wall or door and cause damage, you should add your own padding if your product doesn’t include it.
• Your hoop should come with at least one ball, and the manufacturer may have extras for you to purchase if needed. You could use a ball from another brand, but make sure it’s the right size for the hoop.
• Make sure to adjust the hoop to accommodate the height of the players.
• If your indoor basketball hoop comes with a ball that needs inflating, make sure you get a hand pump if your set doesn’t come with one. Follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t over-inflate the ball and cause it to burst. 
• You’ll need enough clearance between the indoor basketball hoop and your ceiling. Manufacturers usually specify a maximum and possibly a minimum height for wall- and door-mounted products.
• Check your indoor hoop’s instruction manual to make sure you have all the appropriate mounting hardware and tools if required.
• Don’t try to hang on to the rim if you don’t have an indoor hoop that breaks away. 
• The work required to get your indoor basketball hoop ready to use depends on the specific design and manufacturer. Some over-the-door hoops come nearly fully assembled so that you just have to put the net over the rim, while others require at least attaching some mounting hardware for your wall or door as well. If you get a freestanding hoop for children, you can expect to do more work connecting the base, pole, backboard and rim together, and the difficulty will vary by design.