This past summer Jacob participated in a sports camp that included soccer, basketball, and t-ball. He has played soccer previously, but this was the first time he played basketball and t-ball and I was curious to see how he liked the two new sports. He came home from summer camp each day excited about being able to play basketball and he couldn’t wait to go back each morning knowing that he would get to play basketball again.
We have a basketball hoop at our lake house, but at 8-10 feet high it’s way too tall for Jacob, and our other basketball hoop is a toddler size and is too small, so I’ve been on the search for the perfect basketball hoop for his 5th birthday.
After searching the basketball hoops on the Little Tikes website, I decided on the Shoot and Slam Basketball which can adjust from 4 to 6 feet.
Assembly is required, but it was fairly easy and only took about 10-15 minutes. Unlike most toys that come with paper directions, the directions for the basketball hoop were on the side of the box. The directions were simple so not having paper directions wasn’t an inconvenience. The part that took the longest was threading the netting through the holes to secure it.
I was surprised at how sturdy the basketball hoop was without putting any sand in the bottom although it is recommended to add sand for stability which we plan to do. One thing that drew me to this basketball hoop over the others is the colors scheme, dark navy blue and maroon. Although bright colors are nice I prefer the darker colors, they seem to blend in more with our house and don’t scream out “kid’s toys.” In addition to the Shoot and Slam, this color scheme is also available in a number of other Little Tikes products including the Endless Adventures Easy Store Table and the Endless Adventures Playcenter Playground.
The Shoot and Slam Basketball can be used both indoors or outdoors, we have decided on using it solely outdoors. There’s too many windows and things that can get knocked down in our house, so we have a rule of no balls in the house, but I do know families that have play areas in the basement with basketball hoops.
We got about a foot of snow this past week, but it doesn’t stop the boys from wanting to play outside, they’d play outdoors all day if I let them, riding bikes, playing ball, and running around. I set up the basketball hoop and surprised the boys on Jacob’s birthday, asking them to come outside with me to look at something. As soon as Jacob saw it he couldn’t wait to get his hands on the basketball and start shooting hoops, his very own basketball hoop that wasn’t too big or too small, it was just the right size.
Changing the height on the basketball hoop is simple and can be done in seconds just by sliding it up higher or lower and locking it in place on the side. It can go from 4 feet all the way to 6 feet as well as heights in between. I can easily lower it for Tyler, and higher it minutes later when Jacob wants to play.
The Shoot and Slam Basketball has been a big hit, and is a great size for 3 year old Tyler and 5 year old Jacob, and as they get older I can higher the hoop. I see the basketball hoop getting a lot of use this spring and summer as well as for years to come, as it can grow with them.
Recommended Age: 3 +
Buy It: You can purchase the Shoot and Slam Basketball at LittleTikes.com for $47.99 + shipping.
Stay connected with Little Tikes
Don’t forget to check out our Little Tikes Patio Barbeque Set Review & enter to win one too!
Little Tikes Giveaway:
Thanks to Little Tikes, one lucky reader will win a Shoot and Slam Basketball! To enter simply fill out the form below.Visit Giveaway Rules. This giveaway will end on April 1, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter. The winner will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. You must be 18 years or older. Open to U.S. residents. No P.O. Boxes.
Disclosure: The product, giveaway samples and information have been provided by the representing PR/Sponsor. All opinions are my own.
