Basketball Hoop Rebounder: Attachments, Nets and Systems
Our front driveway is on about a 10% downhill grade. We had the portable basketball hoop on our back patio (which is flat), but as the kids got older they needed more room and hence the move of the hoop to the front driveway. If you airball your shot or even if it is a clean swish through the net It acts like a drain all the way down to the end of the street where it finally flattens out. You spend half your time chasing after the ball. A good cardio workout and entertaining for the neighbors but not great for getting a lot of shots up. I decided we needed a basketball hoop rebounder, although I didn’t know what they were called at the time.
I had seen devices attached to basketball rims in the neighborhood and it looked like a decent idea even if you didn’t live on a hill. I spend way too much time at our local Play It Again Sports store and just happened to see a used one (can’t recall the brand) similar to the Ballback Pro ball return system you see featured below (spoiler alert: we bought the Ballback Pro after the used one broke).
Once the used one broke about 18 months later I did the deep-dive research on basketball hoop rebounders in general. They may also be referenced as basketball return systems. Now you get the benefit of all that research. I have a special situation with the hill which sends missed shots into the street or slowly bouncing through my neighbor’s yard and eventually to the street. Here is how I am going to break things down:
- Break down the basketball rebounders into 3 different types.
- Explain the situations where each of the different types of rebounders may be the most suitable.
- Give you examples of the 3 different basketball return types.
3 Different Types Of Basketball Hoop Rebounders
A basketball hoop rebounder is a device that attaches to a basketball hoop and can help players improve their shooting skills by spending more time shooting than chasing the ball. It works by, at its best, returning the ball to the shooter after each shot, and, in our case, just stopping the ball from careening down the street with a nice easy push back into the flatter part of our driveway.
- Standalone rebounders: These are rebounders that stand on their own and can be used with any standard basketball hoop. They often have a plastic net or funnel that returns the ball back to the player, allowing for solo practice. I am going to make a distinction here. I would put the Ballback Pro type of device in this category as it generally guides the ball out of the hoop on a made shot and slows it down but doesn’t precisely aim\guide it back to the shooter. A product like the SKLZ Kick-Out Basketball Return attachment is in the grey area. It is not as precise as our next category but can aim the ball back to the shooter.
- Basketball rebounding systems: These are rebounders that attach to the top of a door and can be used with any standard basketball. They often have a net or mat that returns the ball back to the player, allowing for solo practice. An example product of a door-mounted basketball hoop rebounder is the Franklin Sports Over The Door Mini Basketball Hoop.
- Rebound nets: These are nets that can attach to the pole of a basketball hoop or set just behind the hoop. They are typically made of elastic-type netting material and can be adjusted to fit different hoop sizes. An example product of a rebound net basketball hoop rebounder is the Rukket Basketball Rebounder Net.
After researching and testing several basketball hoop rebounders, I have identified one from each category and a hybrid that spans two categories. I will also add my personal notes on what helped us make our decision and in what situations we may have made an alternative choice. In a perfect world, we would have one of each, but we don’t want to store them, pay for them, or switch them out periodically. Did I tell you we also have a volleyball spike trainer that attaches to the hoop as well?
Best Basketball Hoop Rebounders
When choosing a basketball hoop rebounder, there are several important base functional factors to consider:
- The first is the size of the rebounder, which should be compatible with the size of your basketball hoop.
- The second is the rebounder’s construction, which should be sturdy enough to withstand the impact of the ball without breaking.
- Finally, you should consider how adjustable you need it to be, if you want the ball to go back to a specific point on the court you need more of a system than just a backstop.
You will ultimately have to decide which is the best basketball hoop rebounder for your situation. These rebounders will give you a starting point to narrow down your search.
Ballback Pro Basketball Ball Return System
As I said earlier the Ballback Pro Basketball Ball Return System is what I bought after our used one broke. These are the most basic return systems. They are not nearly as precise at returning the ball to the shooter.
But it’s easy to install and use and slowed the ball down for us on made shots and even caught a lot of our airballs. This did break after about 2 years, but it stayed outside all year long in harsh Nebraska winters and searing summers. I wouldn’t expect it to last forever. Here are some more additional pros and cons.
Pros
- Provides more shooting time which may improve shooting skills in the long run
- Fits standard home rims with the added “breakaway” feature
- Generally returns the ball to a player without needing adjustment
Cons
- May not fit all types of basketball rims
- Plastic material may not be as durable as expected (ours broke after 2 years)
- May not work as well for players who expect to get the ball back to them at a specific part of the court.
The Ballback Pro Basketball Ball Return System has done its job and has likely decreased the number of balls we have to chase from 7 out of 10 to closer to 2 out of 10. I liked that it is easy to take on and off. The system fits standard home rims and the “breakaway” feature ensures that it won’t damage your rim during use. I found this video on how to install it pretty accurate.
The video below is the rebounder in action in our front yard. You won’t see the blll roll down the hill with all the snow (I filmed this on freakishly warm day in January), but you can see that it does a good job of catching the ball and spitting it out in a nice and controlled way.
Again, keep in mind that the Ballback Pro may not fit all types of basketball rims, so make sure to check the product specifications before purchasing. Additionally, while the plastic material is sturdy enough for regular use, it may not be durable enough to last more than 2 or 4 years if you live in a harsh climate.
Overall, I will likely buy another Ballback Pro Basketball Ball Return System. You can leave it on while you are playing regular games and it doesn’t really get in the way like a basketball rebounder net or a more rigid system that returns the ball more precisely.
Dr. Dish iC3 Basketball Rebounder Net Return System
I am going to call this a hybrid system, half net, and half precise rebounding system. If you’re serious about getting a lot of shots up the Dr. Dish iC3 Basketball Rebounder Net Return System may be for you.
It doesn’t meet our needs because I don’t want to take it down every time we play a game. What I do like about it is that you really have to miss badly for it not to get caught in the net and funnel down into the catcher.
Pros
- The iC3 returns both made and missed shots with the rebounder net, so you can spend more time shooting and less time chasing the ball.
- They claim you can get up to 800 shots per hour when using two basketballs. I am not sure my shoulders would be able to hack that.
Cons
- I don’t want to take it up and down every time we actually want to play a game.
- The rebound system folds to 22″ x 22″ x 59″ for but it’s still too bulky for me to want to store.
Again I do like that the basketball rebounder net returns both made and missed shots and that the basketball rebound net is 17″ above the rim, which trains players to put arc on shots for better form. Dr. Dish is a trusted brand but this is just too much equipment for our needs right now.
Franklin Sports Defender Net Pro
The Franklin Sports Defender Net Pro is my entry for a basketball rebounder net. It looks easy to set up and we actually have an all-sports training net that could serve a similar purpose. The Franklin version has more coverage than the one we have. This would certainly be the solution our neighbors would choose for us. It would keep the ball from rolling through their front yard which is behind our basket.
We could use a combination of the stand-alone rebounder and a net, but then you still have to store the net. We may try that combination with our current sports net and see how it works out.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup
- Stops the ball from going behind the basket if your hoop doesn’t back up to a wall
- Could be used in combination with a standalone rebounder
Cons
- Doesn’t redirect the ball back to the shooter
- Designed for round posts, not square posts as shown in product images
- Some customers have reported issues with durability
Overall, if you’re looking for a basketball hoop rebounder that is easy to set up and is built specifically to cover a basketball hoop this may be a good option.
Key Things To Consider When Buying A Basketball Hoop Rebounder
When looking for the best basketball hoop rebounder, there are several factors to consider. I built this table to keep them all straight:
| Feature | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Size and Weight | The size and weight of the rebounder will determine how portable it is and how easy it is to set up. If you plan on using it in different locations or need to store it away when not in use, a lightweight and compact option may be best. However, if stability is a concern or if you plan on using it in a fixed location, a heavier and more durable option may be better suited for your needs. |
| Adjustability | Some rebounders come with adjustable angles, allowing you to change the trajectory of the ball as it bounces back to you. This can be useful for practicing different types of shots and improving your overall skills. Consider whether adjustability is an important feature for your needs. |
| Material | The material of the rebounder will determine its durability and longevity. Look for options made with high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use and outdoor conditions. Additionally, consider whether the rebounder is weather-resistant and can hold up in various climates. |
| Price | Price is always a consideration when making a purchase. While it can be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, keep in mind that quality may be sacrificed. Look for a rebounder that fits within your budget while also meeting your specific needs. You may want to try your local used sporting goods store first. |
Conclusion and Best Way To Buy
Again, we are going to continue with rebounder like the Ballback Pro. If you can find a similar device at a local used sporting goods store I would do that first. Ebay typically just funnels you to new products, I rarely find anything used to buy. Since the Ballback Pro (around 40 to 50 dollars now) broke after a couple of years I am going to look for a less expensive option and see how that does. You have to watch where you buy it. Online retailers are not always the cheapest. I found that best price at Scheels.
I found this used SKLZ Shoot Around at a decent price (but it isn’t that expenive to buy new), but I still like the overall coverage (stopping airballs) of the Ballback Pro.
Even though we are on our third basketball hoop rebounder I still consider it a good investment. I hope my experience has helped you understand the benefits of using a basketball hoop rebounder and has provided you with some useful information to help you make an informed decision. I will update the post if I come up with new information.
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
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