The First Team Jam In-Ground Adjustable Basketball Goal is a proven, straightforward in-ground adjustable system built around First Team's heavy 11ga. 4" x 4" post design, spring-assisted EZ-Crank height adjustment, and a direct rim mount that eliminates backboard stress. With six backboard configurations spanning acrylic, tempered glass, and a unique smoked tempered glass option, and the choice between a buried-post or bolt-down baseplate installation on every configuration, the Jam delivers genuine First Team in-ground performance across a wide range of court setups and budgets.

Heavy 11ga. 4" x 4" One-Piece Post Design

The Jam is built around First Team's FT1100 heavy 11ga. 4" x 4" one-piece post paired with the FT1300 Jam Arm System. The one-piece post design eliminates the joint deterioration risk that is common with sectional-type posts, where connections between post sections can loosen, corrode, and flex over time under repeated play. The Jam's post goes in the ground as a single structural member and stays that way for the life of the system. The post to backboard extension distance is 24" with the rim at regulation 10', keeping the backboard close to the post for a clean, compact footprint on the court.

Spring-Assisted EZ-Crank Height Adjustment

The Jam uses First Team's EZ-Crank system with springs built into the extension assembly that counterbalance the weight of the backboard and rim. This means the crank turns with minimal physical effort in either direction, making height changes smooth and easy for any user. A built-in rim height indicator on the back of the unit shows the exact rim position at all times. The system adjusts from 7' to regulation 10', covering youth through adult play on the same permanent court without measuring between sessions.

Direct Rim Mount to Eliminate Backboard Stress

Like every First Team goal, the Jam 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 transferred into the backboard material. This design eliminates the backboard cracking and frame stress that occurs on goals where the rim mounts directly to the board, protecting your backboard across years of heavy daily use regardless of which configuration you select.

Buried Post or Bolt-Down Baseplate: Your Choice on Every Configuration

The Jam is the only system in this lineup that gives you a clear choice between two distinct installation methods on every single backboard configuration. Standard Jam units use the FT1100 buried post, set 36" below the playing surface in concrete for a traditional, rigid in-ground installation. BP variants use the FT1100BP bolt-down baseplate post for a surface-mounted bolt-down installation. An optional FT16 ground sleeve can also be purchased separately for the standard buried post units, making the post removable from the sleeve if needed.

Breakaway Goal and Net Included Standard

Every Jam ships with a breakaway goal and a net as standard. The breakaway mechanism absorbs rim impact during dunks and hard plays, protecting both the rim and the backboard across years of use. No upgrade is required to get breakaway performance on any Jam configuration.

Six Backboard Configurations Including Smoked Glass

The Jam offers six distinct backboard configurations across acrylic and tempered glass, including the Jam Eclipse with a unique 36" x 60" smoked tempered glass backboard that is not available on any other First Team in-ground adjustable system in the lineup. Every configuration is available in both standard buried-post and BP bolt-down versions for a total of twelve orderable variants. All twelve carry a Lifetime Superior Warranty.

Choose Your Type

All six configurations share the same FT1100 4" x 4" post, FT1300 Jam Arm System, EZ-Crank spring-assisted adjustment, direct rim mount design, breakaway goal, and Lifetime Superior Warranty. Every configuration is available in both standard buried-post (no suffix) and bolt-down baseplate (BP suffix) versions. Select the BP version at checkout if you want the bolt-down installation option.

Optional Upgrades

The Jam is available with two padding add-ons worth considering at the time of purchase. Adding padding after installation 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 Velcro wrap-around post padding adds a layer of safety around the 4" x 4" post for facilities where player contact with the post is a concern. The Velcro wrap-around design makes installation and removal straightforward without tools.

Lifetime Superior Warranty

Every Jam configuration, including the entry-level Jam II, carries First Team's Lifetime Superior Warranty. This covers any damage or failure caused by any type of basketball activity or related contact with the unit, including deliberate hanging on the rim. Vandalism is not covered under the Superior Warranty. For a permanent in-ground installation, this is the strongest warranty coverage First Team offers short of the Unconditional Warranty on select premium systems.

By the Numbers

• Post: FT1100 heavy 11ga. 4" x 4" one-piece steel post (buried) / FT1100BP bolt-down baseplate post (BP variants)
• Arm system: FT1300 Jam Arm System
• Post to backboard extension: 24" with rim at regulation 10'
• Goal mount: Direct to extension arm, not backboard
• Height adjustment: EZ-Crank with spring counterbalance, 7' to 10'
• Height indicator: Built-in rim height indicator on back of unit
• Standard installation: Post buried 36" below playing surface
• BP installation: FT1100BP bolt-down baseplate
• Optional accessory: FT16 ground sleeve for removable buried-post installation
• Goal and net: Breakaway goal and net included standard
• Shipping: Free shipping included
• Warranty: Lifetime Superior Warranty on all configurations
• Jam II / II BP backboard: FT210 36" x 48" acrylic, FT184 Recreational Flex Goal, approx. 195 lbs
• Jam III / III BP backboard: FT215 36" x 54" acrylic, FT186 Heavy Duty Flex Goal, approx. 205 lbs
• Jam Select / Select BP backboard: FT220 36" x 60" acrylic, FT186 Heavy Duty Flex Goal, approx. 215 lbs
• Jam Turbo / Turbo BP backboard: FT216 36" x 54" tempered glass, FT186 Heavy Duty Flex Goal, approx. 205 lbs
• Jam Nitro / Nitro BP backboard: FT221 36" x 60" tempered glass, FT186 Heavy Duty Flex Goal, approx. 215 lbs
• Jam Eclipse / Eclipse BP backboard: FT221SM 36" x 60" smoked tempered glass, FT186 Heavy Duty Flex Goal, approx. 215 lbs

Who Is This System For?

• Home court buyers who want a proven, straightforward First Team in-ground adjustable goal with genuine spring-assisted EZ-Crank performance and a choice of acrylic, clear glass, or smoked glass backboard at an accessible price point
• Buyers who want installation flexibility on every backboard configuration, with the ability to choose between a traditional buried-post setup or a bolt-down baseplate at the time of purchase
• Players who want a unique court aesthetic and are drawn to the smoked tempered glass Eclipse backboard option, which is not available on any other First Team in-ground adjustable system
• Families with players ages youth through adult who need reliable 7' to 10' height adjustment with spring counterbalance on a permanent court goal that accommodates multiple age groups
• Buyers who want a Lifetime Superior Warranty on every configuration including the entry-level II, without needing to step up to a higher-tier backboard choice to secure full warranty coverage

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 Jam configuration and installation method for your court, and connect you with a qualified installer in your area.