The way basketball is played today is not the same at the time of its invention. The mastermind behind this beautiful game was a Canadian YMCA International Training School instructor named Dr. James Naismith. He invented this sport in the year 1891 as a way to keep his students occupied and keep them physically fit during the long winter months.

Officially, the first basketball game was played in 1892 and since then this sport has evolved and changed in a number of ways. Dr. James Naismith devised a set of thirteen rules for basketball, some of which are still used as basic rules today.

From its humble beginnings, today the market is full of different types of basketball goals, hoops or backboards to choose from. Today, basketball goals, hoops or any other essential part of a basketball system is available for every kind of budget and need and thus it becomes essential to consider a number of factors while buying a basketball system that suits your space and requirements.

A lot of changes have been noticed in the way basketball used to be played earlier and the manner in which the basketball equipments such as , backboards, rims, poles etc used to be made.

One major area where maximum changes have been noticed is the basketball hoop. Initially the basketball hoop used to be made up of a peach basket nailed securely to an elevated track. Today, hoops are available in different materials such as wood, fiberglass, clear acrylic, aluminum, steel, heavy duty cardboard or even plastic.

When you plan to invest in your own basketball system you need to think carefully about the hoop. To start with, you need to first decide whether you want an in-ground basketball hoop or a portable basketball hoop.

In-ground basketball hoops are permanently fixed into the ground. Usually it is cemented into a hole that is dug in the ground. This type of hoop provides more stability as compared to the portable ones. But it needs to be installed by professionals and thus it becomes more costly too.

This type of basketball hoops are very lightweight and can be adjusted according to free space and the height of the players. Usually a portable basketball hoop comes as a complete basketball system with a basketball pole, acrylic backboard and bracing, and base.

To keep the pole still and straight, it is fixed in a base filled with water or sand. And in case you need to change the location of the basketball system, you just have to empty the water and move the base to another location. While buying a portable basketball hoop make sure that it folds easily and the wheels have good mobility. Portable basketball hoops are usually less expensive as compared to in-ground basketball hoops.

Whenever you plan to invest in a basketball system try to give due importance to the quality, make and material of the hoop. With your own basketball goal or hoop you can enjoy your favorite sports any time without leaving your home. Basketball is a great way for adults and kids to stay in shape and indulge in some physical activity.