The best basketball hoop for home is an in-ground hoop with a tempered glass backboard and a pole that adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet, so it grows with your player. A 60 inch backboard fits most driveways. For young players, set the rim at 8 feet for ages 7 to 8, 9 feet for ages 9 to 11 and 10 feet from age 12, which follows the NBA and USA Basketball youth guidelines. Below, Pro Skills Basketball (PSB) coaches explain how to choose, with the Goalrilla hoops we recommend.
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Key Takeaways
- An in-ground hoop with a tempered glass backboard plays most like a real gym
- Pick adjustable height (7.5 to 10 feet) so the hoop grows with your player
- Youth rim heights: 8 feet for ages 7 to 8, 9 feet for ages 9 to 11, 10 feet from age 12
- A 60 inch backboard fits most driveways
- Call 811 before you dig, and use pole and backboard pads
What hoop do PSB coaches recommend for home?
Our all-around pick is the Goalrilla CV60. It has a 60″ x 38″ tempered glass backboard that is 3/8″ thick, a 6″ x 6″ powder-coated steel pole and height that adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet with a crank. Goalrilla says the Clear View design removes the H-frame you see through most glass boards and gives a more even rebound. It mounts to an anchor set in concrete, so the hoop can be unbolted and moved later. It comes with a breakaway rim, a pole pad and a backboard pad, and has a limited lifetime warranty.
How do Goalrilla hoops compare?
Here are the Goalrilla hoops we would look at first for a youth player.
| Hoop | Backboard | Pole | Max overhang | Price* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalrilla CV54 | 54″ x 38″ tempered glass | 5″ x 5″ | 3′ | $2,449.95 | Smaller driveways, younger players |
| Goalrilla CV60 | 60″ x 38″ tempered glass | 6″ x 6″ | 3′ | $2,849.95 | Most families: the all-around pick |
| Goalrilla CV72 | 72″ x 42″ tempered glass | 6″ x 8″ | 4′ | $3,199.95 | Wide driveways, high school players |
| Goalrilla FT54 | 54″ x 36″ tempered glass | 5″ x 5″ | 3′ | $2,299.95 | A Goalrilla glass board for less |
| Silverback SB54 / SB60 | 54″ or 60″ | Not listed | Not listed | $969.95 / $1,099.95 | Tighter budgets |
*Prices as listed on goalrilla.com in October 2026. Check the site for current prices and sales.
See all Goalrilla in-ground hoops →
How high should the rim be for my player?
Lower rims help young players shoot with good form instead of heaving the ball. The NBA and USA Basketball youth guidelines recommend:
| Player age | Rim height | Ball size |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 7 to 8 | 8 feet | Size 5 (27.5″) |
| Ages 9 to 11 | 9 feet | Size 6 (28.5″) in the guidelines; many leagues still use size 5 |
| Ages 12 to 14 | 10 feet | Girls size 6 (28.5″), boys size 7 (29.5″) |
| High school and up | 10 feet | Girls size 6, boys size 7 |
An adjustable hoop lets you follow these heights and raise the rim as your player grows. For ball sizes by grade, see our basketball size guide.
Should I get an in-ground or portable hoop?
| Type | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-ground | Pole set in a concrete anchor | Most stable, truest rebound, lasts for years | Costs more, needs digging and concrete |
| Portable | Base filled with water or sand | Lower cost, can move it | Shakes more, weaker rebound, smaller boards |
| Wall or roof mount | Bolts to a garage or wall | Saves space | Fixed spot, limited height changes |
If your player shoots every day, in-ground is worth it. The rim stays steady, so made and missed shots react the way they do in a gym.
What size backboard do I need?
- 54 inches: tight driveways and younger players.
- 60 inches: most driveways. Close to the feel of many school gyms.
- 72 inches: wide courts and high school players who want a pro-size board.
Bigger boards also need more overhang, the space between the pole and the board, so players are not running into the pole.
How do I choose a home hoop, step by step?
- Measure your space. Measure the driveway width and how far the hoop can stand from the playing area. Bigger boards need a wider court and more overhang.
- Pick a backboard size. Choose 54 inches for tight spaces, 60 inches for most driveways, or 72 inches for a wide court and older players.
- Choose adjustable height. Pick a hoop that adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet so you can follow the youth rim-height guidelines as your player grows.
- Plan the install. Call 811 before you dig so buried utility lines are marked, check any HOA rules, then set the anchor in concrete.
- Add safety pads. Use a pole pad and backboard pad. Goalrilla CV hoops include both, plus a breakaway rim.
What should my player do with a new hoop?
Start with form shooting close to the rim, then move out. Ten minutes a day beats one long session a week. Build a free plan with our workout builder, try at-home shooting workouts, or find a PSB clinic for coaching on form.
Outdoor courts wear out indoor balls fast. Grab a Wilson outdoor ball for driveway reps: shop outdoor basketballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best basketball hoop for a driveway?
For most families, an in-ground hoop with a 60 inch tempered glass backboard and adjustable height is the best driveway hoop. The Goalrilla CV60 is our all-around pick: a 60″ x 38″ glass board, a 6″ x 6″ steel pole and height that adjusts from 7.5 to 10 feet.
How high should a basketball hoop be for a 10 year old?
Set the rim at 9 feet for players ages 9 to 11. The NBA and USA Basketball youth guidelines call for 8 feet for ages 7 to 8, 9 feet for ages 9 to 11 and 10 feet from age 12.
Is an in-ground basketball hoop better than a portable one?
Yes, for most families. An in-ground hoop is more stable and gives a truer rebound, so shots and rebounds feel like a real gym. A portable hoop costs less and can move, but it shakes more.
What size backboard should I get for home?
A 60 inch backboard fits most driveways and feels close to a school gym. Choose 54 inches for a tight space or 72 inches for a wide court and older players.
Can you adjust the height on a Goalrilla hoop?
Yes. Goalrilla CV hoops adjust from 7.5 to 10 feet with an all-steel actuator and a crank, so the rim can move up as your player grows.
Can you move an in-ground hoop if we move?
Yes, with an anchor system. Goalrilla hoops bolt to an anchor set in concrete, so you can unbolt the hoop and take it with you.
How much does a good home basketball hoop cost?
A quality in-ground hoop with a tempered glass backboard costs about $2,300 to $3,200 from Goalrilla. Goalrilla’s Silverback line starts around $970.
Sources
- Goalrilla CV60 product page
- Goalrilla in-ground basketball hoops
- NBA and USA Basketball youth basketball guidelines
By Brendan Winters, Co-Founder
Brendan co-founded Pro Skills Basketball in 2009. At Davidson College he was a two-time All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year. He then played five pro seasons in France, Germany, Hungary and Greece.
What Size Basketball Should My Player Use? (Size Chart by Age and Grade)