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First Team Force In-Ground Adjustable Basketball Hoop
$3,571.00 - $4,138.00$4,073.00 - $4,628.00
First Team Force In-Ground Adjustable Basketball Hoop
The First Team Force In-Ground Adjustable Basketball Goal is the entry point into First Team's permanent in-ground adjustable lineup, delivering exceptional rigidity, smooth spring-assisted height adjustment, and six distinct backboard configurations for home courts, outdoor recreational facilities, and institutional environments that want a serious, permanent bolt-down goal without stepping up to the Titan or Stainless Olympian price point.
Serious Performance at an Accessible In-Ground Price
The Force is built around the FT1500 Force Pole System, featuring a tough 5" square 3/16" thick vertical steel post that delivers the rigidity and stability a permanent bolt-down installation demands. Large welded base support gussets reinforce the post-to-base connection for maximum rigidity during aggressive play. The dual-strut extension arm adds a second structural member between the post and the backboard mounting point, eliminating the flex that single-strut designs develop over time. Once installed, the Force is a fixture of your court that does not move.
Spring-Assisted EZ-Crank Height Adjustment
The Force uses First Team's EZ-Crank system with Spring Assist for effortless infinite height adjustment from 5'6" to regulation 10 ft. The spring assist takes the physical effort out of cranking, making height changes smooth and easy for any user regardless of age or strength. A built-in rim height indicator shows the exact rim position at all times so there is no guessing or measuring between sessions. For families and programs running players of all ages on the same permanent court, fast and accurate height changes are a simple daily operation.
Direct Rim Mount Design
Like every First Team goal, the Force mounts the rim directly to the extension arm rather than the backboard. Every dunk, hang, and hard rim impact is absorbed by the steel arm rather than the backboard material. For a permanent installation that will see years of daily play, this design decision protects your backboard investment across the full life of the system regardless of which backboard configuration you select.
Six Backboard Configurations Across Four Materials
The Force offers six distinct backboard configurations spanning acrylic, tempered glass, steel, and aluminum. This makes it one of the most versatile in-ground adjustable goals available at its price point. Every configuration shares the same FT1500 Force Pole System, EZ-Crank Spring Assist adjustment, and Lifetime Superior Warranty.
Bolt-Down Permanent Installation
The Force is a permanent bolt-down in-ground system requiring a concrete anchor installation before assembly and mounting. This is not a portable or relocatable goal. It is engineered for permanent placement on a dedicated court surface.
Choose Your Type
All six types share the same FT1500 Force Pole System, 5" square steel post, dual-strut extension arm, EZ-Crank Spring Assist height adjustment, and Lifetime Superior Warranty. The only difference is backboard size and material.
Force III
36" x 54" AcrylicThe entry-level Force configuration with a 36" x 54" acrylic backboard. The most accessible price in the Force lineup. Best for home courts and programs where budget is the primary consideration and a smaller backboard size is appropriate.
Force Select
36" x 60" AcrylicSteps up to a 36" x 60" acrylic backboard for a meaningful playing surface increase over the III. Best for home courts and programs that want maximum acrylic backboard size before stepping up to glass.
Force Ultra
36" x 54" GlassThe entry-level glass Force configuration. A 36" x 54" tempered glass backboard delivers superior rebound response and a premium playing experience at the most accessible glass price in the lineup. Best for players who want glass performance in a compact board size.
Force Pro
36" x 60" GlassThe largest clear tempered glass Force configuration. A full 36" x 60" tempered glass backboard delivers the best clear glass rebound performance and playing experience in the Force lineup. Best for home courts where glass performance and a larger playing surface are the priority.
Force Extreme
36" x 60" SteelA 36" x 60" steel backboard built for outdoor courts, parks, and institutional environments where glass or acrylic would be impractical or at risk of vandalism. Steel backboards are virtually indestructible in outdoor environments and require no special care. Best for outdoor recreational courts and institutional installations.
Force Endura
36" x 60" AluminumThe FT257 36" x 60" aluminum backboard with FT172D Unbreakable Fixed Goal. Approx. shipping weight 370 lbs. Superior corrosion resistance for coastal, high-humidity, and harsh outdoor environments where steel may rust over time. Best for coastal properties, high-humidity climates, and outdoor installations where long-term corrosion resistance is the priority.
Not sure which type is right for your court? For premium home courts, the Pro glass or Select acrylic are the right choices. For outdoor recreational courts, the Extreme steel is the practical choice. For coastal or high-humidity environments, the Endura aluminum backboard provides the best long-term corrosion resistance. Our team is happy to help — contact us directly for a recommendation.
Optional Upgrades
The Force is available with two padding add-ons worth considering at the time of purchase. For a permanent bolt-down installation, adding padding after the system is in the ground is significantly more difficult than ordering upfront.
- Bolt-on TuffGuard backboard padding available in several colors, provides player protection around the backboard edges and is strongly recommended for youth programs and any facility where player contact with the backboard is a concern
- All-weather wrap-around post padding adds an additional layer of safety around the post for facilities where player contact with the post is a concern. The Velcro wrap-around design makes installation and removal straightforward without tools.
Padding recommendation: For permanent court installations we strongly recommend ordering padding at the time of purchase. Backboard and post padding protect both your players and your investment, and are far easier to install during initial setup than after the system is bolted into the ground.
By the Numbers
- Pole system: FT1500 Force Pole System, 5" square 3/16" thick steel post
- Extension arm: Dual-strut design with large welded base support gussets
- Goal mount: Direct to extension arm, not backboard
- Height adjustment: EZ-Crank with Spring Assist, infinite from 5'6" to 10 ft
- Height indicator: Built-in rim height indicator included
- Installation: Permanent bolt-down with concrete anchor required
- Approx. shipping weight: 370 lbs (Endura configuration)
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Warranty: Lifetime Superior Warranty
- Force III backboard: 36" x 54" acrylic
- Force Select backboard: 36" x 60" acrylic
- Force Ultra backboard: 36" x 54" tempered glass
- Force Pro backboard: 36" x 60" tempered glass
- Force Extreme backboard: 36" x 60" steel
- Force Endura backboard: FT257 36" x 60" aluminum with FT172D Unbreakable Fixed Goal
Who Is This System For?
- Home courts where the owner wants a serious, permanent in-ground adjustable goal with proven First Team quality at the most accessible price in the in-ground lineup
- Outdoor recreational courts and parks that need a permanent bolt-down goal with steel or aluminum backboard options for vandal-resistant, weather-proof long-term performance
- Coastal and high-humidity outdoor installations where the Endura aluminum backboard provides superior corrosion resistance without stepping up to the Titan or Stainless Olympian price point
- Families with players of all ages who want a permanent court goal with a wide 5'6" to 10 ft adjustment range that accommodates every age group on the same court
- First-time in-ground buyers who want the quality, permanence, and Lifetime Superior Warranty of First Team's in-ground lineup at the most accessible entry price
Trusted by Institutions Nationwide
First Team has been manufacturing sports equipment in the USA since 1985. As an authorized First Team dealer, Top Sports Tech provides direct expert support, competitive pricing, and fast shipping on every order. Our team can help you choose the right Force configuration for your court environment, climate, and budget, and connect you with a qualified installer in your area.
Sources: First Team Inc. Official Product Page: https://firstteaminc.com | ASTM F08 Committee Safety Standards: https://www.astm.org/membership-participation/technical-committees/committee-f08
WARRANTY
All First Team products are warranted against manufacturers defects at delivery. Additionally, First Team warranties most products for a given period of time as stated in the literature. Below is and explanation of First Team's warranty levels.
Limited Warranty:
Covers any damage caused by normal basketball activity and normal player contact with the goal. "Normal basketball activity" and "Normal player contact" shall be described as any action that is necessary for participation in the game of basketball. Deliberate hanging on the rim, multiple player hanging, and vandalism are not covered under the Limited Warranty.
Superior Warranty:
Covers any damage or failure caused by any type of basketball activity or related contact with the unit. This includes deliberate hanging on the rim. The Superior Warranty does not cover vandalism.
Unconditional Warranty:
Covers any damage or failure that occurs for any reason. Any product carrying an Unconditional Warranty is exempt from the above stated limitations.
Any normal wear and tear caused by weathering or UV exposure is not covered under any First Team warranty. All painted items carry a one year limited warranty on coating.
Some basketball products carry a warranty valid only when used in a residential setting. "Residential" is defined as a "single family dwelling." Products coverd by this warranty stipulation are indicated in First Team's product literature with a "R" symbol next to the warranty. Under no circumstances shall any basketball product carrying a strictly residential warranty be covered for non-residential use.
Due to the abusive nature of amusement facilities, unless specifically agreed to in writing, First Team products carry no warranty except for obvious manufacturing defects when used in an entertainment facility where players pay a fee to use the equipment.