The primary consideration you need to make before purchasing a basketball return machine or basketball return system is functionality. Any ideas you might have about aesthetics, and even to some degree affordability, need to be shoved right out of the window - put on the back burner at the very least.
When we consider the functionality of a return system, we are essentially making reference to efficiency. Does it save you time and help you extract the most value possible out of your basketball training session?
The top basketball return systems allow you to take shots from all corners of the basketball court, without ever having to worry about time being wasted trying to collect a loose ball.
As it just so happens, the markets are flooded with basketball return systems that are great for people who are vaguely competent and regularly make their shots.
Here we are talking about return systems that are directly attached to the rim, which means that you need to be making your shots for that system to be of any value to you. What you will notice though, is that if you are making your shots, the ball will invariably come straight back to you. So, there is usually nothing to worry about there.
However, if you are somebody who loses control of the ball quite often, whether that be while you are dribbling or when you are taking a shot, return systems that attach to the hoop pole or the hoop system are likely to be of more value to you. They help you compensate for a mostly erratic game.
Before you purchase a return system, you need to have some clarity on which bracket you fit into, and this list will help you with that decision-making process.
Basketball Return System
Specifications
Price
Top 6 Best Basketball Return Systems:
This has been designed for people who wish to use it throughout the year. Among its more compelling features is that it is durable and easy to assemble. Depending on how severe the seasonal elements in your part of the world are, you can opt to keep this return system attached to your basketball hoop all year, or you can take it off and store away quite easily in the off season. Either way you would have purchased a product that will last you a long time, meaning that you will get tremendous value for your buck.
While lasting long and being easy to store are things that matter a tremendous amount, the real judgement of this product ought to be made on its overall performance. To be quite honest, it is very difficult to find fault with this product on that count either.
If correctly installed, you can actually shoot from all angles of the basketball court and achieve the same outcomes every time, because you can adjust the system to ensure that the ball comes back to you every single time.
Because the system has a jet black design, there is invariably going to be a colour contrast with the basketball rim, which removes any ambiguity you might have experienced when taking the shot.
You would knock off the proverbial two birds with one stone, because you won’t need to worry about getting your basketball to come straight back to you, without ever having the compromise on the shot. The system is suitable for both young people and adults in equal measure.
Pros
Cons
This Basketball return system is one of the best currently available on the market because both the installation and the removal of the system is so straightforward. If you are traveling, or out of season, the system is also pretty easy to store away.
While the system has been designed to fit on most basketball rims, the emphasis really should be on using this for outdoor basketball hoops. That is kind of the point of having one of these systems
This is also the ideal system set-up for players who harbor aspirations of mastering their free throws and perimeter shooting. The system styles also make it quite easy for you to know exactly where you are shooting, because the colours contrast so well with the actual rim and more especially the nylon net, which is a prominent feature of most basketball hoops.
Some questions might be raised about the durability of the system, especially because it is only built with a 90-degree arche. So, if you shoot the basketball from the side of the court, there is no risk of you breaking the system when it feeds the ball back in court.
That is a genuine fear that might emerge among some players who need to practice their shooting. If you think about it, the ideal system is the one which can withstand the constant battery that comes with the territory during basketball training of this kind.
Pros
Cons
This is one of the efficient return systems available on the market because you will always be able to adjust it according to your needs. While you are most likely to experience most of your joy while competing with this system indoors, there is every opportunity to also use it outdoors.
The system has a 180-degree return angle, which is a matter of massive convenience for those who use this product.
Incidentally, the one aspect which might be a tad off-putting for adults, is actually what also makes it such an outstanding potential Christmas gift. This thing will be an outstanding gift for young basketball players.
So, while you might not be able to use a standard size basketball hoop when playing with this system, teenagers will have a tremendous amount of fun with this while lying in on a bed in their room - or even while they are studying at their desks. The system has been designed to help pass the time, while also providing a useful distraction after what might have been a busy or stressful day.
Another compelling feature of this system is that it can actually also be removed if you are over it, for whatever reason, and just want to shoot hoops without the return feature.
If there was anything to maybe detract from this system it would be the motor, which some people have called weak. So, there is somewhat of a performance concern there, but probably not enough to put you off the purchase completely.
Pros
Cons
This is an outstanding example of a great return system. Among its most compelling features is that it facilitates a 360-degree return arch, meaning that you could shoot for the hoop from almost anywhere on the court.
One of the major concerns with any shooting system like this is the prospect of having to assemble it, and subsequently removing it. A major selling point for the SKLZ system is that doing all of those things is actually quite easy. You also won’t encounter a tremendous amount of trouble trying to store the product either.
The systems will latch onto most rims with relative ease, although you likely won’t experience the same kind of joy while using this system on a breakaway rim, for example. But then again, this is not the kind of device that you would employ for a breakaway rim - because that would most likely defeat the objective.
Pros
Cons
This is one of the premier basketball return machines because it is compatible with most basketball hoops systems, whether they be in-ground basketball hoops or wall-mounted basketball hoops. The systems are also functional for people who want to use them on portable basketball hoops.
Regardless of how high your basketball hoop is, the return system has been designed to be adaptable, as it can stretch a pretty long way down towards the ground.
There are two elements to this hoop system that could be off-putting to some though. The first is that the system only comes with one net, which presents some limitations in and of itself. Most of the systems that we have featured in this article offer a 180 or 360-degree return arch. By virtue of design this system does not offer you that, which means that you cannot practice your shooting from everywhere on the basketball court.
The other off-putting feature of this system is that it is a net system, which means there is a level of inconsistency that you will have to deal with, because there is actually no way of knowing what direction the basketball system will take the ball in once you have taken the shot.
Compared to other schut systems, this can also be considered a pretty cumbersome piece of equipment that is difficult to store and a bit tedious to install or remove. The netting itself is pretty heady duty, though, which means the one thing which will not be an issue for those who purchase this is durability. This system has been built to last.
Pros
Cons
A standout feature for this alternative to a typical Basketball return machine is that it is not just about returning the basketball to you once you have taken a shot and netted a goal. This netting system has also been designed to compensate for people who miss their shots altogether.
It is also designed for people who might not be taking an actual shot at goal, but have lost control of the ball while dribbling. Instead of the ball rolling off into the streets or something, the netting will collect them all and ensure that you have much more time to enjoy your basketball outing.
While the product has been marketed as one that will be quick to install, the installation itself can be quite a daunting process for some, as you have to attach the netting from both sides of the basketball pole. So, among other things, you might need somebody to assist you with the installation.
Beyond that, there is a lot of attaching and clipping to be done, which if not done right can prove to be counterproductive.
Something we do consider pretty neat is that the netting can actually be folded away rather neatly alongside the pole of an in-ground basketball hoop.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
When all is said and done, you want a basketball return machine that helps you become a better player, by allowing you to extract as much as you possibly can out of basketball training sessions.
Before you make the purchase, you need to decide if you want a return system that is going to help you take more shots at goal or whether you want a system that is going to help stop you from chasing stray basketballs down the driveway or even down the local streets.
Hey, I’m Aleksandar and I am a Basketball freak! That is why I decided to create this blog. Teaching people How to dunk a basketball and How to Jump Higher in this sport or other related sports that require vertical jumping, is my specialty. If that’s your aim, then you have come to the right place.