Basketball goal and basketball stand are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Our customers frequently ask us if there is a difference between basketball stands and basketball goals. When it is time to shop for sports equipment, it is helpful to understand the terminology, after all. Technically, the movable basketball stand refers to the orange rim that is mounted to the backboard, but in common language, the terms are used when people are referring to the complete sets that make up basketball systems. Here at First Team Sports, we use the term basketball goals when referring to either complete basketball goal systems or the rims themselves. We offer a comprehensive line of made in the USA indoor and outdoor sports equipment: basketball backboard systems (wall mount basketball goals or on a post) for team sports, adjustable goals for kids, portable goals for indoor games and driveway outdoor play, and commercial basketball goals that can stand up to the most aggressive playgrounds. Our basketball buying guide and basketball goal pictures can help you understand the differences between the types of basketball equipment for sale. Call First Team today to get started!



Parts of a Basketball System


A complete basketball system consists of the same general parts, whether it is an in ground basketball goal, a portable basketball goal, or an adjustable portable goal.


What are the basic elements of a basketball goal system?


Backboard: Backboards can be rectangular or fan shaped, and are available in many different sizes and materials. First Team offers everything from regulation size tempered glass wall mount backboards for colleges to an affordable acrylic backboard and rim combo-portable basketball system units for home use. (Acrylic provides a better rebound than a polycarbonate backboard). We also offer backboards in steel, perforated aluminum, fiberglass, and smoked tempered glass.


Rim: The orange basketball ring from which the net hangs. Can also be called the goal or stand. Options include the competition breakaway steel rim, heavy-duty or recreation flex goal, and the fixed rim. First Team also offers ultra heavy double rims for playgrounds where aggressive play is the norm.


Net: Made of nylon or metal chain (for playgrounds).


Extension Arm (or boom): The extension arm projects forward from the vertical post to create the overhang for the safe play area. On fixed inground basketball goals, the extension arm does not move. On a First Team portable basketball goal, the extension arm folds down to a height that can easily fit under a door frame for storage next to your outdoor power equipment in the garage or roll into a storage closet in your gymnasium. Many of our wall mount acrylic or glass backboards offer an adjustable arm that allows you to set a custom distance from wall to backboard to align with your existing basketball court markings. Some models also feature an arm that folds back to one side to store the backboard safely to make room for other sports in multi-use facilities.


Post / Pole: Also called the support structure or standard, this is the vertical piece to which the backboard is attached. Depending on the model, our adjustable units can easily moved from as low 5'6” up to the full 10' regulation basketball goal height. Wall mount and roof mount products will not have a vertical post.



Quality Counts


The basketball goal vs. basketball stand terminology can also have to do with the quality of the basketball training equipment. If you are shopping online for a cheap portable unit for a toddler or little kid, it will be called a foldable basketball stand. The same is true for a table basketball game, a cheap pro mini stand with over-the-door mounts, flimsy plastic units for pools, or a product like the Spalding acrylic backboard set or Spalding polycarbonate portable basketball goal Walmart sells. Top brands in the sport generally call their equipment basketball goals or systems. At First Team, we take great pride in manufacturing the most well-made goals and accessories for your home, school, recreational facility, gymnasium, playground, and even your pool. Read the reviews to learn how different a heavy duty American made basketball system is as compared to lightweight units. When you want sports equipment that will last for years, or even a lifetime, call First Team. From ultra-safe and sturdy patio basketball goals for kids to a regulation tempered glass backboard with a breakaway basketball goal that meets all standards for NCAA men and women's competition, we manufacture it all to the most exacting standards right here in the USA. If you are training basketball players to excel at their sport, get on board with the best!


Adult outdoor fitness spaces are a relatively new yet popular amenity in the world of fitness. The trend emerged in 2012 in parks worldwide. Today, outdoor fitness equipment is an essential element of many park plans. Considering the concept of an outdoor gym is new to many, some parks departments and city planners struggle with where to start with planning such a space. This article looks into what to consider when planning an outdoor gym and answers a frequent question - how much does outdoor fitness equipment cost?