What Size Basketball Hoop For A 6 Year Old?

My son is just turning six and just learning to play basketball.

I wanted to get him a basketball hoop for our driveway. What size should I be looking for?

Should I also be using a junior size ball?

Thanks!

Ellie

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Dec 04, 2010
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Tips For Basketball and Hoop Size
by: Joe Waters – Webmaster Hi Ellie,Thanks for the basketball question.

Here’s some information that might help you…

Your son should definitely be using a junior size basketball. This will enable him to control the basketball while he learns to dribble, pass and shoot.

If he were to use a bigger basketball, he wouldn’t be able to develop this control and wouldn’t be comfortable handling the ball. Basically, he would have to over-exert himself just to be able to handle a bigger ball…this takes away from developing the proper fundamentals needed to dribble, pass and shoot.

Here are my recommendations for the proper basket height…

Basket set at 8 feet – 6 to 9 years old.

Basket set at 9 feet – 10 to 12 years old.

Basket set at 10 feet – 13 and older.

Check out the youth basketball rules section of my site to learn more about basketball size, hoop height and basketball court dimensions.

Also, the section on basketball hoops provides some great tips for selecting and purchasing the right hoop.

Hope this information helps…best of luck!