How the Pop-A-Shot Elite Arcade Game Compares to Our Home Models 

By Bryce Smith
Games
Jun 06, 2025

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By Bryce Smith
Games
Jun 06, 2025

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Whether you’ve played in a Pop-A-Shot qualifier tournament or spotted the Elite Arcade Game in your favorite bar or arcade, chances are you’ve noticed it looks and feels a bit different than our home games. We get a lot of questions about those differences, especially from players prepping for our qualifier competitions leading up to the 2025 Pop-A-Shot National Championship.
 

We’ll break down exactly how the Pop-A-Shot Elite compares to our home models in terms of rim height, ramp depth, and overall feel, so you can understand how your home setup stacks up to the real deal.

Elite Arcade Basketball Game

The Elite is our commercial-grade cabinet, built for public venues, competitive qualifiers, and high-volume shooting. It’s constructed from steel and finished with powder coat durability and professional-grade electronics.
 

Rim Height: 72 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches

Backboard Distance (depth): 92 inches
 

The Elite is all about consistency and arcade realism. While its rim height is slightly lower than some home models, the deeper ramp makes up for it with a faster return and more challenging pace. It’s the standard for competitive Pop-A-Shot play.

Elite Arcade Game

Pro Series Arcade Basketball Games

Pro Dual Shot

Rim Height: 74 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches (thicker 5/8" steel)

Backboard Distance: 90 inches
 

This model offers dual hoops spaced side by side. With a rim 2 inches higher than the Elite and nearly the same ramp depth, it’s ideal for players who want to train on equipment very close to tournament standards. The thicker rim adds durability and a bit more challenge through slightly different bounce-back characteristics.

Pro Dual Shot

Pro Single Shot

Rim Height: 74 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches (thicker 5/8" steel)

Backboard Distance: 90 inches
 

The single-hoop counterpart to Pro Dual Shot, this setup delivers the same rim height, rim thickness, and ramp depth in a smaller footprint. It’s perfect for solo players or tighter spaces but still gives you that tournament-style feel.

Pro Single Shot

Home Series Arcade Basketball Games

Home Dual Shot

Rim Height: Adjustable to 65, 71, or 77 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches

Backboard Distance: 87 inches
 

This game is built for flexibility. The adjustable rim height lets you accommodate younger players or ceiling constraints, while the 87-inch ramp depth still produces a fairly fast ball return. It’s an excellent choice for families who want a more “grown-up” experience without going full Pro Series.

Home Dual Shot

Home Single Shot

Rim Height: 65 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches

Backboard Distance: 81 inches
 

A compact, single-hoop game tailored to smaller spaces and younger shooters. The fixed 65-inch rim height is lower than Elite or Pro, but the reliable construction and 81-inch ramp depth still deliver enjoyable, consistent play. Perfect for entry-level or casual use.

Home Single Shot

Our Other Arcade Basketball Games

Indoor/Outdoor Dual Shot

This group includes the Indoor/Outdoor Dual Shot, Dual Shot Sport, and Pop Up Game—each designed with space-saving, portability, or outdoor versatility in mind.

Rim Height: 65 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches

Backboard Distance: 87 inches
 

Durable enough for patios and garages, yet smooth enough for indoor play. Great for year-round fun without sacrificing too much ramp depth.

Indoor/Outdoor

Dual Shot Sport

Rim Height: 65 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches

Backboard Distance: 80 inches
 

This game is lightweight, foldable, and perfect for apartments or families on a budget. It delivers two-hoop action in a compact frame.

Dual Shot Sport

Pop Up Game

Rim Height: 65 inches

Rim Size: 12 inches

Backboard Distance: 80 inches
 

The most portable Pop-A-Shot model, built for travel, parties, and temporary setups. It’s not made to mimic Elite conditions, but it's unbeatable for spontaneous fun.

These models are best for casual shooters, young kids, or anyone needing a game that fits just about anywhere.

Pop Up Game

And while I’m not one for hot takes, I’m going to put it out there and say it will be less than 25 years before the next Pop-A-Shot National Championship. Why? Because people nationwide keep asking for it!

 

I’ve lost track of the number of letters I’ve received on my computer (editor’s correction: emails) saying they could beat Champion Josh Caputo’s highest score of 153, and a few of them have already proved it! I see nine scores of 150+ on our Pop-A-Shot Leaderboard including one from our 2024 Championship runner-up Brett Morse-Karzen. 2nd place never sleeps! 

 

The watercooler chatter at Pop-A-Shot HQ is that 2025 may have more than a National Championship tournament. There’s potential for leagues and local tourneys at your neighborhood bar (order a Pabst for me), as well as 3-4 regional tournaments leading up to the Natty. 

Register today if you’d like to be the first to hear about these additional competitions.  And make sure to note if you’re interested in hosting one. We had 250 players show up to our qualifying tournament on a Wednesday, sooooo, that’s not a bad bar tab.

You Can't Go Wrong

The most important aspect of wanting to compete for the Pop-A-Shot National Championship is to practice. It doesn't matter if it's on a Pop-Up Game or a Pro Series Game. Sure, there will be some differences between the home games and the Pop-A-Shot Elite Arcade Game but if you become comfortable with the shooting mechanics, finding a rhythm, and overall comfort handling the size 3 basketballs, you will do just fine.

If you're training to compete in a Pop-A-Shot qualifier or want to replicate that Elite Arcade Game experience at home, the Pro Series (Pro Dual Shot or Pro Single Shot) is your best match. They come closest in dimensions, rim construction, and gameplay speed.
 

For casual use, family fun, or smaller spaces, the Home Series (Home Dual Shot or Home Single Shot) still delivers a great experience, just with more flexibility and a gentler learning curve. The Indoor Outdoor Dual Shot adds weather resistance, the Dual Shot Sport maximizes portability, and the Pop Up Game is unbeatable for quick setups.

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