What is a Basketball Backstop?

The simple answer to the question, “What is a basketball backstop?”, is the structure that holds the backboard. Backstops are generally available as ground mount, portable, wall mount, or ceiling suspended. The best backstop for your court is one that fits the overall function of the space. Of course, the other important consideration is what the backstop is connected to.

Ground Mount Backstops

Ground mount backstops are most often used for outdoor courts. However, they can also be indoors. These backstops typically consist of a single post with arms extending from the post to the backboard. The post is firmly anchored to a heavy concrete footer to keep the post steady. Ground mount backstops are available with integrated height adjusters to raise and lower the backboard. They’re also available with stationary backboards which do not move. The distance between the post and backboard is sometimes referred to as the “Safe Space”. Most heavy weight ground mounted basketball goals provide a safe space of at least 3’. However, our suppliers offer custom units with a safe space as much as 8’. Click Here to view our full selection of ground mount basketball goals. Please contact us for information on custom goals.

Primary Benefits – The number one benefit of a ground mounted basketball goal is that they are typically lower in cost. They are all weather for indoor and outdoor use. And, they can be relocated, though this would require a new anchor.

Biggest Limitations – Ground mounted basketball goals require a heavy concrete foundation. If planned correctly, the anchor bolts can be set into a game court foundation when the concrete is poured. But, adding to an existing concrete foundation may require digging a hole to pour 1,000 pounds or more of concrete as a footer for the post.

Portable Backstops

Portable backstops are generally only used when it’s not possible to mount a backstop to the floor, wall, or ceiling. They’re mostly used on university and professional courts in arenas. Safe and sturdy portable backstops are heavy, difficult to move, and take up a lot of floor space. These systems may also damage court flooring if not installed properly. Lighter weight systems are not recommended as they have a history of falling over and causing injuries. As the safe space between the backboard and the base of the backstop increases, the size and weight of the base also increases. In a small gym, the base may take up valuable floor space, limiting traffic around the outside of the court. While we carry and full line of portable basketball goals, we always recommend going with a wall mounted unit if at all possible.

Primary Benefits – Portable basketball goals are ideal for temporary use or arena settings where permanently mounted goals are not an option. These goals retain some resale value and can be shipped to new locations.

Biggest Limitations – Portable basketball goals are not easily portable, unless they’re the lightweight kind, which tend to tip over. The heavy weight sturdy portable units are not easy to move in an out of position. And, they can only be moved to another gym with a freight truck. The base of these goals takes up valuable floor space. And, the weight may damage the gym floor. For these reasons, we only recommend these goals for arena courts.

Wall Mount Backstops

Wall mount backstops are available in stationary, side fold, and up fold configurations. They are available with or without height adjusters. And, they can be positioned anywhere from 6” to 12’ from the wall. Wall mounted systems are almost always lower cost than ceiling mounted goals. They are also easier to service, since most of the parts are within reach with an 8’ to 10’ A frame ladder. Stationary backstops are the easiest to install and easiest to customize. Because stationary units do not fold up or sideways, these systems can be modified to fit irregular walls. This includes fitting them around obstructions such as doors, windows, and columns. On the other hand, folding units can only be attached to flat walls. We offer a full selection of wall mount basketball goals. We also source goals from Gared Sports and other manufacturers. If they make it, we can get it for you. Or, if you need a custom wall mount goal, please contact us for design services.

Stationary Wall Mount Basketball Goal P2300

Primary Benefits – Wall mount goals come in a variety of configurations. They cost less than ceiling mounted goals and they’re easier to install. They can also be removed and installed in another facility or on another wall.

Biggest Limitations – Wall mount basketball goals can only be installed up to 12’ from the wall. And, if the units need to fold up or sideways, then the wall needs to be flat without any obstructions.

Ceiling Suspended Backstops

Ceiling suspended backstops offer the greatest design versatility. These are available as stationary, forward folding, rear folding, and side folding. All ceiling mount units are custom designed to fit the ceiling height and structure. They can be hung from ceilings as low as 17’ and those that go higher than 30’. When designing ceiling suspended backstops, other ceiling mounted items must be considered. The location of air handlers, air ducts, lights, sound systems, projectors, fire suppression systems, and other items might need to be relocated. Ceiling suspended backstops cost more than wall mount and cost more to install. Servicing these systems may also cost more as reaching attachment points will require a mechanized man lift or scissor lift. Of all the backstop options, ceiling mounted are the only ones which generally require installation by an experienced crew. However, simple stationary (non-folding) units can be installed by a general handyman.

Gared Sports ceiling hung basketball goal in a high school gym

Primary Benefits – Ceiling suspended backstops offer the greatest versatility and are a great option when you want a basketball goal which can be folded up out of sight.

Biggest Limitations – Ceiling suspended systems cost more to buy, install, and maintain. The units are designed to fit a specific building and are unlikely to be relocated and used in another facility. They are generally installed by an experienced crew who specialized in the installation of these systems.

Conclusion

We hope this answers your question, “What is a basketball backstop?”. The best backstop for your facility is based on many criteria. These include the location of the court (indoor vs outdoor), structure of the building, overall use of the space, and whether or not the goal will be permanent. If you need additional guidance, we’re just a phone call away, or you can leave a question on our contact us page. You may also find additional resources at SouthTexasSportCourt.com or GaredPerfSports.com

By adminPublished On: September 1st, 2025Categories: Informational0 Comments