Team Insight

MYTH – ALL BREAKAWAY BASKETBALL RIMS ARE CREATED EQUAL. FACT – There are many different types of breakaway rims on the market, and customers should choose based on a number of factors, including budgetary considerations, competition or recreational play, play environment and amount of usage. The most important features are the breakaway mechanism, net attachment method and number of rings. s "REAKAWAY MECHANISMS CAN VARY GREATLY DUE to the number of springs, the degree of pressure at which the mechanism "breaks" and whether a rim has a positive lock mechanism or is an "accordion-style" breakaway. s 0OPULAR NET ATTACHMENT METHODS INCLUDE THE standard no-tie net attachment, tube-tie attachment and tie cord attachment (mainly used in professional arenas). s 3INGLE RIMS ARE THE STANDARD FOR INDOOR USE AND competitive play settings; however, double rims are more rugged and will be better at standing up to unsupervised and heavy-play environments. MYTH – THE BEST PORTABLE SYSTEMS ARE THE ONES YOU SEE IN COLLEGE AND PRO TV GAMES. FACT – 0ORTABLE ARENASTYLE BASKETBALL SYSTEMS CAN be an intimidating purchase due to their high cost and the number of different styles and features. In addition, some schools might be persuaded to purchase certain brands or models based on sponsorship funds or other monetary donations. It is important to first assess what a program needs before exploring different portable systems — play level, play environment, space limitations, system functionality and overall budget are just a few factors. MYTH – SYSTEMS IN OUTDOOR SETTINGS MUST HAVE STEEL BACKBOARDS ON THEM. FACT – Although steel backboards have historically been a popular choice for outdoor basketball systems, today there are a variety of options. s !LUMINUM BACKBOARDS INCREASINGLY COMMON IN parks, playgrounds and school yards, are known for their all-around durability and rust-resistance and are extremely lightweight, making them easier to install and transport. s &IBERGLASS IS ALSO LIGHTWEIGHT HAS GREAT REBOUND and is a smart choice in coastal areas that are affected by moisture and salt water. s #ONSIDER A CLEAR BOARD MADE OF GLASS ACRYLIC or polycarbonate if looking for a more professional- looking backboard. Glass boards provide the best rebound and playability; however, they can be damaged by vandalism in unsupervised settings. s !CRYLIC BACKBOARDS PROVIDE GREAT DURABILITY AND are less prone to breakage, but can be more costly and will get cloudy over time. s 0OLYCARBONATE BOARDS HAVE RECENTLY BECOME very popular for urban areas and heavy-play settings because of their unparalleled strength and their dependability. MYTH – IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW A BACKBOARD AND GOAL ARE ATTACHED TO A BACKSTOP, AS LONG AS IT IS INSTALLED SECURELY. FACT – It does matter because how they are installed together directly affects the longevity of the backboard, regardless if it is an indoor or outdoor SYSTEM &ACILITIES SHOULD MAKE SURE THEY ARE purchasing a system with a "direct goal attachment" whenever possible. A direct goal attachment means that the post, board and goal (rim) are all attached at the same spot. This reduces the stress placed on the backboard during heavy play, such as excessive dunking or hanging on the rim, because any weight placed on the rim is transferred directly to the post or backstop. MYTH – PADDING IS NOT NECESSARY FOR OUTDOOR SYSTEMS. FACT – Outdoor basketball systems are often exposed to unsupervised games full of unrelenting PLAY 0ADDING ON THESE SYSTEMS IS RELATIVELY inexpensive to purchase and is an absolute must. The most common types of padding are pole pads, backboard pads and base pads. s 0OLE PADS COVER ANY ROUND SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR shaped post and protect players. They are typically made of vinyl-covered foam and can range from four- to six-feet tall and between one- and four-inches thick. s "ACKBOARD PADS ARE CONSTRUCTED OF POLYURETHANE foam and cover the bottom and part of the sides of the backboard frame to keep players from injuring their head, arms or hands. s "ASE PADS ARE USUALLY MADE FROM THE SAME material as pole pads and are used to cover the base and exposed hardware of a surface-mounted basketball system to prevent players from tripping. teaminsightmag.com TEAM REPORT Game Changers by GARED !$6%24)3%-%.4 Dispelling some of today's popular misconceptions about sports equipment so that dealers can be more informed when selling to facilities or organizations. This month's focus is on basketball equipment. Gared Holdings, LLC %AST TH "LDG ! s .OBLESVILLE ). s WWWGAREDSPORTSCOM The Gared 2018 lineup (from top): 2000+ Collegiate Breakway Rim; Hoopmaster Portable System; Pro Jam with Glass Board; Ceiling-Suspended Basketball System.

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