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Need a little distraction at your desk? I picked up a tabletop basketball game with a catapult launcher, and it’s way more addictive than it should be.
It wasn’t expensive, and it looked interesting, with a little catapult and a ball that’s tethered so it can’t roll away. I bought it on Amazon expecting cheap plastic. I was surprised.
- Mostly metal, not cheap plastic
- Comes assembled
- Tethered ball never rolls away
- Painted score markers for playing against a friend
- Seriously addictive
- Hard to arc it in for nothing but net
- Mostly a novelty
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Built better than I expected
My first reaction: it all comes assembled, and it’s metal. Even the court lines and the little score markers look painted.
The ball is a little rubber ball, almost like a tiny basketball, tethered to the base. A metal post holds up the backboard, which is a legit thick plastic, and the hoop is a metal ring. I thought it would be cheap plastic, and I was kind of stunned.
Setting it up
The backboard just raises up on a pretty hefty hinge. There are four foam feet on the bottom. On the other end there’s a little kick-up that angles out a sheet-metal launcher, screwed in so it rotates. Put the ball in and flick it up.
How it plays
Free throws, air balls, off the backboard, off the rim. The tether means you never chase the ball, and if you use the little markers, you can compete with a friend.
Off the backboard is definitely the key. It’s a little hard to arc it in for nothing but net. Too hard, not hard enough… this game is kind of addictive.
Worth it?
If you’re looking for something to keep yourself entertained for a little while, or a fun gift for a basketball lover, this might be it.
FAQ
Is the desktop basketball game metal?
Mine is mostly metal, including the base, post and hoop, with a thick plastic backboard.
Does it need assembly?
No, mine came assembled.
Is the ball tethered?
Yes, so it never rolls away.
How do you shoot?
Put the ball on the sheet-metal launcher and flick it.
Is it hard?
Getting nothing but net is tough. Banking it off the backboard is easier.
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