Freedom of Expression
Backyard basketball courts are usually a lot of fun to build because they are only limited by imagination, budget and available space. These courts can be an expression of the person building them because they are totally customizable for personal taste.
Backyard basketball is totally informal setting and this allows more freedom in design and implementation than any other type of basketball court. Users of these types of basketball courts are usually:
Backyard basketball courts are free of any sort of official regulations or specifications, but safety issues should still be observed. These types of courts can be anything from a full court setup (in extreme cases), to a basketball net attached to the side of a swimming pool. Different variations of a half court are the most common backyard basketball court because they allow room for a game to be played while also being economical.
There are virtually endless types and styles of basketball equipment specially designed for outdoor and backyard basketball court use. This equipment is almost always made of extra durable materials that can be left out in different weather without being ruined.
Outdoor Basketball Goal Systems
The basketball goal system is basically the only common piece of equipment among backyard basketball courts. The goal system is the combination of the backboard and the rim; it also includes the net if one exists.
The types of rims available vary from light metals to heavy gauge steel. The rims may be directly attached to the backboard or they may be attached indirectly with a high tension spring system. The springs are used in order to provide a controlled amount of movement on the rim when the ball or a player hits it. This increases safety for the players and reduces the amount of stress put on the backboard.
The backboards are available in a variety of different materials that all have unique properties in terms of look, sturdiness and durability. Cast acrylic is a popular choice because it looks a lot like the tempered glass backboards that are used in professional leagues while costing a fraction of the price. Metal and plastic are also common choices because they are less expensive and have strong weather resistant properties.
These goal systems are usually held in place by:
All-in-one systems are popular for backyard use because the goal system, the pole and the base are all purchased together and are very easy to set up.
Backyard Basketball Surfaces
These courts are generally so informal that they may just involve using a surface that is already there. They can use a lawn, a driveway or other existing surface in some instances depending on what feels comfortable and the level of usage.
Other courts can involve having special surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, cement tiles and numerous other materials that can provide a hard, flat playing surface. Rubberized tiles are a relatively new type of outdoor court surface, but they are becoming popular for outdoor and backyard courts.