Best Basketball Return System in 2023: Full Buyer’s Guide

Using the best basketball return system can be a total game-changer when you’re practicing by yourself. When you’re practicing your shots, it can be time-consuming and a real hassle to run after the ball every time you take a shot. As a true basketball player, it can impact your mood, ruin your focus, and can also be very exhausting.

If you’re shooting hoops with a family member or friend, then you can take turns retrieving the ball but when you’re practicing by yourself, doing so isn’t very practical and it can eat up your time and your fuel reserve. Basketball return systems are a great investment, and one that will save you a lot of time and energy.

Unfortunately, finding a good model online can be difficult considering the market is currently booming. This means that there are dozens of new models to choose from, which can make picking out the right model challenging and frustrating, especially if you’ve never used one of these systems before.

That’s where I come in. I tested out several of the leading return systems on the market, learned how they worked, how they stood up to heavy-duty use, and checked out the different features they have to offer. After reviewing several of the best-selling systems, I’ve narrowed it down to five systems that can deliver. I’ve also put together a buyer’s guide for beginners who aren’t sure what to look for in a return system, how they work, and exactly how they can impact practice sessions for the better.

Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes the five models that made it onto my must-have list, in addition to their best features, and how they rated.

Basketball Return System Comparison Chart

Product	Portable	Net	Type	Rating
SKLZ Kick-Out Ball Return System Shop On Amazon!	Yes	No	Chute
Spalding Back Atcha Ball Return 8354 Shop On Amazon!	Yes	No	Rebound Cap
Ballback Pro Ball Return System Shop On Amazon!	Yes	No	Rebound Cap
Hathaway Rebounder System Shop On Amazon!	Yes	Yes	Rebound Cap
Get Out! Basketball Return Net Shop On Amazon!	Yes	No	Chute

SKLZ Kick-Out Basketball Return Attachment

Our Rating: (5/5)

This model by SKLZ features the classic chute style return system design. Assembling this model is fast and easy, using the twist adjustment system, complete with integrated handles. This system features a three-hundred- and sixty-degree chute design that allows the ball to effortlessly and quickly return to you after a shot. The model’s kick out clip will allow you to directly attach the system to your hoop, making this model highly portable.

This system is compatible with any size of basket and is highly adjustable, allowing players to rotate the chute instantly, in order to feed the balls anywhere on a court.

Conclusion

This model is perfect for the player who’s serious about their home practice sessions and short on time. If you want to get the most out of every practice, then this system delivers. It’s easy to install and highly portable, so you can take it with you for a quick practice session at the gym, park, or a friend’s house. Durable and built to last, this model is made out of sturdy plastic and comes equipped with a nylon netting that’s designed to handle inclement weather, so the system can remain outside, without the fear of damage or corrosion. This system will allow you to practice independently, without having to chase down your balls after every shot. If you want a system that allows you to practice more efficiently, and get the most out of your time, then this is the model that can take your shooting to the next level.

Spalding Back Atcha Ball Return 8354

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you’re looking for a system that can keep your ball on the court, return your free throws, and one that’s compatible with most home rims, then you’ll love this latest model by Spalding. This system features a simple tool-less setup, which will be a big plus for any buyer. The design also makes this model highly portable, so you can use it anywhere. This system is specifically designed with solo practice sessions in mind and easily attaches to your rim. It works to effortlessly serve the ball right back to you after every shot, so you’ll no longer have to run after your ball. The system is designed with a return that’s at a ninety-degree arc. It’s compatible with Slam Jam rims, Arena Slam rims, and Pro Slam rims. This model is also covered by a manufacturer ‘s warranty for twelve months.

Conclusion

This model is built tough and is perfect for those solo practices in which you need to make the most out of your time. If you’re tired of running after the ball after each shot you take, you need a durable return system that’s designed to last, and one that’s covered by a product warranty, then this model by Spalding delivers.

Ballback Pro Basketball Ball Return System

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This Ballback Pro system works with most standard home rims and is designed to help a player make the most out of every practice as they perfect their three-pointers, free throws, and jump shots. With this model, you’ll no longer have to chase and retrieve your ball after every shot. Instead, the system is designed to automatically return your ball, anywhere on the court within a ninety-degree arc, without having to adjust it. If you’re looking for a more efficient way to practice solo, then you’ll appreciate how much time this system can save you.

Conclusion

This model is designed to provide players with more practice time while improving shooting skills. It’s designed with home rims in mind, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility. This system can be used for both team and solo practice sessions and is available at a price that won’t hit your wallet too hard. While it’s not the most durable model on the market, it scored well in a number of areas, including ease of use, accuracy, adjustability, and pricing.

Hathaway Rebounder Basketball Return System

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This rebounder style basketball return system is designed to roll the ball back to you after you make a shot. It can be used to perfect your shooting technique or your ability to rebound. The big drawback here is that the return shots can be unpredictable since the style of the system focuses on rebounding more so than a precise ball return. However, rebounding skills can be as equally as important.

The system itself features a net that’s made out of heavy-duty polyester, which is designed to withstand the elements. This means you can keep the net attached year-round without the fear it will corrode if left outside.

This system also features anchor weights, which are refillable. The included anchor weights consist of PVC water bags that are designed to hold up to one and a half gallons of water. When full, the weights add to the stability of the system.

Assembling this system is also a breeze, with no screws or tools required. All you have to do is attach the system to your hoop via a webbing harness. While installing the system is easy, taking it with you can be a hassle due to the large size of the net, which takes away from the system’s overall portability.

Conclusion

This system focuses on both return shooting and rebounding, but since the shots can be erratic in terms of where they come out of the net, this is a better system for the shooter who is looking to perfect their rebounding skills, as opposed to the player who wants a system that can allow them to get in more shots per practice session.

Get Out! Basketball Return Net

Our Rating: (4/5)

If you normally practice alone and you’re tired of chasing the ball, then this basketball hoop return system will have you spending more time focused on perfecting your shots, than ball retrieval. It will allow you to fine-tune your three-pointers, free throws, jump shots, and more. You can easily install this versatile system on any home hoop, in a matter of minutes. It’s a great buy if you’re looking for a model that’s also highly portable, and a system you can use at home or on your local court. This system is made out of heavy-duty thick black plastic and comes equipped with reinforced nylon straps for ultimate durability.

Conclusion

Reasonably priced, easy to install, and durable, this is a great system for home use, but the portable design and tool-less fast installation will also allow you to use this system at a friend’s house, take it with you on vacation, or use it at your local court. If you’re looking for a way to make the most out of short practice sessions at home, then this system will allow you to take more shots, thanks to the return design that will send the ball straight to you after every shot.

Basketball Return System Buyer’s Guide

If you want to become a better shooter and a well-rounded player, but you don’t have much time to practice at home, then this is one tool you can use to make your home practices more efficient. You may normally feel wiped out at home after a short practice. But your energy wasn’t drained because you were making so many shots. Instead, you’re exhausted because you had to run after your ball after you made a shot. So, not only can chasing after a ball be physically draining, but it can also suck up a lot of your time, making it so you spend more time running than working on your shooting. Another issue players have is that they don’t always have a friend or family member around to retrieve the ball, which would also help to prevent the player from running after their balls. That’s where these systems come in.

While running after a basketball can be great for conditioning, it tends to suck up valuable practice time. When you’re practicing alone at home, then one of these return systems may be just what you need to practice more efficiently on your own.

In order to help you choose the right system, I’ll take a look at the different features these models have to offer including durability, design options, materials, and more. Whether you want a system to work on your shots in order to improve your performance on the court, or you’re a coach who is looking for a system that can help your players to improve layups and jump shots, a basketball return system will be one of the best tools to use during practice and one that will help you achieve your goals. As I mentioned above, there are many features you’ll need to consider before you buy.

When you’re shopping for a basketball return system you should look for the following features:

• Type
• Material
• Set up
• Performance
• Durability

Before I dive into the features and style options, let’s go over the many benefits these systems have to offer and what they can do for your shooting style and performance.

Benefits of a Basketball Return System

• A return system allows a player to work on their shooting, alone, without the help of another teammate, and without having to run after the ball each time they take a shot. If you spend a lot of time practicing, then one of these systems can make better use of a player’s time and energy.
• If you take your practice time seriously, then you need one of these systems to get more out of every practice. Since the ball comes back to you after each shot, you’ll be able to take more shots, as opposed to chasing down the ball.
• Saving time and energy will be crucial for the serious player. These systems will give you more time to work on your mechanics, instead of spending the majority of your practice grabbing for your own rebounds.
• These systems aren’t just for practicing at home. They can also be used by coaches who want to speed up practice, providing shooters with the opportunity to take more shots in a limited amount of time.
• Using one of these systems is not going to make you a better player overnight, you’ll still need to put in a lot of work. However, they can be a great way to ensure you spend more time working on your shooting instead of wrangling balls.
• These systems are perfect for the basketball player who prefers to practice alone and players who are short on time
• Return systems are reasonably priced, so they’re perfect for the player on a tight budget
• There are different styles of return systems available that a player can choose from, based on their shooting skills and goals

Types of Basketball Return Systems

There are a few different types of basketball return system you can choose from. Each type offers its own pros and cons. The type of system you choose should be based on your playing and shooting goals, in addition to your budget.

The three main types of return systems include:

Catch Net

Using an attachable or non-attached net, this type of system is designed to funnel the ball back to you once you take a shot. It’s one of the most popular design options because it covers a larger angle and setup is a breeze.

Rebound Cap

This style is not the perfect choice for jump shots or basketball passing drills. Instead, it’s best suited for players who want to perfect their rebound skills. This type of system comes equipped with a rebound cap that fits directly over the top of the rim of the basketball which makes any ball that falls down it bounce back in a variety of directions. Again, this is a great system for anyone looking to improve their rebounding skills, but it shouldn’t be used to practice bounce passes or jump shots.

Return Chute

This style comes in a non-mechanical or mechanical form that’s attached at the bottom of a net and it delivers balls straight back to the player. This system comes in handy when you’re playing alone, however, you’ll still need to run after the ball if you miss a shot.

Other Important Features

Aside from choosing the type of return system you want to use for practice, you’ll also need to consider other features, such as the type of material it’s made out of, how easy it is to set up, and how it performs. Below, you’ll find a list of the other important features to look for before you buy.

Materials

If you’re searching for system for your home court, then you’ll want to make sure that it’s made out of element proof netting or polyethylene, both of which are designed to handle inclement weather. Keep in mind, that you’ll be more likely to use a return system even in humid and rainy conditions. If you decide to go with a return shoot style system, then you should consider a model that’s made out of solid metal or a durable plastic in order to guarantee longevity and firmness.

If the system you choose must be attached to a rim or backboard, then you also need to find a model that comes equipped with durable hardware and a tight fit in order to prevent it from falling off during rough play.

Set Up

No one is online looking for a system that’s difficult to put together or use. Some systems come with a variety of tools and a lengthy installation process. Fortunately, many of the leading systems are designed with ease of use in mind.

In most cases, you’ll only have to affix the return system to a hoop, and you’ll be ready to start playing. If you play basketball regularly then unpacking and packing up all your gear during your training session is unavoidable. However, if the system you purchase is difficult to disassemble and reassemble then it may not be worth the purchase. Look for a system that’s simple, features a fast and simple set up, and if you plan on taking the system with you to practice, make sure it’s highly portable.

Performance

Many low-quality return systems will not perform the way they’re intended to. As an example, if you purchase a low-quality return system that doesn’t drop the ball directly at the foot of the hoop, then you’re basically dealing with the same type of issues that occur in the absence of a return system, so why spend the money? Other systems will spin around, returning the ball at a variety of crazy angles, which means you’ll spend most of your time chasing after the ball. The whole reason you’re using a ball return system is to prevent these issues and save yourself some time and energy. Make sure that you read basketball system return reviews before you buy in order to learn how a system performs and whether it really has what it takes to improve your performance on the court.

Durability

Durability tends to be a major issue with net systems. These systems tend to experience plenty of wear and tear, especially if you’re a dedicated player and you spend at least 20 minutes a day shooting around. This means that the net is going to be returning the ball to you hundreds of times. Because of this, you need to purchase a system that’s durable and designed for daily use. The repeated contact from a ball will wear the net away gradually, or it can have an impact on the durability of the support poles that hold it up.

Warranty

Some systems will come with a warranty that will cover manufacturing defects and damage. In most cases, systems that do come with a warranty will be covered for a period of six to twelve months. The length of a warranty varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Higher priced models will come with a better warranty and one that protects the system from general wear and tear, which is exactly what you want if you use your system several times a week.

Price

Many of these systems are reasonably priced, with a cost that ranges from thirty dollars up to one hundred. Higher priced models will be made from durable material and are designed to withstand heavy-duty use. Lower priced models are a better choice for the player or family on a budget and can also be a good choice for younger players. Additionally, many of the systems on my list are reasonably priced, durable, and designed to last.

Summing it Up

The biggest advantage one of these systems offers to players is the fact that it allows you to get more shots off during practice, instead of wasting your time chasing after the ball and setting up for another shot. Using a hoop return system, you can get off four times as many shots within the same amount of time, which means if you practice for a period of 20 to 30 minutes you’ll get as many shots off as you would in an hour of practice without a system. Obviously, this will be a good thing for your shot performance and your skill as a shooter. Essentially, a system can reduce the amount of time you need to practice since you’re getting more shots off in a shorter amount of time. This will give you more time to work on other aspects of the game such as dribbling drills or practicing basketball passing fundamentals.

Final Thoughts

Since you can’t always have another person around to retrieve your balls, the best basketball return system will be invaluable to the player who practices at home.

The best basketball return system can have a big impact on how you play the game. With the right model, you can cut your practice time in half since you’re getting in more shots in a fraction of the time. These systems will allow you to develop a better shot and can help you to shoot more efficiently. While there are many models on the market, finding the right one for you can take plenty of research. This guide is designed to help you find the perfect system for you based on your budget, skill level, and shooting goals. Here, you’ll find the top choices on the market, each of which has something special to offer and provides the type of results every player is looking for.