Activity space at Byrd Elementary

Benefits of side baskets:
1) Developing good shooters requires repetition. When your team practices foul-shooting how many shots does each player attempt? Probably not enough to make a difference. With side baskets the kids could get 3x as many repetitions. On a 12-player team the players could pair up -- one shooter, one rebounder -- and have a basket all to themselves.
2) Gym availability should be an ongoing issue. With side baskets we can effectively double the number of gym slots when gym time is scarce. We can get two teams in the gym now, but playing halfcourt is significantly different from playing full. Running side-to-side, however, is very similar to a full court game -- you play offense at one end, defense at the other, and you have the transitions between the two. The only difference is the transition distance is compressed. For 3/4 kids, I think I would play side-to-side even when I had a full court to work with. Side-to-side you'd spend more time playing offense and defense and less time running the length of a long court. The older kids get up and down the big court in a pass or two but for little kids that's a lot of running. If I have a limited amount of practice time I'd rather spend more of it at the ends and less running between the ends. As far as conditioning is concerned, I've played side-to-side and it's not materially less aerobic; over the course of a scrimmage game you'll probably run as much, you'll just have more possessions because it doesn't take as long to get from end to end. On a really busy week we could get 4 teams in the gym at once -- a couple of sister or brother teams playing side to side at one end and two more playing at the other.
3) I think everyone recognizes that, to be good, you can't just play during basketball season. Last summer we ran a informal program, basically pick-up games, from July into October. On a number of occasions we had more than 20 kids, which meant keeping 10+ kids occupied while 10 were playing. With baskets on the sides we could run 20 kids at the same time. More playing time for everyone should result in faster progress and better attendance since the experience is better (you're not driving to the school and standing around waiting to play).

Safety:
There is a limited amount of out-of-bounds area on the sides of our court. Institutional-grade side baskets are made to accomodate any amount of court space. A manufacturer called First Team makes side baskets that mount 4-6 ft, 6-8 ft, or 8-10 ft from the wall. The side baskets at FAMS, which is similarly space-constrained on the far side of the gym, are mounted 4 ft from the wall (4 ft is the distance from the wall to the backboard). John Balletta and I have both played side-to-side at FAMS. There was never an issue with the wall. If the distance is safe for adult men it should be completely safe for an elementary/middle school.

Side basket at FAMS

Cost:
The total cost for four institutional-grade side baskets will be approximately $6,000, not including installation but if there are some contractor families in the school perhaps they would be willing to donate their time with coaches like myself able to provide some labor. Below is a quote from Tom Nicotera, a sales representative for First Team. He also sells wall padding, etc.

Thank you for the call today. Here are some package options. It sounds like you are clear on the amount of wall to board extension so I'll price you systems that give you 4-6' flexibility when you install. We didn't talk about board size but it sounds like you might be a little tight on space so I'll price 36x60 boards. Regulation 42x72 are available, they just add $155 to each system unit price. That's easy enough to recalculate if you in fact want regulation size boards.

Stationary
SuperMount46 Pro - 4-6' extension structure, 36x60 tempered glass board, HD breakaway rim - reg $1374 each, 4 units I can go $1329 each, $5316
Freight - $290
Check total - $5606
See - http://www.institutionalbasketballsystems.com/supermount46.php

Side Fold
FoldMount46 Pro - SIDE FOLD structure, 4-6' extension structure, 36x60 tempered glass board, HD breakaway rim - reg $1599 each, 4 units I can go $1549 each, $6196
Freight - $290
Check total - $6486
See - http://www.institutionalbasketballsystems.com/foldmount46.php

On the above, the only optional piece is the board padding. Comes in 5 colors - reg $149, with systems $129 each If you jump to regulation size boards, padding is same $ but comes in 12 colors.

Above system are fixed 10' high goal height. There is an optional component (height adjuster) that affords you 8-10' goal height. Ours is the best in the industry. 10 yr warranty assures you that the board stays nice and perpendicular as you raise and lower over the years. They aren't cheap though, reg $649 each, with systems $599 each.

No added freight if you add padding or adjusters. We'll just add to total.

Prices I quote are for check payments. The majority of my customers pay with organization check so I don't bury credit card fees in the price to keep the system price as low as possible. I'll take a Visa/MC but I add 4% to the total to cover fees.
First Team systems are the best you can find. They all come with super warranties and offer a variety of system options so we can find a system that fits your needs perfectly. Systems typically ship 3-4 days after payment arrangements are made, 3-5 days to you once on the truck. I'll provide you tracking info at that point.
I can also remit any invoices/work order needed for your accounting department. Just let me know what you need on that.
Check payment remits payable to: EFOOTBRIDGE 1851 Chalcedony Street San Diego, CA 92109

WALL/STAGE/COLUMN PADDING: If you need any wall, floor, stage or custom column padding, shoot me an idea of the quantity, type and dimensions you need. I am an in-house rep for a padding manufacturer and can get you competition level, 2" thick padding at great prices...all colors, all sizes. See - www.wallpaddingsolutions.com

TIP N'ROLL BLEACHER SYSTEMS: Lightweight, several sizes, powder coated under structure makes our TNR bleachers systems the best in the industry hands down. High quality casters and rubber foot pads ensure systems are easy to move and reposition for years and years. Optional colored planks, 2-3-4 row systems, several lengths. Systems for any budget! - See www.tipnrollbleachers.com

VOLLEYBALL SYSTEMS: I also have competition level volleyball systems, with and without ground sleeves. Packages include all you need and includes post padding with free lettering. See - www.volleyballcourtsystems.com

Thank you for considering me for your equipment needs. I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Give me a call if I can clarify anything for you at all. Happy to help you sort through the options. I'm sure I can be helpful there and am happy to lend insight.
Tom Nicotera
Efootbridge
tom@institutionalbasketballsystems.com
P: 877-272-5430
D: 858-272-5430
www.institutionalbasketballsystems.com

According to Tom, cinder block is the easiest material to install into. Also, "heavy duty flex goal" means that it is made to withstand dunking; if we have any big guys playing after hours they're not going to take our baskets out.