Huupe Basketball Hoop Reviews: Revolutionizing Your Training Through AI and Advanced Stats
I wasn’t looking for another training tool for basketball however I am an avid listener of the My First Million podcast hosted by Shaan Puri and Sam Parr. They just happened to be interviewing Audie Attar who is the man behind Conor McGregor’s 650 million dollar empire. The entire interview was fascinating, but I picked out a little mention by Attar of a company called Huupe. I immediately searched Huupe Basketball Hoop Reviews. They make, as he called it a smart technology basketball hoop. Attar’s entertainment and sports management platform, Paradigm Sports, lead the seed round of funding for Huupe about a year ago and Attar joined the startup’s Board of Directors.
Of course, I was intrigued and I had to investigate what it was all about. The following post has all of my research including reviews, pricing, and who else is invested in this company and technology.
As an avid basketball player always looking to take my skills up a notch, I’m constantly on the hunt for effective and innovative training tools. I recently came across a new high-tech basketball hoop called the Huupe Smart Hoop that immediately caught my attention.
How A Smart Hoop Gets It Start
Huupe is a sports technology company that aims to blend athletic equipment with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics. They’ve made waves in the basketball world with the launch of their new Huupe Smart Hoop – a sensor-packed, connected basketball system that provides players with detailed statistical feedback and analysis on every single shot. The video below is a mini-documentary on how the founders of Huupe, Paul Anton and Lyth Saeed founded Huupe in 2019 and developed the product.
My son and I use the HomeCourt app which has a lot of interactive drills and some ability to track shots, but the promise of using AI and comprehensive metrics to get an unprecedented look at my shooting tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses is definitely appealing. As someone who frequently practices at home in my driveway, I would love to see if the Huupe Smart Hoop could take my training to the next level.
Key Features and Technology
What makes the Huupe Smart Hoop stand out from a regular basketball hoop setup? Here are some of the key features and technology packed into this premium training tool:
Built-in Sensors Track All Shooting Metrics
The Huupe hoop contains a series of motion sensors that can track a wide variety of shooting data points. It detects not just makes and misses, but also precise shot location, entry angle, depth, and left/right accuracy. The sensors even discern between swishes, rim-outs, airballs, and backboard hits.
Real-Time Visual and Audio Feedback
One of Huupe’s most useful capabilities is providing instant feedback after every shot. A built-in LED display on the backboard visualizes the shot arc and entry point. Audio guidance also critiques each shot so you can make quick adjustments.
Gamified Training Modes
The accompanying Huupe mobile app features a variety of gamified training modes to add fun and competition to your practice. You can earn points for shot consistency, take part in rapid-fire shooting challenges, or go head-to-head with virtual defenders.
Connected Analytics and Social Features
The sensors sync up with the Huupe app (available on iOS and Android) via WiFi or Bluetooth to provide connected analytics. Your shooting data is recorded over time so you can monitor your measurable improvement. Social leaderboards let you compete against other players.
The funding round also included F Street Ventures, Reform Ventures, JB Fitzgerald, Tundra Angels and Ball Tek Ventures, alongside angel investors. Huupe has also received investments from NBA players including Thaddeus Young and Trevor Booker.
Sportsbusinessjournal.com
Benefits for Players
It’s clear that the Huupe Smart Hoop provides an unprecedented amount of shooting data and feedback. But how does this translate into concrete benefits for players looking to improve their skills?
Identify Shooting Weaknesses
The granular shot tracking highlights tendencies you may not have noticed before. You’ll be able to pick up on things like consistently missing short, shooting better from one side, etc., and then work on targeted training.
Access In-Depth Shooting Metrics
Knowing your overall makes vs. misses isn’t enough – the Smart Hoop gives you stats on release point, depth, left/right aim, and more. You can perfect the arc and angle of your shot based on the feedback.
Receive AI-Powered Coaching
The audio guidance acts like having a coach or trainer by your side during practice. It reinforces good shooting habits and discipline. A side note, to qualify as a live coach you have to have 2 years of college or professional ball under your belt.
Compete Socially
Competing against friends and other players drives motivation. The Smart Hoop’s leaderboards add accountability to continually improve your shot percentage. If you watched the video, you know that is part of why the founders developed the product.
Ideal Users and Use Cases
The Huupe Smart Hoop is a substantial investment, even for serious basketball players. Here are some examples of ideal users who can maximize the impact of its AI training capabilities:
High School and College Teams
Basketball squads at the high school and college level looking to add a high-tech team training tool. Perfect for coaches to track player development over time.
NBA and WNBA Players
Professional players who want to practice shooting with exacting feedback to perfect their form and consistency during the offseason.
Basketball Academies
Youth academies or in-person/online training companies could offer Huupe Smart Hoop shooting lessons and coaching.
Elite Amateur Players
From high school stand-outs to former college players, anyone playing at a highly competitive amateur level invested in improving their skills.
Huupe Reviews
Huupe said they are trying to deliver on their first 1000 units. Obviously, it is a new product and there are not a lot of Huupe reviews from paid users. However, I found a couple of credible news organizations. One from TMJ 4 News the NBC affiliate in Milwaukee that I couldn’t embed from YouTube. Another is from South Florida’s ABC affiliate WPLG News which you can see below.
This short appears to be sponsored by Huupe but it is a good look at a couple of players using it casually. You also see the durability as one of the players dunks on it. They show a little of the app as well as using the video screen embedded in the backboard.
Pricing and Availability
As you may have guessed, all of this advanced technology and feedback does not come cheap. Here is how the Huupe Smart Hoop is priced for consumers:
- $3,995 for the adjustable smart backboard and hoop hardware. This includes the rim, net, sensors, LED display, and rechargeable battery.
- $29.99 monthly subscription for access to the Huupe mobile app, AI coaching features, advanced metrics, and social competition.
The full system is currently available for pre-order through the Huupe website. They expect to start shipping units in early 2023.
Given the nearly $4,000 starting price tag, the Huupe Smart Hoop is certainly not an impulse buy. It’s a serious investment aimed at dedicated players and teams committed to leveraging technology to reach the next level. For those willing to pay a premium for high-quality equipment and detailed performance analytics, it could be game-changing.
As of this writing, it appeared they were only taking 100.00 down payments. They didn’t even mention the full pricing at checkout which is a little confusing.
Installation and Specifications
While the Huupe Smart Hoop is packed with sophisticated technology to optimize your training, installing the physical hardware is designed to be straightforward. As of now, they will do it for you as part of the purchase price.
Here are some key specs and installation notes:
HARDWARE
| SERIES 1 | Ideal for homes, outdoor courts and boutique gyms |
| TYPE | In-ground or wall mount |
| BACKBOARD SIZE | 60″ x 42″ |
| POLE SIZE | 6″ x 6″ |
| OVERHANG | 3′ at 10′ height, 4′ at 7.5′ height |
| 3-POINT STATIONARY WALL MOUNT (Indoor only) | 2′ to ‘3 extensions, 3’ to ‘4 extensions, 4’ to ‘6 extensions, 6’ to ‘9 extensions, 9’ to ’12 extension |
| AUDIO | 30W Stereo speakers |
WIRELESS
| WI-FI | WiFi 6E (2.4GHz, 5GHz) |
| BLUETOOTH | BLUETOOTH 5.2 BR/EDR/LE |
| BLUETOOTH AUDIO SUPPORT | Yes |
POWER
| AC INPUT | 100VAC – 240VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| MAX POWER CONSUMPTION | 600W |
INSTALLATION
The Huupe is installed by their professional installers. They will also connect the Huupe to WiFi, pair your Bluetooth and help get your account set up before they leave.
Conclusion
As someone always for an edge and a shortcut, I love the promise of the Huupe Smart Hoop’s capabilities. The ability to break down every aspect of your shot using AI and advanced stats unlocks game-changing insights into improving shooting consistency and percentage.
Is the nearly $4,000 price tag worth it for the average player? Probably not. But for a high school team looking for a competitive edge, an NBA pro striving for perfection, or an academy leveraging tech for better coaching, the investment could very well pay dividends in skill development.
If you have the budget for high-end equipment and embrace using technology to enhance repetition and discipline on the court, the Huupe Smart Hoop just may revolutionize your training.
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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